A Language School Built Around Serious Learning and Human Connection.
Zabaan is a language school founded in New Delhi around a simple idea: language learning should be rigorous, personal, practical, and deeply connected to culture.
Since 2009, students from around the world have studied with Zabaan online and in person—from complete beginners to researchers, diplomats, professionals, heritage learners, and advanced students.
Our Story.
Ali Taqi founded Zabaan after teaching languages in the United States and moving to New Delhi in 2009. The school grew from a focus on serious Hindi and Urdu instruction into a multilingual teaching institution serving students in India and around the world.
The aim has remained consistent: explain language clearly, make students use it actively, and adapt instruction to the learner rather than force every learner through the same path.
Founder, Director & Teacher.
Ali Taqi is originally from Chicago and holds a B.A. in International Studies with a minor in Asian Languages and Literatures from Loyola University Chicago. His teaching interests include Hindi and Urdu grammar, linguistics, semantics, syntax, bilingualism, and language pedagogy. He continues to teach alongside directing Zabaan.
How We Teach.
Good language teaching is not one method repeated for everyone. Zabaan combines structure with flexibility so that grammar, vocabulary, speaking, listening, reading, and writing support the learner’s actual purpose.
Clear Structure.
Grammar and vocabulary are taught systematically so learners understand how the language works.
Active Use.
Lessons are built around speaking, listening, reading, and writing—not passive explanation alone.
Personal Adaptation.
Pace, materials, homework, and emphasis can change according to the student’s goals and progress.
Cultural Context.
Language is taught as something people live through, with attention to culture, register, history, and real usage.
Our New Delhi Centre.
Zabaan’s centre is in East of Kailash, South Delhi. It has four classrooms for private and small-group instruction, offering a quiet environment for focused study.
Students with a booked class can enjoy a welcoming space, freshly made chai and coffee, and easy access to teachers and coordinators. The centre is open only to students with a booked class; we cannot accommodate walk-ins or general visits.
Who Studies with Us.
Zabaan works with expatriates, diplomats, university students and professors, researchers, professionals, heritage learners, travelers, families, and lifelong language enthusiasts. Some students study for everyday conversation; others need a language for fieldwork, literature, examinations, professional use, relocation, or long-term cultural engagement.
Which Language Will You Learn Next?
Explore our languages or meet the people who support your learning.