Virtual Reality’s Immersive Dimension in Hindi Language Learning

Time and time again, Kusum Ji’s Hindi class never fails to immerse students in the beauty of the language through engaging and meaningful experiences. This time, intermediate Hindi learners grabbed their virtual reality glasses (provided by Duke) and ventured into the very country where this language was born. Students marveled at the grandeur of the Taj Mahal, walked through the bustling streets of Delhi, got lost in the many shops of the Khan Market, and took in the open fields of India’s villages. 

This time off from traditional lessons provided a greater purpose to many of these students learning Hindi. Many of the students were reminded of their distant relatives and family who are residing in India, with many of them excited to find their homes through their VR devices. For them, this was more than a fun VR experience, it was a reminder of why they are learning the language in the first place: to connect more deeply and enrich their knowledge in a language that they share with their loved ones. 

Even for the students who have no ethnic ties to India, they still didn’t lose the meaning of this experience. Rather, their passion for Hindi has let them witness the very places where the language runs rampant and thrives. Whether that is through the friendly exchanges between villagers or the fast-paced conversations taken in Mumbai’s streets, students were able to witness places where Hindi holds much significance for people. This experience was not meant to refine students’ Hindi grammar but rather expand their cultural understanding of how Hindi can be utilized for creating friendship, community, and a society. By observing the real-world contexts of where Hindi can be used, it grants the opportunity for Hindi students to be experts of the language, not just through the grammatical lens, but through a new, more cultural one. 

I found this experience extremely helpful when we had our oral presentation when we pair up with a partner and must present by conversational speaking in Hindi using new Hindi knowledge that we have learned by following a provided prompt. This prompt in particular requested us to give our partners directions to certain places, which this VR experience assisted in. Given that the VR experience granted insight into the geographical features of India, it allowed us students to have a more relaxed and fun conversation with our partners in Hindi, knowing that the places and directions said in the presentation were accurate and resembled the conversations of locals in India. 

Experiences like these make learning Hindi worthwhile, because eventually, when we no longer need VR glasses and can travel to India, this knowledge will come in great handy. Learning languages goes beyond just grammar and vocabulary. Learning a language means connecting with the culture and its people, which strengthens communication. Through the use of VR, it makes learning and exploring in this method more possible and much more exciting! 

This event was supported by Asian and Middle Eastern Studies.