With 600 million speakers, Hindi ranks among the three most widely spoken languages in the world. In India, it dominates in northern states and extends to the central regions. An increasing number of expatriates are taking the plunge and enrolling in courses. Here's an overview of institutes and programs to get started in New Delhi.

Whether they are students, professionals, long-time expatriates, or newly arrived in India, more and more people are taking Hindi courses to communicate in everyday life. Several language schools are accessible to foreigners in New Delhi, in private institutes or universities.

"We welcome more and more students, about thirty this year, mostly expatriates," explains Arthur Hedgewal, director of the East West Institute of Languages, based in Nizamuddin East after several years in Hauz Khas. Trained at the Landour School of Languages in Mussorie, the country's most renowned Hindi school, the teachers place equal emphasis on grammar and the ability to express oneself in everyday situations.

As for the chances of success, the institute doesn't promise miracles. "Success depends on the personal investment of students," continues Arthur Hedgewal. "For most, it will take at least two years to speak well. If you take it only as a hobby, you'll barely speak more than bazaar Hindi."

For both spoken Hindi and literature, English-language courses are widely available, for beginners and advanced learners alike. Here is a non-exhaustive list.

Language Institutes

• East West Institute of Languages

Courses spread over two semesters, from August to December and January to May. Between three and four hours per week, schedules determined according to students' availability. Individual and conversation courses also offered. Another interesting option for those planning to spend the year in India: intensive week-long summer courses. Between 160 and 400 rupees per hour, depending on the services.
Address: Station Road, in the YMCA of Nizamuddin East.

• HindiGuru

Short sessions of 21 hours over one week to 50 hours spread over 25 days, between 5,200 and 14,000 rupees. One semester of 100 hours to understand and speak Hindi, 26,000 rupees. One semester of 200 hours to understand, speak, and read, 52,000 rupees. One semester of 400 hours to understand, speak, read, and write, 96,000 rupees. Also weekend and evening sessions for professionals, as well as private lessons from 300 rupees per hour.
Address: H-4, 13-14, Lower Ground Floor, Malviya Nagar, south of New Delhi.

• Central Hindi Directorate (Kendriya Hindi Nideshalaya)

Established in 1960 by the Indian government to promote Hindi, the Central Hindi Directorate offers beginner courses with an emphasis on written language. A second level is offered by correspondence, with one assignment every two weeks. Opportunity to continue with Hindi literature courses, including text study and commentary. In the building, a shop offers course materials, written and audio documents.
Address: West-Block-7, RK Puram.

At Universities:

• Delhi University

Language and civilization courses for foreigners, multiple options depending on the season, to be checked on the website. Jawaharlal Nehru University offers the possibility of taking free courses within the Hindi department with Indian doctoral students.
Address: New Mehrauli Road.

• Alliance Française of New Delhi

Some Indian teachers and translators at the Alliance Française offer Hindi courses for English-speaking learners.
Address: 72, Lodi Estate.

Private Lessons:

You can also take private Hindi lessons at home with Indian students or teachers for approximately 500 rupees per hour. Check classified ads and forums on expatriate websites (Delhi Accueil, FranceInIndia, etc.).