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Exploring Hungarian from Folksongs for English Speakers

101

4.4 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Empty star
Based on 17 ratings
see reviews
Judith Varga

In this course I am going to share two of my passions – Hungarian language and singing. The singing is optional – but by singing the words you will find it sticks better.

An easy, fun introduction to the Hungarian Language.

  • Learn to read Hungarian words aloud
  • Learn to sing a simple Hungarian song
  • Learn how to count to 10
  • Form simple plurals

Learn to speak Hungarian by singing.

Read more

In this course I am going to share two of my passions – Hungarian language and singing. The singing is optional – but by singing the words you will find it sticks better.

An easy, fun introduction to the Hungarian Language.

  • Learn to read Hungarian words aloud
  • Learn to sing a simple Hungarian song
  • Learn how to count to 10
  • Form simple plurals

Learn to speak Hungarian by singing.

I decided on this approach to learning Hungarian as I struggled with keeping up spoken Hungarian in an English speaking environment. I remembered my Hungarian family who would sing for hours and realized it is a great way to practice the language.

This course will introduce you to the Hungarian alphabet. We start first with the consonants which stress out English speakers (those combined letters like “sz” or “ty”). Using that knowledge, we will try the words of a simple Hungarian folksong.

You will find that much of Hungarian pronunciation is predictable and easy as we try to read the song lyrics. I will help you with the words – and tell you what they mean. Then I will sing them to you. I encourage you to sing along at home.

Then we will explore some vocabulary and grammar suggest by the song. In this case counting and plurals. And yes, there is a 102 planned.

You should finish the course with a sense of achievement and a new song to sing.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • explain what a digraph is
  • Give examples of digraphs in english and hungarian
  • Correctly pronounce hungarian digraphs
  • Read aloud the words to kilenc kis gólya
  • Optionally sing the folksong kilenc kis gólya
  • Count from 1 to 10 in hungarian
  • Form plurals for regular nouns in hungarian
  • Explain the idea of “vowel harmony”

Syllabus

Song 1: Kilenc Kis Gólya

An introduction to the tutor (me) and why I decided on this form of language learning - and a brief overview of what will be covered in the course.

Read more

An introduction to the Hungarian alphabet and its differences to the English alphabet ie the use of digraphs, difference in consonant pronunciation, and that it has 14 vowels. Also the idea of short and , and front and back, vowels will be covered.

Check approximate sound of Hungarian consonants with nearest English equivalent

How to read Hungarian words aloud. This builds on the alphabet lesson and adds how to break words into syllables and where to put the stress. Examples are of Hungarians words common in English – and often mispronounced.

The chorus of the song will be picked apart syllable at a time. The meaning of words and phrases will be explained and a rough idea of the tune will be offered. The words will also be read aloud by native Hungarian speakers.

You will further extend their knowledge of consonants and digraphs to pronounce the song verse. And you will also be introduced to the "lj" rule. Along with the pronunciation of the text you will also be told its meaning and tune.

Start with just the music and then native Hungarian pronunciation then follow along and sing "Kilenc Kis Gólya" a cappella.

The numbers 1-10 in Hungarian will be introduced. Then various collections of items will be counted. After the first few, a short pause will give you a chance to count them for yourself before I do.

Counting objects in Hungarian

Hear how Hungarian vowels should sound. Learn the difference between long and short vowels and front and back vowels.

How to use an English language keyboard to type Hungarian vowels such as ó, ö, ő.

Check your understanding of whether a vowel is a long or short and front or back.

You will be introduced to regular plurals for nouns - and made aware of some exceptions. As part of plural formation, we will use vowel harmony.

A chance to try out by yourself what you have just learnt. (Answers provided)

Looking at some of the exceptions to the standard rules for forming plurals for nouns. Then practice forming plurals.

Refine our practice with one of the many other verses available. This verse also introduces double vowels.

Guided practice, making plurals of all the nouns in the song, before the quiz.

Students will add the appropriate suffix to the phrases.

