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    Farsi Language Instruction

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    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as DOC, PDF or read online from Scribd
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    1 views18 pages

    Farsi Booklet

    Uploaded by

    Elicits
    Farsi Language Instruction

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as DOC, PDF or read online from Scribd
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    of 18
    Eire) told e ele Cae UNE PIMSLEUR? LANGUAGE PROGRAMS FARSI SUPPLEMENTAL READING BOOKLET KING COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM —_— TABLE OF CONTENTS ——ROISCONTENTS 2 5 Acknowledgments o.oo... cc... 2 ‘The Farsi Language Geography / Climate . History 2.2.2... Notable Persian Poets Persian Grammar. Gestures Social Issues 5 ‘At Someone’s Home . Social Customs... Food and Beverages Work / Holidays 2.0.0... 2... ‘Shopping / Stores / Transportation ‘The Farsi Script .. The Farsi Language Farsi, or Persian, has a rich history. One of the world’s oldest languages, it has been traced as far back as the 6th century B.C. Today it is the most widely spoken of the Iranian branch of the Indo- Iranian languages, a subfamily of the Indo- European group of languages. The contemporary form is called New Persian, or Modern Persian, to distinguish it from Old Persian (the language of the Great Persian Empire, spoken during the 6th - 4th or 3rd centuries B.C.) and from Middle Persian (3rd or 2nd century B.C. - 7th century A.D.). Since the 10th or 11th century it has changed very little, ‘The name “Farsi” comes from “Pars” or “Fars,” the name of the area that the Persians first settled. Today, both terms — “Farsi” and “Persian” are used interchangeably. Persian is the official language of Iran (formerly Persia), where it is spoken by over fifty million people. It is the first language of more than half of Iran's population and is spoken as a second language by most of the rest. (The remainder, members of various ethnic groups, speak Turkic, Kurdish, Luri, or Arabic.) Significant populations of Farsi speakers can also be found in other Persian Farsi ‘The Farsi Language (continued) Golf countries (Bahrain, Inq. Oman, People's Democratic Republic of Yemen, and the United ‘Arab Emirates), as well asin commonites inthe US.A. and in Europe. Its spoken in an archaic form in Tajikistan. In ation, thee are over seven millon Dari Persian speakers in Afghanistan (25 percent of the population) and about two milion Dan Persian speakers in Pakistan Dari Persian isa variant of Fars. Iti consi eed more archaic, or “puree” than modern Persian. “This form has survived in Afghanistan Because of the forbidding moustain ranges and. other ‘evgraphical features that have contributed tothe Iolation ofthat country. Other variants or dialects ‘of Farsi include ilaki and Mazandarani (in ‘omer Iran) ad Baluchi (in the southeast) ‘Modem Fars, as itis spoken in the major cies in tran, has been influenced by other languages, primarily Arabic, but also French. The words for "thank you” provide an example ofthis: You can sty merc, which comes from French: this will be tinderstood in Tehran and othe major cities in ka, (Or you can say moroshakkeram, which has an Farsi ‘The Farsi Language (continued) “Abie rot with the Pesan personal ending am, this word wil he undertod throughout most ofthe Farsspeaking woe. In addition, thee isa porely Persian word, sepaasgozaaram, which has a stronger meaning, something lke “I am grateful” fd is used much less frequently As one of the Indo-European languages, Faris distaty related 19 Latin, Greek, the Slavic and ‘Teutonic languages, and English.” While there are not many cognates, a numberof Persian words have ‘tered the English language. Some examples ar: ‘Shawl, pajama, tafe, khaki, kiosk, diva, Tila, jasmine, julep, caravan, bazaar, checkmate, ervish, sash, turquoise, tiara, orange, lemon, melo, peach, spinach, and asparagus. Note tht many of these words pertain to trade, or tems of, trade, with some dating back othe era of Dari the Great and the trade routes that extended throughout the Persian empire Farsi ‘Geography 7 Climate Tran i lightly larger than Alaska, Most of the county is a plateau, about for thousand feet above ‘a level, enclosed by two major mountain chains, the Zagios and the Albore. Mount Damavand, it the Albor, isthe fifth highest summit in the word ran also has two larg dese, but no major