www.speaksanskrit.org

[arun]

THIS SET OF FAQS WERE CREATED FOR THE FEB 17-18 WORKSHOP AT SSVT, MD. BUT MOST QUESTIONS ARE VALID FOR OTHER SUCH WORKSHOPS TOO

-------------------------

Important announcement dated Feb 13, 2007:

Owing to the overwhelming response to our SSVT workshop on feb 17-18, we have decided to reorganize the class into two groups: Beginners-1 and Beginners-2. The material covered in the two groups will not be markedly different. In the beginners-2 group, we will go at a slightly faster pace. If you have previously attended a workshop or you regularly attend one of the study groups, we recommend you join the beginners-2 group .On Saturday you will be asked to join one of the two groups based on self-assessment. If you are not sure which class to choose, please talk to one of the teachers (Avinash, Naresh, Sowmya or Ramapriyan) at 8:45 am on Saturday.

So eventhough the registration is officially closed , now that we have two batches, if you are interested in registering still, please send me a note to arun(at)speaksanskrit.org or call me at 240-FET-8525 , and registrations will be taken on a one on one basis


--------------------------------------------------------------------
Please use this thread to post your questions and feedback.. I will use this to post some FAQs... here is to start with
--------------------------------------------------------------------

Q0: I know nothing at all of sanskrit . Wil this workshop help ?

A0: Surely yes.. - especially if you know to speak any of the Indian languages . The workshop is very much designed for people like you

-----------

Q00: I have studied Sanskrit in school. Will this workshop help ?

A00: The focus is purely on the spoken aspect and it will be very interactive and fun. Grammar will be learnt through usage and not by actually doing "rAmaH, rAmam, rAmENa,....." ... So you will find this quite different approach from the school-sanskrit and quite useful, especially in starting to be able to speak

------------

Q1: For those who have attended previous workshops , is it useful to attend this one again ?

A1: It depends on how much practice you have been having. It will be the same material that was covered in previous workshops, but as you know language is all about practice and the workshops would offer the best atmosphere for you to be able to practice , brush up your memory, and may be revise (if you have been learning on your own).

Also, see answer to Q3 below


-------

Q2: I have not attended any previous full weekend workshops. But I have been attending bhashavargams (studygroups) regularly. Do I need to attend this workshop ?

A2: Again, see answer to Q1. It would be a good overview of all the material you have been learning in study groups plus, you will get chance for lots of practice . So you are highly encouraged to register

------

Q3 : What are the plans after the workshop ? Will there be any advanced classes for those who attend this one and have been attending study groups ? For those who are totally new to the workshop, will there be a new study group started ?

A3:

a) Yes, there will be a fresh study group started at SSVT for the newbies in this workshop. Study groups at other locations... depends on the audience in each of those and the coordinator

b) For those who feel confident on moving onto the dwitiyasthara (second level), we will be starting a second level bhaashavargaH (study group) at SSVT starting March. details will follow (on the forum)

SO, that gives some reason for those who have been quite regular and can speak quite well, to participate of sit through this workshop... it will be a good opportunity to revise what you know and prepare yourself for the second level workshop

more FAQs later
_________________
nimittamAtram
aruNaH

[arun]

Q4 : Do I need to bring anything for the workshop ? Will I be provided with the study material, notebook, folders etc ?

We will be providing you with print outs of the material you need to use in the workshop. We will not be providing notebooks and pens, and we encourage the participants to take less notes and be more interactive.

--------------------

Q5: I do not have a car . How do I get to the workshop ?

We can help you with rides, if you stay within a few miles from the temple or from the UMd college park campus. If you live far off, still do let us know, and we can - if possible- put you in ouch with some one who may be coming from around your region or, pick you up from the Greenbelt Metro Station

In general, for ride requests, email info(at)speaksanskrit.org or mention that you need a ride - with info on from where, your contact details etc - in the comments column when you register

----------------------------

Q6: Do I need to know Devanagiri script ? What if I do not have any background of any Indian language ?

Knowledge od Devanagiri may be helpful, especially in reading the handouts, but is not a requirement because the emphasis is on the spoken aspect . Knowledge of atleast one Indian language helps a lot, and if you have absolutely no background, you may find it difficult to pick up everything , but you are welcome to check out the first few sessions

-----------------------------

Q7 : Will there be books available for sale ? Do I need to bring cash ?

There will be books/CDs available for sale. Typical prices

Abhyasapustakam - 6$
prescribed for first level study group

CD set - 60$
see http://www.speaksanskrit.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=241

Pride of India - 50$
see http://www.prideofindia.org

dIkshA pustakam -vol I - 35$
prescribed for second level study group see no: 75 of
http://samskrita-bharati.org/newsite/publications.php#allbooks


dictionary: engl- samskritam - 3$

vyavahaara sahasri - 3$

etc
------------

You can pay in cash, or checks made out to "samskrita-bharati" . Cash may also be handy in buying food from the temple kitchen


----------------------------------------------------------
Q8 : If this is the "first level" workshop (to be followed by first level study group sessions) , what are the higher levels ?

A8 : See http://www.samskrita-bharati.org/classes/SB_Curriculum.pdf

What we will be doing on Feb 17-18 is "level-1 : class" ... and what we will be doing after that will be "level -1: study groups" . For those who have completed these two, and have been regular and are confident, we will mostly start off a "level -2: study group" in March - watch the forum for more info on that
_________________
nimittamAtram
aruNaH

[arun]

Q9: Directions to the venue

A9: Please visit http://www.ssvt.org . Address is

6905 Cipriano Road, Lanham MD-20706; Phone: (301) 552 3335


Q10: About the timing (starting at 9 am on saturday)

We strongly encourage you to be there on time. The first few sessions are very important in terms of the basics, and so please try to attend from the very beginning
_________________
nimittamAtram
aruNaH