WACE Hindi Second Language ATAR flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

नमस्ते

A common Hindi greeting meaning 'hello' or 'goodbye', used universally regardless of time of day. It is accompanied by joining palms together (Namaste gesture).

आप

Formal 'you' in Hindi, used to show respect to elders, strangers, or superiors. It takes plural verb forms even when addressing one person.

तुम

Informal 'you' in Hindi, used with friends, peers, or children. It is less formal than आप but more respectful than तू.

तू

Very informal or intimate 'you' in Hindi, used with close friends, children, or in poetry. It can be affectionate or derogatory depending on tone.

लेकिन

A conjunction meaning 'but', used to contrast ideas. It is a common discourse marker in both spoken and written Hindi.

इसलिए

A conjunction meaning 'therefore' or 'so', indicating a logical consequence. It helps link cause and effect in arguments.

कल

A time word meaning either 'yesterday' or 'tomorrow' depending on the tense of the verb. Context (past vs future) determines the meaning.

SOV word order

Hindi sentences typically follow Subject-Object-Verb order. For example, 'मैं चावल खाता हूँ' (I rice eat) means 'I eat rice'.

Postpositions

Hindi uses postpositions (e.g., में, पर, से, को) that come after the noun, unlike English prepositions. They indicate location, direction, or relation.

Ergative case (ne)

In perfective tenses with transitive verbs, the subject takes ने. For example, 'मैंने पत्र लिखा' (I wrote a letter). The verb agrees with the object.

Verb agreement

Hindi verbs agree with the subject in person, number, and gender in most tenses. In ergative constructions, they agree with the object.

Register

The level of formality in language use, determined by audience and purpose. Hindi distinguishes formal (आप) and informal (तुम/तू) address and corresponding vocabulary.

Discourse markers

Words like और, लेकिन, इसलिए, फिर भी that signal relationships between ideas. They guide the listener or reader through the text's structure.

Inference

Drawing a conclusion not explicitly stated by using context clues, tone, and background knowledge. Essential for answering higher-order reading and listening questions.

Text types

Categories such as notice, advertisement, letter, report, interview, or speech. Each has distinct layout, formulaic phrases, and communicative purpose.

Cohesion

The use of linking words, pronouns, and synonyms to connect sentences and paragraphs. It makes writing flow smoothly and logically.

Formal vs informal

A key stylistic distinction in Hindi. Formal language uses आप, passive constructions, and Sanskritised vocabulary; informal uses तुम/तू, active voice, and colloquialisms.

Pronunciation: retroflex vs dental

Hindi distinguishes retroflex consonants (ट, ड, ण) with tongue curled back from dental consonants (त, द, न) with tongue at teeth. Mispronunciation can change meaning.

नुक़्ता

A dot used under certain consonants (क़, ख़, ग़, ज़, फ़) to indicate loanwords from Persian/Arabic. It affects pronunciation but is often omitted in informal writing.

Diwali

The festival of lights, celebrated by Hindus with lamps, fireworks, and sweets. It symbolises the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.

Holi

The festival of colours, celebrated in spring. People throw coloured powder and water, and enjoy festive foods and music.

Eid

A major Islamic festival marking the end of Ramadan (Eid-ul-Fitr) or the sacrifice of Ibrahim (Eid-ul-Adha). Celebrated with prayers, feasting, and charity.

Kinship terms

Hindi has specific terms for each relative, e.g., चाचा (father's younger brother), मामा (mother's brother), बुआ (father's sister). These reflect family structure.

Vegetarianism

Many Hindus are vegetarian due to religious and cultural beliefs. Beef is avoided by most Hindus, and pork by Muslims. Offering food is a gesture of hospitality.

Khari Boli

The standard dialect of Hindi used in formal education, media, and literature. It originated in the Delhi region and forms the basis of Modern Standard Hindi.

Listening strategies

Techniques such as predicting content, listening for gist, and noting specific details (numbers, names). These help answer comprehension questions accurately.

Viewing strategies

Interpreting visual cues (body language, setting, expressions) alongside dialogue to understand context, relationships, and mood in video texts.

Question words

Words like क्या, कौन, कब, कहाँ, क्यों, कैसे. They typically appear before the verb in Hindi questions.

Compound sentences

Sentences joined by coordinating conjunctions like और (and), लेकिन (but), या (or). They add variety and sophistication to writing.

Complex sentences

Sentences with a main clause and a subordinate clause introduced by जब (when), अगर (if), क्योंकि (because). They demonstrate advanced grammar.

Formal letter format

Includes sender's address, date, receiver's address, salutation (आदरणीय/प्रिय), subject line, body, and closing (भवदीय/सादर). Used for official communication.

Idioms (मुहावरे)

Fixed expressions with figurative meanings, e.g., 'आँखों का तारा' (apple of one's eye). Using them appropriately enhances spoken and written Hindi.