Learning a few lines of Hindi will go a long way in Mother India. You build cultural connections with the country you happen to be a guest in. They will no doubt respect you more for it. And even find it charming. You experience a deeper layer of the culture as you are able to join in some friendly and inquisitive chitchat with the locals, and also tune into the conversations happening around you as you flow through the profusion of endless colours, sights, smells and sounds of this spirited nation. It’s also a good way to get better deals when shopping in the markets, and the locals are generally more receptive to you overall. Actually it brings them joy and delight when you greet them in their language. And how sweet it is — such an eloquent language. … More A Crash Course in Hindi: Getting By in India