Do you speak a language that is similar to Hindi?
Similarity can apply to vocabulary, grammar, or pronunciation. Hindi is very similar to Sanskrit, Nepali in terms of vocabulary and grammar but somewhat different in terms of sounds. Nepali is also similar to Hindi in terms of pronunciation but quite different in terms of vocabulary and grammar. Sanskrit, Nepali -speaking people, will learn to understand quickly but may speak with a heavy accent. They would take a much longer time to learn Hindi, even though they can acquire good pronunciation almost immediately.
The greatest advantage comes from the degree of similarity of vocabulary. Hindi and Sanskrit share a lot of vocabulary. Most of the words are of common Brahma origin. Acquiring new vocabulary is the most time-consuming part of language learning. It simply takes a long time to get used to new words. When we begin a language, the new sounds and the new combinations of sounds seem strange to us.
It also takes time for our brains to get used to the structures of a new language.
How much do you like Hindi?
Do you like the sounds of Hindi? Do you like something about the history or the culture of countries where they speak Hindi? Do you have Hindi-speaking friends? Do you like movies or TV programs or music in Hindi? Do you have a favorite Hindi-speaking singer or movie star?
The more you can answer yes to these questions, the faster you will learn. Language learning engages many parts of our brains. Your emotional commitment to a new language not only influences how hard you study but also influences the efficiency of your learning.
How confident are you that you will learn to become a fluent speaker of Hindi?
Is it even your goal to become a fluent speaker? If you are simply hoping to learn a few phrases, this will not take long. If, on the other hand, you want to become fluent, it’s very important that you believe you can do it. That is why experienced language learners, who have learned other languages, often do better in new languages. They have done it before. They know they can do it.
Your attitude will have a determining influence on your language learning progress. Your determination to succeed and your commitment to staying the course will depend largely on whether you can visualize yourself achieving fluency, even before you achieve.
In fact, when you begin your learning, you should have a clear picture of the end result. Imagine yourself conversing freely with Hindi speakers and enjoying books, movies, and television programs in the language. Once you are able to engage in these activities, however imperfectly at first, your Hindi language skills will just take off.
If you have not yet had the experience of having become fluent in another language, give yourself the benefit of the doubt. If you want to climb a mountain, and don’t think you can make it to the top, then chances are you won’t.