To learn Indian languages there are some books, but many books ultimately do a haphazard job in explaining the language’s structure. In this context of poor quantity and quality, Mr. Lele’s blog is an anomaly: an extremely detailed, precise, and resourceful guide for learning a beautiful language that is not so often studied by foreigners. Here are my top reasons why:
1. Grammar
Some people don’t like it, but unless you have consistent exposure that allows you to eventually “pick up” the details, you have to learn grammar. Most of the pages on the blog are actually more like excerpts from a grammar book. Marathi noun declension, verb conjugation, and sentence structure are elucidated in meticulous detail, and numerous example sentences are given. Tables are provided when needed.
2. Script and Transliteration
Reading the language is just as important as speaking. A tutorial on the Devanagari script is provided as one of the very first lessons. Even if you aren’t comfortable with the script, Kaushik provides English transliterations (eg. “mI tujhyAvar prem karato”) on almost every page.
3. Audio
Perhaps the primary reason for choosing the blog over a physical book: I get practice listening to Marathi. Kaushik actually records himself speaking the sentences in nearly every lesson. The videos are publicly available on YouTube.
4. Conversations, Culture, and Colloquialisms
Simple conversations on an array of everyday situations are provided. Cultural references are also explained when appropriate. Formal Marathi is also different from colloquial Marathi, and such differences are delineated even at the grammatical level when appropriate. I like how Kaushik included a list of exclamations including छे and अरे बापरे!
5. Learn Marathi through Hindi
It simply makes more sense to learn a language from a sister language. In many places, the Learn Marathi through Hindi blog presents Marathi words and sentences side by side with their Hindi equivalents.
6. Other Resources
It doesn’t just stop with the blog. Kaushik is also there to help! In my experience, Kaushik has been very willing to answer questions and explain when someone is confused. The blog is an ongoing project, and Kaushik has created and revised some parts of the blog as a result of my questions. Furthermore, there’s a Facebook blog (with Kaushik as the admin) for learning Marathi! Ask and you shall receive.