A summary of what we have covered plus hearing native speakers singing the song - at full speed.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Uses a memorable and engaging method, which is learning through folksongs, to introduce the Hungarian language, making it easier to remember words and phrases
Focuses on pronunciation early on, which is crucial for language acquisition, especially with Hungarian's unique sounds and digraphs
Covers essential elements such as the alphabet, pronunciation, basic grammar (plurals), and counting, providing a solid foundation for beginners
Explores vowel harmony, which is a key feature of Hungarian grammar, helping learners understand the nuances of the language
Requires learners to have access to an English language keyboard to type Hungarian vowels, which may require some setup for those unfamiliar with it

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Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
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Reviews summary

Hungarian intro through folksongs

According to learners, this course offers a positive and unique approach to learning basic Hungarian by using folksongs. Students appreciated the instructor's enthusiasm and the focus on pronunciation and the Hungarian alphabet. While the scope is introductory, covering numbers and simple plurals, many found it a fun and engaging way to start. Some noted it's very basic and may require further study, but overall it's seen as a great first step. The singing component is highlighted as a memorable method, though some found it optional but helpful for retention.
Embrace or skip the singing parts.
"I wasn't sure about the singing at first, but it surprisingly helped with retention and made it fun."
"It's good that you can just read along if singing isn't your thing; the core content is still valuable."
"Joining in the singing practice made it more fun and helped me pronounce words better."
Good first step, but limited depth.
"This is definitely a 101 course, just scratches the surface of the language."
"I learned the alphabet, counting, and plurals - a good start, but I'll need more courses."
"Don't expect fluency, but it's a solid foundation for absolute beginners who know zero Hungarian."
Introduces fundamental grammar rules.
"Understanding how plurals work and the idea of vowel harmony was interesting and well explained."
"They explain the basic grammar linked to the song lyrics clearly."
"The exercises for plurals were useful practice to solidify the concepts."
Instructor's enthusiasm is infectious.
"The instructor's love for the language and singing really shines through in the lessons."
"Her personal story about learning Hungarian was very relatable and encouraging."
"She makes the lessons feel friendly and makes you want to learn."
Helps tackle challenging Hungarian sounds.
"They really break down the scary-looking Hungarian letters like 'sz' and 'ty' effectively."
"Understanding vowel harmony and long vs short vowels was very helpful for correct sounds."
"I feel much more confident reading Hungarian words out loud now after practicing here."
Unique and memorable learning approach.
"Learning through folksongs was a really unique and enjoyable way to approach Hungarian."
"I found singing the words helped them stick in my memory better than just rote memorization."
"The idea of using a song to introduce the language is creative and makes it less intimidating."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Exploring Hungarian from Folksongs for English Speakers: 101 with these activities:
Review Basic Phonetics
Reviewing basic phonetics will help you better understand the sounds of Hungarian and how they differ from English.
Browse courses on phonetics
Show steps
  • Study the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) chart.
  • Practice pronouncing different sounds using online resources.
  • Compare and contrast English and Hungarian sounds.
Read 'Colloquial Hungarian: The Complete Course for Beginners'
Reading a beginner's Hungarian textbook will provide a broader understanding of the language's structure and vocabulary.
View Colloquial Hungarian (Colloquial Series) on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the introductory chapters on pronunciation and basic grammar.
  • Complete the exercises in each chapter to reinforce learning.
  • Focus on sections related to pronunciation and basic vocabulary.
Create a Pronunciation Guide
Creating a pronunciation guide will reinforce your understanding of Hungarian digraphs and vowel sounds.
Show steps
  • List all Hungarian digraphs and their pronunciations.
  • Record yourself pronouncing each digraph.
  • Include examples of words using each digraph.
  • Share your guide with other learners for feedback.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Practice Counting in Hungarian
Practicing counting will help you memorize the numbers and improve your pronunciation.
Show steps
  • Write out the numbers 1-10 in Hungarian.
  • Say the numbers aloud repeatedly.
  • Use the numbers in simple sentences.
Explore 'Hungarian Folktales: The Art of Zsuzsanna Palkó'
Reading Hungarian folktales will provide cultural context and expose you to more complex language structures.
View Putting Knowledge to Work on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read a folktale in Hungarian.
  • Look up unfamiliar words and phrases.
  • Summarize the story in your own words.
Translate a Verse of Another Hungarian Folksong
Translating a verse will test your understanding of Hungarian vocabulary, grammar, and cultural nuances.
Show steps
  • Find a Hungarian folksong with lyrics available online.
  • Choose a verse to translate.
  • Translate the verse word-by-word, then refine for clarity.
  • Compare your translation with existing translations, if available.
Help Others with Pronunciation
Helping others will solidify your own understanding of Hungarian pronunciation and grammar.
Show steps
  • Join online language learning forums or groups.
  • Answer questions about Hungarian pronunciation and grammar.
  • Provide feedback on other learners' pronunciation attempts.

