The National Security Language Initiative and the Teaching of Hindi

Abstract

This article discusses the teaching of Hindi in the USA, with special reference to the National Security Language Initiative (NSLI). Asian Indian languages are briefly described, as are the growth and diversification of the Asian Indian population in the USA. The inclusion of Hindi in the NSLI, and the implications of this decision for the teaching of Hindi in the USA are discussed. While it is clear that the initiative is directed in the first instance at the development of a core group of language professionals, the paper argues that the teaching of Hindi as a heritage language for all Indians can contribute greatly to the goals of the initiative.

Keywords:

• Hindi
• heritage
• language
• learning
• culture
• policy