The HLI Approach

Hoosier Language Initiative's research-informed, task-based curriculum promotes practical, meaningful language learning through real-world communication. From your very first class, you'll use language to solve everyday tasks and connect with classmates and the broader community.

Rather than organizing language around textbook chapters, HLI organizes learning around the ways we use language in everyday life.

Our Curriculum

HLI's curriculum is offered through our Core Domain Certificates.

Each four-week certificate focuses on a real-world domain of communication and helps learners build skills they can use immediately in the community.

Learners revisit the same communication domains across proficiency levels. As their language skills develop, so does the complexity of the conversations they can have and the tasks they can accomplish. This approach supports long-term growth while maintaining a clear and coherent learning pathway.

Because each certificate focuses on a different communication domain, certificates within a proficiency level may be completed in any order. Each certificate is self-contained and designed around meaningful communication rather than a sequence of grammar topics.

Core Domains

Identity & Self-Expression
Relationships & Important People
Daily Life & Routines
Needs, Feelings, & Well-Being
Food, Shopping, and Decision-Making
Space, Navigation, & Community Interaction
Recreation, Creativity, & Shared Activities
Travel, Culture, & Exploration

These same eight domains are revisited at each proficiency level, allowing learners to build confidence while expanding the breadth and complexity of the language they use.

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Current Offerings

HLI currently offers certificates for two learner groups:

Ages 8–13
Ages 14+

Whenever possible, we aim to offer the same certificate for both groups simultaneously, to allow families and friends to learn within the same communication domain and practice together at home and in the community.

Ages

Languages

HLI currently offers certificates in the following languages:

Spanish

Coming Soon

In addition to our Core Domain Certificates, HLI is developing Applied Language Certificates designed around specific communication needs and interests.

Examples include:

Spanish for Travel
Spanish for Healthcare
Spanish for Business
Spanish for Education
Spanish for Community Engagement

These certificates will allow learners to apply their language skills in professional and personal contexts while continuing to build confidence through meaningful communication.

Customized Programming

Looking for something different?

HLI also offers customized language programming for businesses, schools, community organizations, and other groups.

Whether you're interested in workplace language training, conversation groups, professional development, or a specialized language certificate, we'd love to work with you to design a program that meets your needs.