rivers. i does, however, border on two bodies of water: the Caspian Seat the noth, nd the Persian Gulf to the south. Ie aso Ties between Iraq and Turkey 10 the wes) and Afghanistan and Pakistan (10 the ast); ain, t shares borders witha number of countries from the former Soviet Union. The apt of Iran is Tehran; sof the July 2000 census, the populaion of Iran was approximately 655 milion Iran's climate is variable, In the west and northwest, winter can be cold, with significant Snow. Spring and fll are pleasant and mild, while summer i generally very hot and dry throughout ‘ost of the county History “The name “Persia” comes from “Pes” the Greek name for the epion. The ealest known setlers were the Elamits, around 3000 B.C. About two thousand years ltr, the tribes of Medes and Persians arived, migrating from an area just north of the Caspian Sea. The Medes created the first statin about 70 B.C. which the Persian, lad by Cyrus the Great, overthrew in 550 B.C. “Through series of conquests, Cyrus expanded the Persian Empire to inclode an area that extended from North Africa and southeastern Europe inthe ‘wes to nian the east, and from the Gulf of Oman {nthe south othe Caucasus Mounsis inthe north, (Cyrus wat followed by Darius the Great, who built ‘ads (nclding the royal oad, which extended for fiheen hundred miles) ports, Banking houses, ii- ‘ation systems, a canal linking the Nieto the Red Sea (the precursor of the Suez Canal), and the palace at Persepolis. The Persians proved to be enevolent rulers and able administrators; they ‘were the dominant world power for two centres, tutl 334 B.C. and the invasion of Alexander the Great Fars History (continued) “Then, fom 247-224 AD, the Parthians (a iba kingdom from norteasem Tran) took power. Despite numerous battles with the Romans, the Panhins ruled Iran until the seventh century, when the Arabs conquered the area and introduced Islam. However, fom the early 800s until the early 1200s ‘Amb control. diminished and Persian culture increasingly flourished, culminating inthe Golden ‘Age of Persian iterate. This period was brought to a sudden end in 1220, when Genghis Khan tacked, razing. almost every major city and slaughtering millions. Alter centuries of foreign or fragmented rule, the Persians regained power in 1501, when the Safavid Dynasty established tbe first national government, headed by a shah (or shahanshah, meaning “king of kings"). Next came the Qajar Dynasty, then. the Pablavi Dynasty. Te was during the reign of the Pablavis that, in 1935, the name was changed to “Iran” or “land of the a "At the oventrow of Shah Mohammed Reza Pains in 1979, rm became a Islamic Republi ithe fooght an eigheyear war with fag (1980 1988)_In 198, 8 pat ofthe Islamic Revelation, the US, embassy in Tabran was seined and its ‘eronne held hostage for 444 days, causing the United States to wver diplomatic ration. As of carly 2002 they have nt been resumed, although {tive to an allowed Despite political disagreements, Iranians remain hospitable to foreigners, including Westemers. Before the Islamic Revolution, many Iranians were educated in the West, and — despite religious ‘opposition — many also support a more open society and greater integration with the world ‘community a Farsi Notable Persian Poets rom the eleventh century trough the thineenth ‘or fourteenth centres, Persian was the language of felt and literature throughout the non-Arab Islamic ‘world. is most esteemed poets are Fendowsi, Omar Khayyam, Rumi, Saad, and Hafiz. * Ferdowst (940-1020 A.D) is Iran's rational poet. He is best known for his pic, the ‘Shahnaheh, of The Book of the Kings, a classic ‘that ell eric tals of ancient Persia. It consists of soe ity tows supe a ok thirty yeas to complete. An ardent defender of wei! ey. Foro smd exe ‘Arabic expressions and usages fom his writings "More well Known in the West is Omar Khayyam, some of whose poetry was adapted by Edward FitsGeral and published asthe Rubiyar Bor in the eleventh century, Khayyam was also an outstanding mathematician, scientist, astronomer, tnd philosopher. He used mathematical calcul tions o reform the Persian ealenda, one ofthe most sccuate in the world ad sill sed today ‘Rumi ived during the thinecnth century and is the greatest mystical poet of the Persian Tanguage. Today he is oe ofthe most widely-read poets in America, Farsi Notable Persian Poets (continued) = Along with Romi, Sandi another thi teenthcentury poet, i a the heart of the Golden ‘Age of Persia erature. Saadi was a great pane