Learn more about the Yale Hindi Debate.
The Yale Hindi Debate sets the stage for intellectual discourse – for thoughtful people to ponder over important issues, form an opinion, craft an argument around that opinion, and then deliver that argument to convince an audience, while engaging with their peers. It is thus more a platform for the showcasing of ideas than a test of linguistic prowess.
The debate seeks also to encourage the study of the Hindi language, and to foster it by creating an atmosphere conducive to speaking, writing, thinking in, and listening to Hindi. Again, the debate is not a test of one’s fluency in Hindi. Instead, it is a celebration of the Hindi language, and a testament to the role of language in the mingling of cultures.
If one were to witness the Yale Hindi Debate on campus, one might call it a social event – and one wouldn’t be wrong. Students and faculty from the top universities across the US arrive at the Yale campus, and interact with each other and with Yalies on and off stage – celebrating shared passions and discovering new ones. Further, our student hosts help participants experience, firsthand and in unique ways, the wonderful world that is Yale.
IDEAS
PEOPLE
LANGUAGE
Philosophy
The motion for the debate is determined after much deliberation, and through a democratic vote, collectively by faculty, board members, and participants.
On the day of the event, each speaker presents their own speech, which they have prepared in advance. The speaker is allowed to consult notes, and even resort to casual, conversational Hindi. The speaker speaks uninterrupted for 3 minutes. Finally, after the speaker finishes their speech, an audience member asks the speaker one question based on the speaker’s speech.
For the purposes of judging, there will be four distinct categories of speakers, and each speaker will compete only within their category.
Category 1: Non-Native Non-Heritage Undergraduate & Graduate Speakers
Category 2: Non-Native & Heritage Undergraduate & Graduate Speakers
Category 3: Native Undergraduate and Graduate Speakers
