First language and culture of India (Bengali) 3600-7-IN1-IJKIB(L)
The aim of the course is to introduce students, in a cultural context, to the basic knowledge of a first Indian language (Bengali, Hindi, Sanskrit, or Tamil) and to develop their ability to use it at a beginner level. The course is intended not only to enhance language skills, but also to broaden students’ understanding of the culture, everyday life, and customs of India and other South Asian countries.
In the case of modern languages (Bengali, Hindi, Tamil), the course includes both the development of basic communicative competence and practical exercises in the grammar of the respective language. In the case of Sanskrit, the course focuses on working with carefully selected original texts, their translation and analysis in the context of the culture and religion of India and South Asia.
During the course, students:
● Develop the ability to recognize and apply basic grammatical structures, vocabulary, and the principles of pronunciation and script of the respective language.
● In the case of Bengali, Hindi, and Tamil, they practice understanding and producing spoken and written utterances in everyday contexts (e.g. introducing oneself, family).
● Develop skills in reading, understanding, and analyzing short texts that present the cultural context (in the case of modern languages, also through listening).
● Learn to answer questions related to texts and formulate their own questions, as well as to summarize texts in their own words (primarily for modern languages).
For modern languages (Bengali, Hindi, Tamil), the course focuses on the standard contemporary variety; for Sanskrit, the emphasis is on Classical Sanskrit. Teaching materials (textbooks, readings, audio and video recordings) are selected by the instructor according to the level and needs of the group.
The course is conducted within the “Integrated Teaching & Learning Development Programme – ZIP 2.0”, which is co-financed by the European Social Fund – the European Funds for Social Development Programme 2021–2027 (FERS) (contract no.: FERS.01.05-IP.08-0365/23-00).
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Term 2024L:
1. Training conversational skills pertaining to different spheres of day-to-day lif, exercising dialogues on different day-to-day subjects (family life, school, studies, work, shopping, vacation, etc. 2. Training written skills pertaining to different spheres of day-to-day life (family life, school, studies, work, shopping, vacation, etc.) 3. Exercising simple text reading and writing 4. Listening comprehension (live text-reading / statements by the neative speaker, dictations, audio-video recordings). |
Term 2025L:
The aim of the course is to equip students with basic linguistic competence in a first Indian language (Bengali), including the mastery of essential grammatical structures, core vocabulary, and the ability to use the language, introduction to the culture, daily life, and customs of India and other South Asian countries. During the course, students: Develop the ability to recognize and apply basic grammatical structures, vocabulary, and the principles of pronunciation and script of the language. Understanding and producing spoken and written utterances in everyday contexts (e.g. introducing oneself, family). Develop skills in reading, understanding, and analyzing short texts that present the cultural context (also through listening). Learn to answer questions related to texts and formulate their own questions, as well as to summarize texts in their own words. Gradually learn about the culture: daily life, customs, religious practices, important cultural phenomena and trends. The course is conducted within the “Integrated Teaching & Learning Development Programme – ZIP 2.0”, which is co-financed by the European Social Fund – the European Funds for Social Development Programme 2021–2027 (FERS) (contract no.: FERS.01.05-IP.08-0365/23-00). |
Prerequisites (description)
Course coordinators
Term 2024L: | Term 2025L: |
Type of course
Mode
Learning outcomes
Knowledge – the graduate knows and understands:
K_W08
the structure, history, and script of two selected Indian languages (Bengali/Hindi/Sanskrit/Tamil), as well as their significance in the context of the culture and history of the South Asian region, at an advanced level
K_W09
the principles of translation from two selected Indian
languages (Bengali/Hindi/Sanskrit/Tamil) into Polish
Skills – the graduate is able to:
K_U06
apply knowledge of socio-cultural issues of South Asia in typical professional situations, with attention to cultural specificity and the use of intercultural communication strategies
K_U08
analyse and interpret source texts in two selected Indian languages (Bengali/Hindi/Sanskrit/Tamil)
K_U09
translate literary/non-literary texts from two selected Indian languages (Bengali/Hindi/Sanskrit/Tamil) into Polish
K_U10
use, at an advanced level, the writing systems (applying the rules of standard orthography) of two selected Indian languages (Bengali/Hindi/Sanskrit/Tamil), as well as tools for their study and analysis (traditional and electronic dictionaries, lexicons, language corpora, databases, etc.)
K_U13
present cultural issues of South Asia in Polish and in selected Indian languages (Bengali/Hindi/Sanskrit/Tamil), taking into account the intellectual traditions of South Asia
K_U14
use electronic and internet-based tools
Social competencies – the graduate is ready to:
K_K02
collaborate and work in a team, establish contacts with representatives of different cultures, and engage in intercultural dialogue
K_K06
support the accessibility and promotion of the cultural and linguistic heritage of South Asia
Assessment criteria
- continuous preparation for the class and active participation during classes
- term assessment
- attendance control
Practical placement
no
Bibliography
Selected by the teacher depending on language group
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Term 2024L:
E. Walter, Gramatyka języka bengalskiego, Warszawa 2008 H. Thompson, Bengali: Comprehensive Grammar, London 2010 W. Radice, Teach yourself Bengali, London 2003 M.B.Nasrin, W.A.R. van der Wurff, Colloquial Bengali, London 2009 and additional materials selected by teachers |
Term 2025L:
E. Walter, Gramatyka języka bengalskiego, Warszawa 2008 |
Notes
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Term 2025L:
Classes schedule: |
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: