How to Learn Hindi Pronunciation
Though estimates range widely, roughly about 150 to 350 million people throughout the world speak Hindi as a first language. Learning Hindi pronunciation will take time and a lot of practice. Listen to native speakers as often as possible, and emulate their speech very closely. Practice Hindi regularly, seeking correction from native speakers. Record yourself routinely to monitor improvements in your pronunciation over time.
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Instructions
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Use a written pronunciation guide such as the one at www.guardian.co.uk. Use online written pronunciation guides. These will help you learn the initial sounds of the Hindi alphabet. The guide in the U.K.’s “Guardian” newspaper travel section states that there are two important differences to listen for first: “retroflex" consonants (pronounced with the tongue touching the roof of the mouth, giving a hard sound like 'doctor'), and "dental" consonants (pronounced with the tongue touching the upper teeth, giving a soft sound as in 'Italia'). Listen for the differences between aspirated and unaspirated words next. An example of an aspirated sound is 'kh,' and an unaspirated sound is 'k,' which does not have as much air passing through your mouth.
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Nasalized vowels are produced by blowing air through your nose as you speak. Learn the difference between how to produce a nasalized vowel and an un-nasalized vowel. A nasalized vowel sounds like you have some air coming out of your nose when you produce the sound. Look at examples of nasalized vowels at www.guardian.co.uk.
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Some language learning podcasts are free. Listen to Hindi audio clips online. Play podcasts from sites such as Namaste Dosti: The Learn Hindi Podcast. Podcasts from this site are free. Also check out Hindi language videos on You Tube by searching for “learn Hindi.” You can also watch native speaker video clips by searching for “Hindi.” This will give you more practice in hearing pronunciation of letters and words in context.
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Chat with a native Hindi speaker online to practice your pronunciation. Join an online language exchange such as Italki or My Language Exchange. You will meet online regularly with a native Hindi speaker who wants to learn English from you. Language exchanges use text and voice chat technology to facilitate the online meetings. Ask your conversation partner to correct your pronunciation. Meet regularly with your partner to improve your pronunciation.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit india image by giantorre from Fotolia.com nde - calligraphie 03 image by Nimbus from Fotolia.com Human nose macro shot image by Gleb Semenjuk from Fotolia.com headphones image by Sergey Lukianov from Fotolia.com online image by Leticia Wilson from Fotolia.com