Career center

Learners who complete Exploring Hungarian from Folksongs for English Speakers: 101 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Language Tutor
A language tutor guides students in learning a new language, which can be achieved through engaging methods such as singing. This course introduces the Hungarian language through folksongs, a strategy that helps learners remember vocabulary and pronunciation. This innovative approach, using music and song, builds a foundation for anyone who wants to teach language effectively, as it can make the learning process more enjoyable and memorable. This course may be useful to someone who wants to become a language tutor with unique methodologies.
See salaries and explore the career path for Language Tutor
Bilingual Education Teacher
Bilingual education teachers must have a strong grasp of language acquisition and effective pedagogical strategies. Since this course presents Hungarian through folksongs, it offers an introduction to language learning via multisensory methods, which are engaging. This course may be useful for an individual seeking to make language learning more fun and memorable. Understanding how learners can utilize songs to pick up vocabulary may also inform teaching, especially for bilingual educators who may rely on music to teach language to children.
See salaries and explore the career path for Bilingual Education Teacher
Music Teacher
Music teachers often incorporate language into musical instruction, particularly when teaching songs from different cultures. This course, which teaches Hungarian through folk songs, may provide music teachers with a unique perspective on language integration in music education. By learning to use songs as a language tool, music teachers can enhance the learning experience for their students and deepen appreciation for diverse musical traditions. The course's emphasis on pronunciation and vocabulary in songs will be helpful to a music teacher. This course may be useful to those who wish to teach music.
See salaries and explore the career path for Music Teacher
Linguistics Researcher
Linguistics researchers investigate the structure, history, and social context of languages. This course on Hungarian pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar, through the use of songs, may offer valuable insight into language acquisition and phonetic patterns, which can be the basis for research. This course may be useful for researchers who seek to explore innovative teaching methods or ways language learners retain information. The course's focus on vowel harmony, plurals, and digraphs may also be useful in research.
See salaries and explore the career path for Linguistics Researcher
Translator
Translators must have an excellent understanding of both the source and target languages. While this course provides a basic introduction to Hungarian, it helps build a foundation in reading, pronunciation, and basic grammar, which are core competencies for translators. Learning a language like Hungarian through songs may help translators understand the nuances of the language and its culture. This course may be useful to those seeking a better grasp of the fundamentals of Hungarian. Translators of all kinds may benefit from courses such as this, which may provide insight into how language is preserved through singing and other art forms.
See salaries and explore the career path for Translator
Cultural Exchange Program Coordinator
A cultural exchange program coordinator organizes and manages programs that promote understanding between cultures. This course, which introduces Hungarian through folk songs, may help coordinators who want to connect with Hungarian culture. The course’s use of songs as a way to learn language and culture provides a framework for designing culturally immersive experiences. This course may be useful to professionals seeking to enhance intercultural experiences and promote global citizenship. The language and cultural insights gained from this course may be helpful in the coordination and implementation of such programs.
See salaries and explore the career path for Cultural Exchange Program Coordinator
International Tour Guide
An international tour guide leads tourists on trips, often to foreign countries, and provides information about the local language, customs, and culture. This course, which teaches some of the basics of the Hungarian language, may provide a starting point for an individual interested in guiding tours to Hungary. The course's focus on the pronunciation and grammar of Hungarian could help tour guides communicate with locals and provide a more immersive experience for tourists. The cultural context of Hungarian folksongs will help a tour guide better understand local customs and traditions. This course may be useful to individuals seeking to guide tours to Hungary.
See salaries and explore the career path for International Tour Guide
Elementary School Teacher
An elementary school teacher guides young children in their education. This course, which has a focus on introducing a language through singing, offers insights into how to make learning fun and memorable for children. This course may be useful for somebody seeking to make language education more engaging. Teachers can use the course's approach to introduce languages, including English, as well as other subjects to children by using songs.
See salaries and explore the career path for Elementary School Teacher
ESL Teacher
An English as a Second Language teacher instructs non-native English speakers in the English language. This course, which introduces the Hungarian language through engaging methods, could offer an ESL teacher valuable insights into the challenges and novel techniques that language learners may find helpful. Experiencing language acquisition firsthand may make an ESL teacher a more effective instructor. This course may be useful for those looking to become an ESL teacher.
See salaries and explore the career path for ESL Teacher
Travel Writer
A travel writer explores different regions, often abroad, and shares their findings with readers through words and pictures. This course in the Hungarian language may offer travel writers a foundation to explore Hungary and its culture. By learning about Hungarian through the lens of folksongs, a travel writer can gain insights into the culture that will help them craft more compelling stories. This course may be useful for someone who has a passion for travel and writing.
See salaries and explore the career path for Travel Writer
Multicultural Program Director
A multicultural program director develops and manages programs that promote diversity and inclusion. This course, which teaches the Hungarian language through folksongs, offers an introduction to Hungarian culture. This course may provide insights into language acquisition and cultural heritage, which can help a director make programs more impactful. This course may be useful for somebody who wants to promote multiculturalism and understanding. The course’s focus on the sounds and rhythms of language provides invaluable insight into culture.
See salaries and explore the career path for Multicultural Program Director
Vocal Coach
Vocal coaches instruct individuals on proper singing techniques for performance. This course, which uses folksongs to help learners pick up a new language, may offer insights to vocal coaches on how to make learning the skill of singing fun and memorable, as well as how to pronounce words in different languages. This course may be useful to vocal coaches who want to develop fresh ideas on how to teach singing through fun and engaging activities. The emphasis on pronunciation and rhythm may also inform vocal coaching.
See salaries and explore the career path for Vocal Coach
Foreign Language Correspondent
A foreign language correspondent, often with a master's degree, typically reports from a given country, and requires a working knowledge of language. This course introduces the fundamentals of the Hungarian language through folksongs. This course may be useful for those who will be reporting on Hungary and want to begin learning Hungarian. The course teaches basic grammar and vocabulary and may help inform cultural understanding.
See salaries and explore the career path for Foreign Language Correspondent
Content Creator
Content creators produce a wide variety of content designed for online dissemination. This course, which teaches the Hungarian language through the novel method of folk songs, may provide a content creator with a novel topic to explore. By documenting the experience of learning through song, a content creator can gain an engaged audience. This course may be useful for individuals seeking to create novel educational content.
See salaries and explore the career path for Content Creator
Speech-Language Pathologist
Speech language pathologists, who typically possess a master's degree, diagnose and treat communication and swallowing disorders. This course, which focuses on the pronunciation of Hungarian words and sounds, may offer valuable insights into phonetics. This course may be useful to those in the study of speech, as it provides unique insight into the sounds and structure of a language, explored through the medium of music. This course's work on vowel harmony and digraphs may also be helpful in the study of speech.
See salaries and explore the career path for Speech-Language Pathologist

