Hindi

Rationale and Aims

Rationale

Communication is a human imperative. Communication in Hindi involves interaction to convey meaning, as well as imagination, creativity and a broad understanding of ourselves and others. Language learning provides the opportunity for students to engage with the linguistic and cultural diversity of the world and its peoples, and to reflect on their experience in various aspects of social life, including their own participation and ways of being in the world.

Learning Hindi broadens students’ horizons in relation to the personal, social, cultural and employment opportunities that an increasingly interconnected and interdependent world can offer. The interdependence of countries and communities means people in all spheres of life are required to negotiate experiences and meanings across languages and cultures. A capability solely in English, despite its status as a world language, can limit global opportunities. A bilingual or plurilingual capability is the norm in many parts of the world.

Learning Hindi develops learners’:

• communication skills
• literacy skills in their first and additional languages
• intercultural capabilities
• understanding of, and respect for, diversity and difference, and openness to different experiences and perspectives
• understanding and appreciation of how culture shapes worldviews, and extends their understanding of themselves, and their own heritage, values, culture and identity
• critical and creative thinking.

Hindi, an official language of India and Fiji, is the most widely spoken language in the Indian subcontinent. Hindi is one of the 22 officially recognised languages in India and is widely spoken by the Indian diaspora across the world.

Modern Standard Hindi has been taught in some Australian schools and universities since the 1980s as well as in community-run organisations prior to this time. Hindi speakers have made a significant contribution in shaping multicultural Australia. The influence of Hindi-speaking communities is evident in areas such as agriculture, commerce, cuisine, education, film, music and technology. There is increasing interest in the Hindi-language film industry, known as Bollywood.

Learning Hindi provides opportunities for students to engage socially, culturally and economically in many domains, such as business, trade, technology, science, law, education, tourism, diplomacy, international relations, health and communications. Current links between Australia and the Hindi-speaking world are strong, characterised by bilateral relationships in trade and investment, education, research and development in science and technology, humanitarian and environmental initiatives, communications, and strategic and defence priorities.

Aims

The 4 interrelated aims of the Hindi curriculum are to develop knowledge, understanding and skills to ensure students:

• communicate in Hindi
• understand the relationship between language and culture
• develop intercultural capabilities
• understand themselves as communicators.