Nepali language & culture with Dr. Hom Acharya
Learn Nepali for the conversations, work, and places that matter to you.
Personalized instruction from a Cornell University faculty member with over 27 years of teaching experience, from first letters to advanced reading, media, and cultural analysis.
Teaching Nepali since 1997 · Cornell University · Beginner through advanced · Online & in person instructor
Dr. Hom Acharya
Associate Teaching Professor, Nepali Program at Cornell University
भाषा हो सभ्यता हाम्रो सारा उदय उन्नति। जित वैभव भाषामै रहन्छन् पछिसम्म यी।।
— बालकृष्ण सम
Start where you are. Build toward real use.
Course levels move from script and sound into everyday conversation, reading, writing, authentic media, literature, and deeper cultural analysis.
Beginner
Script, phonetics, Baahrakhari, early blending, and half letters.
Elementary
Greetings, introductions, daily routines, food, family, travel, festivals, and practical conversation.
Intermediate
Reading comprehension, vocabulary growth, media literacy, and structured verbal and written responses.
Advanced
Long-form texts, literature, native media, films, analytical writing, and deep cultural themes.
Who this is for
Children and K–12 students, college students and adults, researchers and professionals, diplomats, travelers, trekkers, and learners preparing to live or work in Nepal.
A teacher first, with more than 27 years in Nepali language education.
Dr. Hom Acharya has taught Nepali to native and non-native speakers since 1997 in Nepal, Japan, and the United States. He currently serves as a full-time faculty member at Cornell University, where he teaches Nepali language and culture.
His students have included children, college and graduate students, researchers, Fulbright scholars, FLAS Fellows, and professionals. Lessons are adapted to proficiency, goals, pace, and context rather than forcing every learner through the same sequence.
Education & recognition
Ed.D., Educational Leadership
Oklahoma State University
M.S., Shimane University
Japan
M.Ed., Tribhuvan University
Nepal
Recognition includes the Government of Japan’s Monbukagakusho Scholarship and Nepal’s Mahendra Bidhya Bhushan Gold Medal.
Learn the language in the context of real life in Nepal.
Lessons connect speaking, listening, reading, and writing with the culture that gives the language meaning: traditions, festivals, food, music, literature, news, films, and contemporary life.
Personalized
Goals, pace, proficiency, and learning style shape each course.
Practical
Conversation, role-play, guided reading, authentic materials, and purposeful homework turn knowledge into use.
Connected to culture
Folk songs, films, news articles, festival videos, literary excerpts, and virtual tours bring contemporary Nepal into the lesson.
Tell Dr. Acharya what you want to do with Nepali.
Share your level, goals, and schedule. Instruction can be tailored for study, research, professional work, travel, or personal learning.