fytist and Iyicist and remain the master of love poet "Two major works are The Bustan and The Cais ‘The Golden Age culminate in the four teenth century with Hafiz the greatest Irie poet of the Persian language. His most famous works ar in ‘collection entitled Divan-e Hef Poetry is exremely important to most Iranians andis, indeed, a central prof ie. Many can recite extensively from the works of Hafiz in paiculr. Love of poetry and love of country are two sgn ‘cant national characteristics that are deeply imterwined, 2 Farst Persian Grammar Persian grammar is not dificult for English speakers: most verbs are regular, 8 are most noun plurals, and nouns have nether gender nor case ‘Word order, however, i diferent fom English, nd ferent word orders can have diferent shades of ‘meaning. So, 00, can inividel words, depending ‘on contest. In many ways, Fast is avery subtle language “The Persian language offers several rogisters for speaking to someone, depending on your social relationship or your lve of intimacy. For example, im this course you've learned Bebathsheen. Engeleesee mesfahmeen? (Excuse me. Do you ‘understand English?”) When in ran, you may also hear: Bebakhsheed or meefahmeed. This -eed ending is more formal, but -en i sll acceptable ‘and polite. Tn addition, when lranians speak to each ‘other instead of shomaa you may hear fo, This is ‘more intimate frm of "You" tha is used among amily and close frends. ‘As you've leamed, in Farsi you don't always have to say "I" or "you" in a sentence. Unlike English, the Farsi verb form changes r0 thatthe Farsi Persian Grammar (continued) ‘ding tells you who s meant. One examples har? rmeczanans (“1 speak") and harf meezancen (Yu speak"). Even when man and shomaa are omitted, the meaning is sill clear. However, in some set Drases these pronouns are not omited. One of ‘them is Haale shomaa chetore? (How are you?”) ‘On the other hand, short replies like Nemeedoonam (CU don't know") and Khoobam, meri ("Tm fine, thanks”) tend to omit “" In addition, saying “T" or "you" t00 often in 8 sentence can sound redundant: if you sy tat al it is usally just once. In general, however, as a second-language speaker you will ot be expected to know ll the subetes of pronoun usage; whether ‘yu drop the pronouns o se them, you wil il be “understood, “ Farsi Gestures 'As you heard in Unit Two, the reply "ao" is sometimes accompanied by a quick upward nod of the head. Conversely tilting it downward can mean “yes” In beckoning someone, Iranians use a gesture similar to that used by Americans — texted hand, with the fingers gearing inward — ‘but the hand is eld withthe palm facing down, not p. ere are some gestures that should be avoided: “+ When you hand somthing to someone, use both ands, rater than just the lft othe right + If you are siting on the Noor (which may ‘cca in some trfitional homes), the soles of the feet should never point at another person + Extending the thumb is considered extremely vulgar + Eyen if married, men and women do not Aisply affection in public. Social Tesues ‘Asan American traveling to Iran, you should be extremely caeflin your contacts with he opposite Sex. For example, inthis trict Muslim county, it highly inappropriate for a man to approach ‘woman in public inorder to begin a conversation with her Likewise, unless in a mixed group iti ‘afer for a man and a woman to avoid going together 10 a restaurant of other public place — although in major cites, this is becoming more ‘sccepable. In any event, itis perfectly appropriate fora woman o dine witha man and his wife, oe his family. In addon, men and women naturally Interact inthe couree oftheir workday in an office, and they may meet socially at someone's home ‘Asking & passerby, whether male or female, for ‘irections or information is also permissible Iran has compulsory education fr al children, beginning at age seven. Boys and girs ae taught in Separate classes, although not-necessrily feparate schools. Because of overcrowding and a teacher shortage, elementary schools often have two shifts, one in the moming, the other in the afteroon. Approximately 74 pereent of all Students go on to high school. The curent adult tracy rate i 73 percent, 6 Farsi — Social Issues (continued) In publi, Iranians ress elaively formally and conservatively. Unless they work for the £0" mment, women in Tehran no longer need to west ‘manteau (lng. coa), but they must wear lose- fiting outer clothing and. cover theit air. Conspicuous make-up should be avoided. In ‘vate