A Hindi tutor provides instruction in oral and written communication in standard Hindi. Instruction can occur in person or over the Internet, one-on-one or in a small group. The tutor must determine every student’s starting level and goals, tailoring the lessons to each student’s specific needs.
Hindi, one of official languages of India, has approximately 500 million native speakers. It is written in the Devanagari script, as opposed to Latin script or Chinese characters. Some Hindi tutors also offer lessons in Hindustani, a very similar language written with a Persian script and spoken primarily in Pakistan.
Generally, a Hindi tutor practices private tutoring, while others teach small groups with less than 10 students. One-on-one teaching can often better address the specific needs of every student, unlike group instruction, computer programs or video lessons. Tutoring can be offered in person at learning centers, libraries, classrooms, or in private homes.
Other tutors work online through various Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) software programs. These lessons can be completed with voice only or with video. Online lessons allow students from all around the globe to find a Hindi tutor and learn on a flexible schedule.
Before the first lesson begins, a Hindi tutor must determine how much the student already knows and what his or her goals are. Some students begin private tutoring with no knowledge of the language, while others have already learned the basics through books, computer programs, or other sources. While a quick review is helpful for those that have already learned some, the tutor must quickly go forward to new material.
Similarly, one student may simply wish to learn basic vocabulary for everyday conversation as a tourist, but a second student may require highly specialized instruction for an extended business interaction. Another determining factor is whether the student wishes to learn to read and write the Devanagari script or just to speak it. The Hindi tutor must teach each student differently to help them all achieve his or her individual goals.
After these goals are determined, the Hindi tutor provides lessons, exercises, and plenty of oral practice. The tutor works to correct mistakes and provide positive feedback. It is particularly important for the instructor to talk with the student in Hindi often, modeling proper pronunciation, phrasing, and grammar.
The amount and frequency of lessons varies from student to student. Many teachers recommend meeting three days a week for an hour each, but some will agree to tutor daily, weekly, or biweekly, depending on a student's schedule and individual needs. A Hindi tutor may be willing to fit meetings in as necessary to accommodate hectic schedules.