What we’re about
We are a small group who meet to speak Hindustani in a safe, non-judgemental and friendly environment. All our event are conducted in a trilingual format, allowing participants to speak in Hindi, Urdu and English - whatever you are comfortable speaking in.
Our events are open to individuals at all levels, from beginners to advanced speakers. Don't worry if you're not fluent in Hindi or Urdu, our events are also an excellent opportunity to learn from native speakers and improve your language skills. And if you're hesitant talking, you don't have to; that's fine too. So come join us for chat and cultural exchange!
We do not run classes. We chat.
This is not a singles or dating group.
It's not political.
It's not religious.
And the reason is that such topics can create divisions and detract from enjoying the thing we do share, namely the love of Hindi and Urdu. Other than the above, the topics are for you to choose.
Last year we discussed:
- ‘Village Food Secrets’, a YouTube channel created by Mubashir Saddique
- the film ‘Amal’ which centres on a Delhi rickshaw (tuk tuk) driver and the twists and turns his life takes
- the film ‘Liar’s Dice’ which is about a woman’s search for her missing husband
- the short film 'Manoranjan' about a spooky plan a lady creates to deal with an unwanted guest
- idioms based on numbers, such as Naw-Tho-Gyarah (9-2-11), and Char-Saw-Beece (420)
- a ghazal by Ghalib: 'Koi Umeed Bar Nahin Aati, Koi Surat Nazar Nahin Aati'
- the songs 'Mehram’, ‘Go’, ‘Thagyan’, and 'Pasoori' from Coke Studio,
- our favourite books,
- a short story written by one of our members,
- the peculiarities and inconsistencies of Hindustani, and
- much more!
Our members maintain a helpful and polite atmosphere where everyone is comfortable speaking and learning without embarrassment. Our forum is not a class; there is no teacher, no homework. We meet to talk. Simple.
To attend our meetings please first join the group. Don't miss an event! For announcements check our home page, or the Meetup app, or lookout for emails.
Our events are online and we chat as one group, without separate breakout rooms. You can keep your camera off if that makes you comfortable; we won’t mind.
We use Google Meet. And we use its Chat feature to share links and words. We recommend you join via a laptop as it's easier for you to see and contribute to the chat.
This group costs about $430 a year to run, in fees to Meetup. We therefore charge an annual fee of $15. By paying this fee you help toward meeting the annual costs, making the group sustainable and securing its future. Your membership entitles you to attend as many of our events as you like for a period of 12 months from the date we receive your payment.
On the day of the online event, you'll be able to see the link to join the event. If two hours before the event start time you can't see it, contact the organiser (email below).
And at the Meetup, bring your enthusiasm and join in the chat!
Looking forward to meeting you online soon!
Ashok
Organiser, Hindi-Urdu Meetup
ash dot elists at gmail dot com