Where can I learn to speak Kannada outside of school?

The Kannada language is a Dravidian language spoken predominantly by the people of Karnataka in the southwestern region of India. The language is also spoken by linguistic minorities in the states of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Kerala and Goa; and also by Kannadigas abroad. The language had roughly 43 million native speakers by 2011. Kannada is also spoken as a second and third language by over 12.9 million non-native speakers in Karnataka, which adds up to 56.9 million speakers. It is one of the scheduled languages of India and the official and administrative language of the state of Karnataka. Kannada was the court language of some of the most powerful empires of South and Central India, such as the Chalukya dynasty, the Rashtrakuta dynasty, the Vijayanagara Empire and the Hoysala Empire.

A step-by-step guide to learn conversation Kannada

Learn a few salutations, greetings and expressions: Namaskara, Hegiddeera, Chennagideera etc.

It is always better to use the plural form to address a singular person when we speak politely.

Learn words for queries – Who, Why, When, Where, Which, How, etc. (Yaaru, Yaake, Yaavaga, Elli, Enu, Hege etc)

List the important verbs required in everyday conversation.

Learn the pronouns. (he, she, it / avanu, avaLu, adu)

Gender, time, numbers, cardinals, colours, names of vegetables, fruits, pulses, etc

Tenses – Use the verbs in present, past and future tenses·

Learn Conjunctions which eventually help to make complex sentences.(and, but, or / mattu, aadare, athava etc.)

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.

Now, you can also follow these easy steps to learn to speak Kannada.

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 the ‘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.

You can learn Kannada outside the school by following the above tips. Also you can learn Kannada at home by using some free apps which we mentioned in other blogs.

If you eagerly want to learn Kannada join Multibhashi now.