I’ve had the good fortune of a rather special relationship with Zabaan—in that, over the past several years, I’ve been both a student and a teacher there. After learning Urdu in 2008, I was looking for ways to stay connected with the language when I came across Zabaan through an internet search. Ali generously offered me the help of their in-house Urdu scholar, Reza, if I could take on the task of translating a set of stories from classical into English. While I’m certain that I severely tested Reza’s patience with my newly acquired, faltering Urdu, I began a relationship with an organisation that, as a language lover and lifelong learner, I’ve had the privilege of turning to time and again. A couple of years later, I was thrilled when Ali invited me to teach Punjabi online for Zabaan—an engagement that continued for the next couple of years. Then, courtesy of Zabaan, I took Farsi classes with a particularly interesting individual. While I’m no longer an active student or teacher with them today, Ali remains my go-to person for any questions related to Hindi, Urdu, Sanskrit—or any language, really—especially when even the internet falls short. I can always count on an answer from him; and if he doesn’t have it, he’ll make sure to find it—often along with additional context, book recommendations and more. In a world where everyone is a surface-level expert, it is a relief to know that there are people like Ali, and places like Zabaan, that do justice to the word expert. Their approach to language teaching speaks for itself in the sheer number of students they’ve taught. I see a future in which a Zabaan language certification holds the same weight as those from the world’s top language institutions—if, indeed that future hasn’t already arrived.

I have been taking lessons for some time, during each lesson I feel pushed towards learning more and more. There is a depth of knowledge at this language school and they are experts in their subject matter! Truly respect their expertise and grateful to learn from them.

My teacher is excellent!

I have been taking private hindi lessons online at Zabaan from summer 2024. I am German and I live in South Africa. Before I came to South Africa I had the opportunity to check out classes in person. From 2024 I enjoy my teachers' Vartika and Priya's excellent knowledge of hindi grammar as well as their method of teaching. I have learned a lot. Their commitment to keep improving my skills made me choose Zabaan again to further my studies for a final exam in Germany. In addition, student coordinator Olivia is always available to schedule classes and help out in any way she can. I would choose Zabaan again and again when it comes to learning hindi at ease and in a supportive environment. Thank you, Zabaan! मैं 2024 की गर्मियों से ज़बान में ऑनलाइन निजी हिंदी कक्षाएं ले रही हूँ। मैं जर्मन हूँ और मैं दक्षिण अफ्रीका में रहती हूँ। दक्षिण अफ्रीका आने से पहले मुझे व्यक्तिगत रूप से कक्षाएं देखने का अवसर मिला था। 2024 से मैं वर्तिका जी और प्रिया जी के साथ कक्षाएं ले रही हूँ। हिंदी व्याकरण के उनके उत्कृष्ट ज्ञान और उनकी शिक्षण पद्धति ने मेरे हिंदी कौशल को निखारा है। मेरे कौशल को निरंतर बेहतर बनाने की उनकी प्रतिबद्धता ने मुझे जर्मनी में परीक्षा की तैयारी के लिए फिर से ज़बान को चुनने के लिए प्रेरित किया। इसके अलावा, छात्र समन्वयक ओलिविया कक्षाओं का समय निर्धारित करने और हर मदद करने के लिए हमेशा उपलब्ध रहती हैं। जब भी हिंदी सीखने की बात आती है, तब मैं सहजता और सहयोगात्मक माहौल में ज़बान को बार-बार चुनूँगी। धन्यवाद, ज़बान!