Jyoti Sharma, ICCR Hindī Chair, Department of Indology and Far Eastern Studies, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zagreb, Croatia
Role of information and broadcasting technology in teaching Hindi at foreign universities
During the course of my teaching session in foreign countries, I felt that use of information and technology mediums makes the learning of language not just easy but also interesting. Actually both teaching and learning of language are difficult tasks. Learning a new language is like entering into a new world of sorts. According to Italian film director Federico Fellini — ˝A different language is a different vision of life ˝.
Moving ahead on this path, both teacher and student require a lot of patience, interest , self-confidence and continues efforts . Use of information and technology make this journey convenient. Blogs, YouTube, E-Mail, WhatsApp, Facebook, twitter and such other several media platforms are making language learning easier every day.
For instance, while teaching literature, history or language Hindi one can take help of images , songs and videos to explain things in a way. One can show the image of ‘Kutaj’ while talking about Hazari prasad Diwedi’s famous essay – Kutaj or play the game of Guli – danda on YouTube to explain the story of the same title by Premchand . In case of Fanishwarnath Renu scenes from rural Indian life can be used as good supplementary material.
India’s booming film industry, Bollywood , too has made transmission of Hindi language and global . Moreover, websites like – Shitykunj, hindinest, sindisamay, kavitakosh etc. are also helping the reach of Hindi language and it’s litreature in global area .
Indeed , with digital revolution various online teaching-learning platforms have come about , which one making for learner across the globe. Some of these includes-E-pg paathshal, Illl.du.ac.in, startalk , sai.columbia.edu etc.
A new interest towards Hindi language , literature, culture and society ,can also be seen developing with the widespread telecasting of T.V serials, E- kaavisammelan, E- talks and so on.
Although serious question have been raised from time to time about the accuracy of language and quality of literature available in those platforms . However, there can be overcome with responsible attention and effort . And thus information and technology can serve even more vital role in the spread of Hindi language , it’s literature and culture etc. In coming future .