Essential Hindi Grammar: With Examples from Modern Hindi Literature

This is a comprehensive grammar of Modern Standard Hindi, the primary language spoken by more than 420 million people in India. Because each grammatical topic is thoroughly illustrated with basic examples and more complex ones from modern Hindi short stories, it can be used as a reference and supplementary grammar to any textbook from beginning to advanced levels. Its approach is efficient and effective and will be appreciated by students learning written and spoken Hindi in the classroom or independently, as well as by those wanting to read literary Hindi or teach it as a second language at the college level. Its appealing examples will enhance even heritage learners’ cultural knowledge of Hindi literature.

Essential Hindi Grammar will draw in students who are new to language learning. Grammatical concepts are introduced and fully explained; basic grammatical terminology is presented in plain language but without over-simplifying material for more advanced learners. Numerous user-friendly tables accompany grammatical explanations. One of the benefits of the volume is its extensive coverage of abstract structures of the modern standard language. Drawing examples from Hindi literature, it combines the study of language with that of literature and literary culture—a rare approach to language acquisition. Scientific transliteration is provided consistently throughout the book, wherever Hindi in Devanagari is given.

Essential Hindi Grammar is a solid addition to existing Hindi pedagogical materials and will assist those engaged in the acquisition of the language throughout the Anglophone world.

• Christine Everaert, Author

  Christine Everaert is assistant professor of Hindi-Urdu at the University of Utah.

• Christine Everaert avoids the drilling method found in most other grammar textbooks and instead skillfully and systematically offers examples of grammatical patterns from Hindi literary texts, thereby linking language learning and literature. Her work can serve as a reference and accompanying grammar to any workbook used in introductory, intermediate, and advanced Hindi classes and by independent learners of Hindi; native speakers interested in Hindi grammar will also find it very useful. As a language instructor in a post-secondary institution, I recommend Everaert’s grammar for its systematic, linguistically-oriented approach to language acquisition and for its appealing examples that will enhance even heritage learners’ cultural knowledge of Hindi literature.
  —Shobna Nijhawan, York University
• A welcome and handy reference providing clear, concise yet thorough description of Modern Standard Hindi grammar and usage, with ample examples from literary sources. The book will be a go-to resource for language learners and instructors at all levels.
  —Robert Phillips, Princeton University