Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🌆 How to learn Urdu in Guelph and what are the possibilities in terms of commitment?
Besides self-study using special programs, you have several main choices for learning Urdu interactively in Guelph. First, universities and community colleges are an especially good idea for in-state residents. Also, ask about the centers for continuing education and professional studies (they are a little more affordable.) Your 2nd possibility can be local specialized language academies that cost less and flexible in schedule and requirements. Third, not-for-profit learning centers usually offer cheaper group and more expensive in-person courses. Last, you can look for a private Urdu tutor in Guelph. If flexibility is key, you can compare local Guelph and online Urdu tutors.
🎟 Is it affordable to learn Urdu and what are the ballpark lesson costs for Urdu tutors?
For university and college courses you can estimate Urdu course cost as 1/10th of the yearly tuition (one course is usually 3 out of 30 credit hours offered) to get the price of fifty or so course hours each semester. Language centers and independent Urdu tutors charge $30-55 for hourly group lesson, with private classes starting from $50 or more. Some of the less pricey Urdu tutors can be found online, with tuition on Preply averaging 7 and tutor rates varying widely based on tutor country of residence, availability and popularity. Average reviews for Urdu lessons on Preply is 4.91 out of 5 stars.
📚 What level of Urdu do I need to sign up for a course?
When considering college and learning center classes be prepared to show a language test profeciency score or take an entrance test to determine your level. 'Canned' classes vary widely in terms of textbook quality, homework commitment and graded tasks, so research those in advance. With personal Urdu tutors you can read reviews and get a good idea for whom the tutor is effective with and which other add-ons they make available (like teaching children or teens, etc.) For more flexibility, choose a tutor from a wide selection of those teaching online.
🔥 Why is Urdu so challenging and are there ways to learn it in a better way?
Standardized language instruction practiced in schools is not the most effective way to learn Urdu. Realistically, you can gain basic Urdu fluency in 300 hours from zero knowledge. Studying and getting feedback several hours a week you will be able to understand common sentences, have simple conversations, do most everyday tasks in about a year. Offline interaction is not a practical option for everyone, so online classes are a fast and easy way of acquiring the basic knowledge of Urdu. After acquiring basic skills, online marketplaces like Preply have Urdu tutors who specialize in intensive classes for intermediate and advanced level practitioners.
🤷 How long does it take to achieve a good level of Urdu?
Some people just have a natural ability and learn languages quickly, but for most to go beyond the basics and gain working fluency in Urdu will require at least 600 hours of active use. The actual range of time can differ by a lot depending on your existing level of Urdu or familiarity with other languages in the same group. As soon as you've learned the basics it is best to use the language as often as possible: watch television, write using your new language skills, find native speakers to speak with, try additional ways to think and speak in Urdu out loud. If it's more difficult than you had imagined you can also take conversational Urdu classes online.
🤳 Can I pick my own Urdu instructor?
In learning centers, you can possibly choose your own tutor (from a limited pool). Online, of course! The largest selection of approved Urdu tutors with full profiles and customer reviews is available on online language learning marketplaces like Preply.
🗓 What time of day and on which days are classes available?
Colleges offer classes two times weekly over a semester (75-day period). Language schools typically have shorter, 8-week, 12-week, and 16-week course sessions. Online, the number of lessons is really up to you, with early morning, day, evening and night classes available, on weekdays and/or weekends.