Intermediate Punjabi, AIIS Chandigarh (India), 2010

Graduate of University of Pennsylvania, Class of 2010; currently applying to Ph.D programs in South Asian Studies

Through family and the website

In participating in the CLS Program, I sought to finish what I had started years ago in my first Punjabi class. I had since learned other languages and cultures, enjoying each of them, but I had regretted leaving Punjabi behind, thus leaving behind a culture and a people that I had always wanted to understand deeply.

I am currently applying to Ph.D programs in South Asian Studies. I plan to focus my research on the representation of minority and marginalized groups in India, particularly Africans and African-Indians, through film, television, and theater. My experience in Punjab is what inspired my interest in this area of study, and I plan to use the target language to further explore what I saw of the media representations there.

My main speaking practice is with other students from my CLS group and with my former Punjabi professor at the University of Pennsylvania. However, in Philadelphia, there are many opportunities to listen and understand the spoken language every day. My usual writing practice comes from writing correspondence with my former CLS Punjabi professors, but the Gurmukhi script is not normally used. I also like to use media such as music and film to stay in touch with the language.

I anticipate using my target language for my research in graduate school.

Yes! I was not even remotely considering a Ph.D – or even an MA, really – before participating in the CLS Punjabi program! Participation in CLS changed my entire perspective on India and inspired my future academic pursuits. I made many unanticipated connections with my undergraduate studies (I was an Italian major focusing on African immigration in Italy), and, in my search to find out where I would fit in Indian society, I discovered an unexpected, strong African presence; I was given an uncommon lens through which to view and understand Indian society and culture, as well as my place in it.

The people. I came to India feeling very much like an outsider; I left feeling like I have family waiting for me when I return.

I once accidentally ate an entire pepper at dinner one night, mistakenly believing it to be a green bean on the salad. I survived, but I never lived it down.

“Hai naa?” – I’m not actually sure how to write it, but it has made itself a place even in my English vocabulary; it just kind of slips out. Saying “hai naa?” at the end of a sentence is like saying “right?”

Born and raised in Philadelphia. My mom is a flight attendant, my dad is a retired police officer, and my brother is a DJ. Aside from languages and cultures, I am dedicated to theater, dance, travelling, and tea.

Explore, explore, explore! The city, the region, the country! If you are in Chandigarh, don’t forget to spend time other parts of Punjab for a more well-rounded immersion experience – Amritsar is a must! And for anyone going to India – it is an entirely different world. Please keep an open mind to that, and don’t be afraid to explore how different people and groups live, even though it may be outside of your comfort zone and far different from your own living conditions in India. You will meet so many beautiful and amazing people – don’t limit yourself if you don’t have to, but do be safe about it.

Also, negotiate! Always negotiate! Keep in mind that different tactics work for different people – you may get results with one rickshaw-wallah or shopkeeper by being hard-nosed, but may have to be a little more charming with another.

And nimbu paani heals everything. Everything.