English, Their Way

Course Title: Namaste to English: Mastering Indian (Hindi) Accented English

Objective: This course teaches the nuances of Indian (Hindi) accented English, including pronunciation, rhythm, intonation, and the accompanying head movements. By mastering these elements, learners can communicate more effectively and authentically with Indian English speakers.

• Lesson 1.1: Key Phonetic Features
  
  • Indian English often emphasizes syllables differently than standard English.
  • Phonetic Patterns:
    • "W" and "V" Confusion: Words like very may sound like wery.
    • "Th" Replaced with "T" or "D": Words like this may sound like dis.
    • R Sound Rolling or Tapping: Words like red may sound like rredd (with a tapped R).
    • Adding Extra Vowels: Consonant clusters are often separated with vowels.
      • Example: School → Es-kool
• Sample Practice Words:
  
  • Water → Vaatar
  • Think → Tink
  • World → Varld

• Lesson 2.1: Sentence Practice
  
  • Practice common phrases:
    • “How are you?” → How aarrr you?
    • “This is my friend.” → Dis ees my phrrand.
    • “Please give me some water.” → Pleez geev me some vaatar.
• Lesson 2.2: Intonation and Rhythm
  
  • Indian English has a unique sing-song quality, with rising and falling intonations in unexpected places.
  • Practice:
    • “You are going to the market?” → You arr going to ze market? (with rising tone at the end).

Understanding Head Movements:
In Indian communication, head movements are an integral part of expression and can convey meaning beyond words.

  The Head Nod (Vertical Movement):

• Meaning: Agreement or approval.
• Example: When someone says, “Would you like tea?” the response is a nod and “Yes, yes!”

  The Head Shake (Horizontal Movement):

• Meaning: Not always a “no.” It often means “maybe” or “I understand what you’re saying.”
• Example: During a conversation: “You will arrive tomorrow?” The head shake might mean “Yes, I’ll try.”

  The Head Bobble (Circular or Side-to-Side Movement):

• Meaning: Highly contextual. It can mean “Yes,” “Okay,” “I agree,” or even “I am listening.”
• Example: When listening to someone speak: “This idea is interesting,” paired with a head bobble indicates attentiveness and agreement.

  Practice Exercise:

• Combine phrases with head movements:
  • “Yes, yes, I will do it.” (with a vertical head nod).
  • “Ah, okay, I understand now.” (with a head bobble).

• Lesson 4.1: Common Greetings
  • “Namaste” → Na-mas-tay (with palms together).
  • “How are you?” → How aarrr you?
• Lesson 4.2: Polite Expressions
  • Indian English often uses formal or indirect language to maintain politeness.
    • Example: Instead of “Do this,” say, “Can you please be doing this?”

1. Phonetic Practice: Record yourself saying:
   • “Dis ees a beautiful day.”
   • “I am going to ze eshtation.”

1. Head Movement Exercise: Use head movements to complement the phrases.

• Record a conversation with a partner where you use Indian-accented English and appropriate head movements.
• Demonstrate your understanding of rhythm, pronunciation, and cultural cues.

Accent College: English, their way.
By the end of this course, you’ll have a deep understanding of Indian-accented English and the ability to communicate with empathy and cultural awareness.