Welcome to Hamaarii Bolii, a compilation of short video clips taken from interviews produced by the Hindi Urdu Flagship Program at the University of Texas at Austin. The clips can be accessed via the tabs above. Click here to download the entire collection (450 MB). Warning: this a large download, broadband connection (or greater) recommended. You can also download individual clips via the tabs above. Quicktime (free download) is required to view the videos on this site. All clips are mp4s pre-formatted for playback on video iPods. Download links are available as outlined above. Overview
This section explores methods of saying hello and goodbye in a variety of contexts. The first set of answers presents an informal, predominantly urban register while the second provides a more comprehensive analysis that encompasses more formal contexts. Further questions deal with the difference between Namaste and Namaskar, alternatives for saying goodbye, and salutations in written letters. Click here to download all the videos in this section (75 MB). Download links for individual clips are available below. How do people say hello and goodbye to each other in different contexts? (In Brief)
How do people say hello and goodbye to each other in different contexts? (In Depth)
What is the difference between Namaste and Namaskar?
Are there different ways to say goodbye?
Overview
This section explores the various uses of jii in spoken conversation. The question of when to use first or last names, and how to attach jii to them, is also addressed. Further questions deal with changes in the use of jii in contexts such as the university classroom or while addressing women. Click here to download all the videos in this section (46 MB). Download links for individual clips are available below. Should surnames or first names be used when talking to people you’ve just met?
How is jii used with names?
Overview
This section tackles the complex issue of how and when to use tuu, tum, and aap in Hindi-Urdu. The first set of responses represent the opinions of native, mostly younger, speakers; the second presents in-depth responses by scholars and teachers of Hindi-Urdu. The appropriateness of tuu is addressed in further questions, as is 'incorrect' phrasing such as 'Aap...ho'. Click here to download all the videos in this section (132 MB). Warning: this is a large download, a broadband connection (or faster) is recommended. Download links for individual clips are available below. What is the difference between tum and aap? (in brief)
What is the difference between tum and aap? (in depth)
In which contexts is tuu used?
Is the construct 'Aap ... ho' correct? What is behind such phrasing?
Overview
The clips below address some of the unique Hindi Urdu phrases used in phone conversation. The first section present some sample phone conversations, while the second provides some general discussion of the topic. Click here to download all the videos in this section (32 MB). Download links for individual clips are available below. Overview
This section presents a variety of methods of introducing oneself and others in Hindi-Urdu. The first set of responses provides some sample introduction, the following set contains discussion of various methods of introduction, the third set provides an example of how to introduce friends in a group setting. Click here to download all the videos in this section (25 MB). Download links for individual clips are available below. Examples of people introducing themselves
Overview
Playing the part of a guest is both a common and important experience in traditional South Asian culture. This section presents advice from a wide cross-section of South Asian society on the conversational strategies involved in such situations . Topics range from the fairly straight-forward (when to bring a gift) to the complex (how to turn down an invitation). Click here to download all the videos in this section (81 MB). Download links for individual clips are available below. If someone you have just met invites you to visit them at home, how can you tell if this is an actual invitation or just a piece of conventional politeness?
How would you make a polite refusal if invited to a function or event that you don’t want to attend or cannot attend?
If a friend or acquaintance invites you home for a meal, should you take some kind of gift? What would be appropriate?
If an insistent host offers you some kind of food or drink that you do not want or like, how would you turn it down politely? How would you ask politely for some kind of alternative (e.g. when you are offered alcohol and would prefer a soft drink)?
How would you offer praise (and gratitude) to a dinner host?
Overview
This final section discusses the language surrounding special occasions (festivals, birthdays, etc.) or unusual events such as funerals or prolonged illness. Diction and phrasing follow well established norms in such cases; the responses below provide examples of appropriate ways to congratule or console.
Click here to download all the videos in this section (58 MB). Download links for individual clips are available below. How would you give congratulations on occasions such as birthdays, festivals, new year, weddings, births, etc.?
How would you ask someone to convey your best wishes to others and/or enquire after someone’s health?
What euphemisms can be used to report a death?
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