New Languages - New Worlds: Beginner Courses Starting in the Winter Semester 25/26

The SAI is pleased to announce the start of Beginner Language courses for Winter Semester 2025/2026 in Bengali, Hindi, Pali, Nepali, Sanskrit, Sinhalese, Tamil and Urdu. Opening the door to one of Europe's most diverse language programs in South Asian studies.

These courses are designed for students with no prior experience, offering entry points into both classical traditions and modern linguistic landscapes of South Asia. Pedagogic focus like decoding ancient texts in Sanskrit, exploring contemporary culture through Tamil cinema or Urdu poetry, will help students gain direct access to the region’s rich and varied voices.

The Interdisciplinary approach of SAI means that these languages can complement studies in Anthropology, Political Science, History, Geography, Modern & Classical Literature and Economics, with flexible modules for BA or MA programs. Each course have 4 SWS (Contact hours).

For more information you can contact: nsp-sekretariat@sai.uni-heidelberg.de