The Bottom Line
Pros
- Very comprehensive.
- There are plenty of practical exercises and answers.
- The glossary contains references to the chapters where each word can be found.
- The book has an entertaining storyline.
Cons
- The pace of the book moves very quickly.
- After the first few chapters, all of the lessons are in Hindi script.
- The English to Hindi glossary gives the translation only in Hindi script.
- The book could be better organised.
- No instructions are given as to how to write the Hindi letters.
Description
- A complete course in reading, writing, and speaking Hindi.
- Comes with audio CDs.
- Each chapter begins with dialogue followed by grammar and exercises.
- Emphasis is on building vocabulary rather than just translating grammar.
- 368 pages.
Guide Review - Review of Teach Yourself Hindi by Rupert Snell
This book is one of the most comprehensive Hindi resources available and is popularly used as a college textbook. Those who have the patience and persistence to work their way consistently though it will finish with a good grasp of the Hindi language. However, the book requires effort.
Right from the start the reader is thrown into the Hindi language. The book doesn't waste much time on standard, simple phrases. Instead its chapters contain an often amusing dialogue about the trials and tribulations of the Khanna family.
The book has excellent explanations of grammar. However, the vocabulary is introduced quite randomly and lacks structure. For example, some days of the week will be mentioned, but not others. In addition, complicated and rarely used words are found at the start of the book. These matters are only small irritations, however.
The most frustrating thing about this book is that it focuses so much on the Hindi script. After the first few chapters, all the dialogue and lessons are in Hindi script, which is of little use to someone who wants to concentrate on learning to speak Hindi first.
This book is for hardcore Hindi fans only and most people are likely to require a supplementary resource to go with it. It contains little to help a new traveler visiting India for the first time.
