In part I of the series 'Blending with Bangalore,' Citizen Matters had explained the trend among non-Kannadigas to learn Kannada. Here is part II of the series, that throws some insights on how to learn Kannada in Bangalore.
Kannada class being conducted by Kannada Learning School Pic courtesy: kannadalearningschool.com
Journey from 'Kannada Barolla' to 'swalpa barutte', and then to 'Kannada Barotte' can be a pleasant and exciting ride if you choose the right path. Kannada is a very simple yet rich language. If you have real interest in the language, it is possible to speak reasonable Kannada within one month, with a very little effort.
The first step is to get familiarised with the structure of the language. To achieve this, hear more and more Kannada on Radio, TV and also try to catch the live conversations.
Step-by-step guide to learn conversation Kannada
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Learn a few salutations, greetings and expressions : Namaskara, Hegiddeera, Chennagideera etc.
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It is always better to use the plural form to address a singular person when we speak politely.
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Learn words for queries – Who, Why, When, Where, Which, How, etc. (Yaaru, Yaake, Yaavaga, Elli, Enu, Hege etc)
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List the important verbs required in everyday conversation.
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Learn the pronouns. (he, she, it / avanu, avaLu, adu)
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Gender, time, numbers, cardinals, colors, names of vegetables, fruits, pulses, etc
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Tenses – Use the verbs in present, past and future tenses·
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Learn Conjunctions which eventually help to make complex sentences.(and, but, or / mattu, aadare, athava etc.)
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Make simple sentences indicating – Request, Advise, Order, Interrogation, Negation, Assertive, etc
There is nothing better than trying to speak in a language that helps you learn the language better. If you follow the above-mentioned steps, it is fairly possible to speak at least broken Kannada and make meaningful conversations in a month's time.
There are many avenues to learn Kannada such as Spoken Kannada classes, online classes, websites and books. But face to face learning in a group with the help of a tutor is the best way. A number of organisations are teaching spoken Kannada as well as written Kannada to non-Kannadigas in Bangalore.
Below are few prominent organisations which are involved in Kannada teaching.
Easy learning: A few tips
1. Watching Kannada movies (preferably with subtitles), can be of great help. This is an important and entertaining way to improve your language skills.
2. Do not hesitate. Speak the language at every possible opportunity.
3. Never mind if you are using less Kannada and more English words. Kanglish is anyway popular in Bangalore. However constantly try to improve your Kannada vocabulary.
4. Watch Kannada news. This is not only helpful in learning the language, but will help you to know your city better.
5. If you are a user of public transport, carefully listen to co-passengers' conversations.
6. Enjoy the local tang of the language by listening to Kannada FM stations.
7. Do not completely rely on 'Learn Kannada in 30 days' type of books. Many Bangaloreans will fail to comprehend your textbook language and you are sure to face some embarrassment, if you go strictly by books.
Bangalore Tamil Sangam
The Tamil Sangam in Bangalore started much before the formation of Karnataka state, is a pioneer in teaching Kannada. It is offering Kannada classes for the past four decades and has so far conducted Kannada classes for more than 60,000 candidates.
Kannada Prasara Parishath
Since 1990, Kannada Prasara Parishath is conducting Kannada classes near Hosmat Hospital. They also conduct higher Kannada classes which includes reading and writing.
Kannada Learning School
Though recently launched, Kannada learning school in Koramangala is gaining quick popularity. They conduct conversational Kannada Classes and are also using social networking sites effectively to teach Kannada.
If you cannot attend classes regularly, you can choose online coaching or correspondence course. Central Institute for Indian Languages conducts a Distance Education Course in Kannada. Also, the internet is full of online resources to learn Kannada. There are many sites and blogs with simple spoken Kannada lessons. Youtube and some websites have good Kannada conversation video lessons.
Apart from these, the conventional method of learning through books can be partially useful. A book written by veteran linguist UP Upadhyaya and N D Krishnamurthy, way back in 1972, titled 'Conversational Kannada, A microwave approach' is still considered as the best book to learn Kannada. Now this book can be purchased online along with CD.
For all those non-kannadigas in Bangalore who are willing to go that extra mile to learn the local lingo, here is a list of helpful websites and phone numbers.
Isn't that a lot of resources, if you really want to learn the language and blend with city? What do you think? Kannada innadru kaleethiraa?
This article includes inputs from Sunita Rajendra.
Source: https://bengaluru.citizenmatters.in/how-to-learn-kannada-bangalore-kannada-classes-online-5523
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