Photo courtesy of Jimmy Pollard
Name: Jimmy Pollard
Major: South Asian Languages and Cultures
Expected to graduate: Spring 2026
Hometown: Coeur d’alene, Idaho
What language did you receive a Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) fellowship to study?
I received a FLAS fellowship for Intermediate Urdu from the UW South Asia Center.
What cultivated your interest in this specific language and region?
My interest in Urdu grew from a deep admiration for its poetic tradition, where language, sound, and spirituality intertwine. Urdu poetry often serves as both literary art and a form of Sufi devotional expression, and the music that accompanies it further amplifies its emotional and spiritual resonance. Together, they inspired me to study the language more seriously and engage with the cultural and philosophical worlds it opens.
How has FLAS supported your personal or professional goals?
Thanks to the FLAS fellowship, I was able to dedicate my summer to intensive language study, which significantly accelerated my learning. The additional coursework allowed me to advance to higher-level Urdu classes sooner and ultimately positioned me to graduate an entire year earlier. More importantly, it strengthened my foundation for future academic research focused on South Asian literature and Islamic thought.
What was your favorite memory or most meaningful moment during your FLAS experience?
One of my most meaningful moments came during the final assessment of the program, when I realized it was the same test we had taken at the beginning of the quarter. Seeing how much more I could understand and express in Urdu compared to the start was both validating and deeply motivating. It was a tangible reminder of how much progress consistent immersion and effort can bring.
How has learning a less commonly taught language changed your worldview or academic path?
Learning Urdu has profoundly expanded my worldview. It has given me access to histories, stories, and devotional traditions that exist primarily through oral transmission. Engaging with these forms of knowledge has reshaped how I understand cultural memory and spirituality, and it continues to guide both my academic path and personal sense of connection to the broader South Asian world.