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Exploring Hungarian from Folksongs for English Speakers: 101.
Cover image
Colloquial Hungarian
Save
Provides a comprehensive introduction to the Hungarian language, covering pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary. It is particularly useful for beginners as it offers clear explanations and practical exercises. While not focused on folksongs, it provides a solid foundation for understanding the language structure. It can be used as a reference text throughout the course.
Colloquial Hungarian (Colloquial Series)
Paperback
$$$
Colloquial Hungarian: The Complete Course for...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Putting Knowledge to Work
Save
Presents a collection of Hungarian folktales, offering cultural context and linguistic insights. While not directly focused on language learning, it provides exposure to authentic Hungarian stories and traditions. It is more valuable as additional reading to enhance cultural understanding. The illustrations add another layer of appreciation for Hungarian art and storytelling.
Putting Knowledge to Work
Paperback
Check
Putting Knowledge to Work
Kindle Edition
Check

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Rating
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Effort
1 total hour
Via
Udemy
Instructor
Judith Varga
Language
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Uses a memorable and engaging method, which is learning through folksongs, to introduce the Hungarian language, making it easier to remember words and phrases
Focuses on pronunciation early on, which is crucial for language acquisition, especially with Hungarian's unique sounds and digraphs
Covers essential elements such as the alphabet, pronunciation, basic grammar (plurals), and counting, providing a solid foundation for beginners
Explores vowel harmony, which is a key feature of Hungarian grammar, helping learners understand the nuances of the language
Requires learners to have access to an English language keyboard to type Hungarian vowels, which may require some setup for those unfamiliar with it
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