How to Keep Children Motivated to Learn Hindi

Have you ever wondered how to keep your little ones interested in learning Hindi? Amidst the dominance of the English language in this world, most parents face the challenge of keeping alive within their family the root of the Hindi language and culture. 

Little do they know, embracing their heritage could provide children with a sense of belonging that goes beyond anything imagined.

Teaching children Hindi goes beyond teaching them a new language; it connects them to their heritage, strengthens family bonds, and opens doors to a bilingual world that enhances cognitive development. 

In this blog, we will try to explore exciting ways that spark children's interest in learning Hindi, keep the pride of being an Indian alive, and bring home the fun with the help of how to get there.

The Importance of Hindi Language and Culture

Hindi is one of the oldest languages in this world and is important in India's marvellous history. 

• Cultural significance of Hindi language

Over half a billion people speak Hindi. It is full of literature, songs, and stories that are the integral expression of Indian culture. 

Through their learning of Hindi, the children develop a direct link to this immense heritage culture, and it connects them to their family roots in ways that no other language can.

• Bilingualism and cognitive development

The importance of the Hindi language is far more cognitive than cultural connections. Scientific studies show that children who speak two languages solve problems more effectively than their counterparts who communicate in only one language; they are creative, and they empathise better with other cultures. 

Learning Hindi or any other language as a child demonstrates cognitive flexibility as they will be able to adapt to other languages and cultures.

Therefore, it matters little that the importance of learning a second language is due to heritage; the child will thus be prepared for a more conscious culture and empathetic future.

Keeping the Spark of Being Indian Alive

The pride of being Indian amidst the threats of globalisation can be tricky to preserve, especially if one lives abroad. 

However, magic lies in keeping Hindi at the core of family traditions. When a child speaks Hindi, it is not just a language; it is a living piece of their identity as Indians.

• Integrate Hindi language into your family traditions

Start by weaving Hindi into everyday life. Let Hindi be a part of your family's conversations, storytelling, and celebrations. Simple things, like greeting each other in Hindi or discussing festivals in Hindi, may make the language feel more natural than forced. 

If your family follows certain traditional customs, try to explain the significance of those traditions in Hindi. It builds pride in the culture and comfort with the language.

• How can this spark be kept alive? 

One good way to teach feelings of pride is by connecting the child to Indian history, values, and great figures who have made Indians proud. 

When children see the lineage of greatness they are part of, speaking Hindi itself becomes a more meaningful thing for them.

Creating the "WOW" Factor To Learn Hindi in Children

Introduce the students to some inspiring role models who have managed to retain their cultural identity despite great success. 

• Share Ideal Examples  

The perfect example of this scenario is Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google. Even though he heads a leading global technology company, he never misses opportunities to celebrate his Indian roots. 

You can share this and your story with your child, much like Pichai's, so that they will experience that "wow" feeling - that being connected with one's Hindi language and culture is not just special; it also gives them strength.

• Share Stories

Share stories of people who have used their bilingualism skills to succeed on a world stage so the child realises that Hindi is not something one speaks at home but a treasured skill that opens doors, connects the new to opportunities, and grounds the person to their identity. 

When children realise that the most successful icons from Indian culture achieved an integration of their own Indian identity with the world around them, they will gain a better understanding and become motivated to identify more with their roots.

Teaching Hindi at Home

Teaching Hindi at home might be perceived as challenging, especially if you are dwelling abroad, but there is absolutely no reason for it if you use a bit of creativity. You do not even have to speak Hindi fluently yourself for your child to have the best time learning it.

• Start Small

Use Hindi to order dinner, buy groceries, or even during playtime with your kid. Keep Hindi learning a family activity - makes it much less of a "task" and more fun to share it. Storytelling is one of the most engaging ways of introducing Hindi to your child. 

Have them sit and listen while you recount Indian tales like Panchatantra or Akbar-Birbal stories in Hindi. This, apart from enriching their vocabulary also makes them strongly connected with the Hindi language and culture.

• Frame a Learning Process

You can make learning Hindi fun by including music in the learning process, rhymes, and games. Singing Hindi songs with your child or having vocabulary games with your child makes the language accessible and enjoyable for your child. 

Make a point of watching Hindi cartoons or movies together and encourage your child to speak along with the characters. This way, they begin associating Hindi with fun and entertainment instead of something that they have to study.

• Learning Apps and Online Resources

But for those who do not feel confident about speaking, for example, their Hindi, do not worry; there are a million apps and online resources out there that will help you learn. 

You can search for community programs or join with other families who are also dedicated to teaching Hindi at home. It would be an environment in which the child simply becomes familiar with Hindi as a matter of course and not as a chore.

Key Takeaways

Keeping up the Hindi language and culture at home with your little ones means way more than the language - it means their identity and pride. Motivate them to take to this language by teaching at home, using the same in daily activities, and introducing them to great role models.

Remember that the learning process in Hindi should be so much fun, full of stories and games and all sorts of cultural experiences that will make the child learn to love the language. Finally, be part of a community of similar parents, whether in India or living abroad, who share the same commitment to keeping the language alive for future generations. 

Together, we can ensure that the importance of the Hindi language stays alive and thrives within our families for years to come. You can further explore our online courses, digital books and even physical books to openly learn Hindi language through Sanskriti Online. 

FAQs

1. How do I inspire my child to learn a language?

You can encourage your child to learn another language by speaking with them, studying with them, and spot entertainment in that language. You can encourage them to join a language course, leverage learning apps and online tools.

2. How to teach Hindi in an exciting approach?

Activities like storytelling, singing Hindi songs, rejoicing festivals, and discovering Indian cuisine assist children connect with the language on series of cultural levels, making the teaching journey more appealing.

3. How to teach Hindi language to children at home?

Books are crucial for a language learning journey. Do read Hindi stories to your children from an early age. Encourage your kid to learn the letters as well as mantras and then initiate inspiring children to read stories.

4. Is learning Hindi simple and straightforward?

Several linguist specialists consider Hindi to be one of the toughest languages to learn. However, with online learning applications and access to digital resources the learning process has now turned simpler.

5. What are some of the commonly used Hindi expressions or phrases?

Some of the common Hindi phrases are Namaste – Hello, Suprabhaat - Good morning, Main theek hoon - I am fine, Kyaa chal rahaa hai? - What's new? and Alvida – Bye.