The purpose of this text is to teach the beginning student to use the Oriya writing system, used principally by some 14 million Indians who live along the coast of the Bay of Bengal. The 16 lessons are designed to enable the student to progress at his own speed and to keep a constant check on his control of the material covered. It is suggested that work be started soon after the beginning of study of Oriya and continued along with intensive conversational work. The programed material focuses on the student's mastery of five fundamental groups of letters classified as Spikes, Hooks, Hoops, Handles, and Hatracks. The distinctions between transcription and orthography are clarified, and exercises are included in each lesson. For the companion documents see FL 002 543, FL 002 544, FL 002 545, FL 002 546, FL 002 547, FL 002 548, and FL 002 549. (RL)