Frequently Asked Questions

Q0: I know nothing at all of sanskrit. Will 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 ?

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 bhashavargas (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: Depending on the interest and resources available, we may start a new study group.

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

Knowledge of Devanagari 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.

Q6: I do not have a car . How do I get to the workshop ?

We will try to co-ordinate among the participants and provide rides to the venue. 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

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

There will be books/CDs available for sale. The recommended book for the first study group is "Abhyasapustakam" ($7). For more details on available publications: Publications page.

You can pay in cash, or checks made out to "Samskrita Bharati". Depending on the lunch arrangements, you may need cash to pay for your lunch.

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

Samskrita-Bharati has a five step curriculum from simple sentences to understanding shlokas from the Bhagavadgita. Speak to one of the organizers to learn more.

If you have any other questions, please email info[AT]speaksanskrit[DOT]org.