Hindi-Urdu Language Program Home
Wafadar Husain, Coordinator
The SAIS Hindi-Urdu Program offers a unique learning experience for graduate students in the fields of international relations. Through classroom activities, students are given the opportunity to develop their Hindi-Urdu skills, and also to incorporate and transfer knowledge from their other academic courses and professional interests. Typical classroom activities include simulations, class debates, production and assessment of development projects, and political discussions. In all the activities, a careful balance is maintained in the development of communication and grammatical accuracy. Opportunities for the development of all language skills (Speaking, Reading, Writing, and Listening) are carefully planned.
Our basic program consists of four courses, depending on the result of placement exam taken by a student. We welcome both students who need to take classes to prepare for the SAIS Language Proficiency Exam (proficiency-track students), and students who are taking Hindi-Urdu just to benefit from this educational service (non-proficiency-track students). In addition to the basic program, we also offer courses for students who already passed the Hindi language requirement exam (Hindi Proficiency Exam), or for non-proficiency track students who are placed at a higher level than the basic language program.
Placement Exams
Placement exam and interview determine which language class is appropriate for your background and ability. Placement tests cannot be used to waive language requirements. No credits are given for taking these exams. After you have determined which type of exam you need, find your language below and follow the instructions. Please remember that placement and proficiency exams are available only to current SAIS Johns Hopkins University students.
Proficiency Exams
Hindi Language Proficiency Exam measures your ability in Hindi language (after four semesters of Hindi instruction or equivalent), and is used to satisfy language requirements for the award of MA degree program in South Asian Studies. Proficiency Exams is not used to determine what level language course you should be taking. No credits are given for taking these exams. Proficiency exams test what students are expected to know after FOUR semesters of SAIS Johns Hopkins University's Hindi language instruction. The department does not offer proficiency exams to those outside the SAIS neither does it offer testing in languages not in our curriculum.
Hindi is used to meet the M.A. language graduation requirements for the South Asian Studies.To satisfy the SAIS language requirement in Hindi, students are expected to achieve Intermediate High proficiency in speaking, reading, and listening. Those who have already met their language requirements in other languages are welcome to take Hindi. Since fall 2006, Urdu is being offered on a pilot basis to extend students communicative repertoires and introduce them to South Asia's rich linguistic and cultural heritage.
| Listening | Speaking | Reading |
| Intermediate High | Intermediate High | Intermediate High |
Ph.D. students only need to pass the reading proficiency exam (any official language spoken in South Asia) to meet their second foreign language graduation requirement. For details, please contact the coordinator of the program.