Hindi 1 (Beginners) Part 1

Who is this course for?

This course is open to those with no previous experience of Hindi. No prior knowledge is required.

Course overview

This course is designed to provide a solid foundation in both the Hindi language and aspects of the culture of Hindi-speaking countries. It focuses on helping you manage a range of everyday, predictable communicative situations at a very basic level, with an emphasis on spoken interaction.

You will be introduced to the Hindi script, key vocabulary, and the basic grammatical structures of the language. Cultural insights will be woven gently into the course to help you become familiar with the context and forms of expression typical of Hindi.

By the end of the course, you should be able to greet others and respond appropriately, express thanks and apologies, convey simple emotions, and use short, everyday phrases with increasing confidence. You will learn to give and follow basic instructions, address people respectfully, and introduce yourself with key personal information such as your name, nationality and occupation. The course will also enable you to describe locations, refer to household objects, talk about family, work, health and weather, ask simple questions using interrogatives, and recognise and write Hindi letters.

All sessions are taught in a practical, enjoyable and engaging way. Whether you have family connections to India, are planning a visit, are drawn to Indian culture, or have professional contact with the Hindi-speaking world, this course offers an ideal introduction to the language.

Special equipment needed

As this course is taught live online, you need to be able to access the course sessions on a suitably equipped device (stable internet connection, microphone, camera, appropriate screen size to view slides). The sessions are taught on Zoom.

Term dates

•  Spring Term: week beginning 19 January 2026 until week ending 27 March 2026

Any questions?

If not a complete beginner in the language please seek level advice. For this and any questions pre-enrolment about the content of this course please contact the tutor, Sabrina Aggarwal Osborne at s.osborne@imperial.ac.uk

For general programme and enrolment questions please contact the Imperial after:hours Administrator, Christian Jacobi at c.jacobi@imperial.ac.uk

Class recordings

These classes are not recorded.

Imperial certificates

There are no examinations or assessments for this course. However, attendance can lead to the award of an Imperial attendance certificate (T&Cs apply).