FRS 002P —
Sec. 001 —
(2 unit) — CRN 45511 — T/R 2:10 – 3:00 pm
— 230 Walker
Learn Telugu and its Culture
Instructor: Rao Vemuri, Department of Applied Science,
College of Engineering
Description: Why Learn Telugu and its Culture? (a)
Because it’s
fun. (b) It is good for your health! Learning a foreign language will exercise
those portions of the brain that have not been used since you first
learned your
first language as a mother tongue. There is anecdotal evidence that
this exercise
is all that is needed to prevent the buildup of plaque that may lead
to Alzheimer’s!
(c) There is another medical reason. Learning a phonetic language (English is
not) is one way to overcome dyslexic tendencies so prevalent in
English-speaking
people. (d) There are more reasons. In this age of globalization, you can win
the hearts and souls of customers and business associates even if you can utter
a few words in their language. (e) I also noticed that many students
from SE Asia
have an inherent interest in learning more about Indian culture as
their own (all
SE Asian countries, except Vietnam) languages contain many Sanskrit words and
their own culture was heavily influenced by Hinduism. What you learn
is not just
a language; you learn about the culture of a people, their literature and their
values. If you end up reading (and talking) in that language, it is
only a bonus.
You will also learn the rudiments of comparative phonetics,
linguistics and grammar.
The language I propose that you learn is Telugu, a south Indian language spoken
by well over 70 million people. Along with Telugu, you will learn the rudiments
of Sanskrit and Hindi. Along with the language, you will be exposed to its rich
literary contributions as well as the literary wealth of India.
Format: Written notes will be distributed in the
class. Audiofiles
will be placed on the class web site. Videotapes of segments of
movies or a musical
concert will be screened if the classroom has AV facilities.
Grading:
As learning a language is primarily an oral process, in-class participation is
essential. Every student is expected to participate in the classroom exercises
involving speaking and writing (70%). Homework (30%) involves a minimum of one
hour a week of written exercises and they are primarily aimed at learning the
script.
About the Instructor: Prof. Rao Vemuri is a native speaker of
Telugu. He has a working knowledge of Hindi and Sanskrit and a
smattering of exposure
to Spanish and Russian for a comparative presentation. He published many essays
on the structure of Telugu language, its grammar, its script and its
suitability
(and deficiencies) in expressing modern scientific thought. He is an
active participant
in the movement to develop Telugu-based computer interfaces. Prof
Vemuri recently
compiled, "English-Telugu and Telugu-English Dictionary and
Thesaurus."
It is published in 2002 by Asian Educational Services, New Delhi, India. He is
now giving finishing touches to Learn Telugu and its Grammar, which is aimed at
people whose first language is English. You will get portions of this
manuscript
as a handout. Prof. Vemuri is also the author of six Telugu books (all written
to popularize science) and well over 30 short stories (mostly,
science-based fiction).