gatherings, however, many Iranian women Ares in the highest European fashion. Most men ‘wear westem-syle clothing. Despite some segregation ofthe sexes, Iranian women ate by no means confined the home. You ‘wll ind them working in a varity of professions, in businesses a all levels, and holding public offic. ‘They area vital part ofthe Iranian economy. ‘MSomeone'sHomeSSOS~S ‘As mentioned previously, Ianians are a very hospitable people, and you may well be invited to someone's home. If you ae itis considered polite fist to demu (saying something ike,“ hate to put you to any trouble"), without outright decining ‘Then, after acepting, you should thank the person several times When you arrive, you should bring & “hostess sift” of flowers or candy. In traditional howse- hold, you may be expected to remove your shoes ‘pon entering, although this practice Is rapily declining. Soon after your arival, you will probably he asked what you would like ~ tea, soda, fruit, and so on. I's impolite refuse efeshments without good reason, such as a medical problem ‘or dietary restrictions. The most polite answer is ‘something lik, "Tea, please” or “Tea's fine” Itis preferable to avoid saying, “T want” or “Yd ik,” 4s this reply could be considered. somewhat Toeward, or overly focused on oneself. Ina trad- tional household, you may be served a cup of tea without any inguty at all; again, good manners require that you accept i ‘Asa guest, you should compliment your host hostess generously. Accept compliments gr-cious- Jy in etum by saying "hank you,” 38 you would in the US. However you should avid overcompli- ‘menting an object, sth traditional ost or hostess tay then fel obligated to offer ito you. In any gathering, elderly persons should be treated with espet. When an older or more promi rent person enters of Iaves the room, the eters (if seated) should ise. Farsi Social Customs {Asin the US, ifsomeone asks you how you ae, the standard answer is that you'e fine. Save any information about nor being. well for family or western friends. You should mention poor health ‘only if tis the cause of your missing a mecting or Postponing a social engagement. In ran, proper etiquette is essential — so much $0 that it has a name, cara, meaning “eeremonial Politeness” It consists of somewhat exaggerated ‘ocd manners tha Keep interactions moving along Smoothly. It can be important tot to distinguish tarof from sincerity. For example, if you extrav- ‘gamly admire one of someone's possessions, he or ‘he may oer itto you, even pressing you to accep This best to view hese attempts witha grain of sal, When you hear “Take it — i's your" the speaker may be sincere, of he or she maybe "arof-ng” ‘Asa greeting and asign of affection, Iranians of the same sex may kiss each other onthe cheek when they meet, Nevertheless, the customary greeting is ‘handshake; adding a slight bow of nod shows even more respect. Outside the office, man should ot shake hands with a woman, however unless she Farsi Social Customs (continued) ‘offers i first. Shaking hands with an older child, or ‘young ada, shows respect forthe paren. Besides Shaking hands, you should greet the ether person nd, where appropriate, ask about his of her health land family. One appropristegreting that you have learned is salaam this from Arabic and iterally means “peace” To gret someone respectfully, YoU Should ad the person's forma ile and lastname: ‘Miss / Mes. X (Khaanome X) Mr. X (Aaghaaye X). ‘When parting, you should say "Good-bye™ (Kodaa haafe) ‘When talking with or about a feral rien with whom you are on a firstname ass, the title haanom is optional; for example, you may adress ‘woman whos name i “Fariba” as either “Fariba” ‘or as Fariba Khaanom. ‘The later term is most 'ppropriate with a woman whom you see on a daily bass but whom you don't know well, sch as an fice secretary. Dring the month of Ramadan, devout Muslims {donot eat, drink, or smoke between dawn and dusk In fact, Muslims and non-Muslims alike are Farsi Social Customs (continued) [rohbited from indulging in any ofthese activites {in public during this time. Company cafeterias are closed Punctuality is valued less than in the West: people and personal relationships are considered ‘ore important than schedules Many Iranians enjoy spons, including hiking, Jogging, walking, ad Sking. Fines cubs ~ with Separate facilites for men and. women — have recently become popula. Wrestling and soccer are favorite spectator spor, with professional matches very wellattended. Tn urban areas, movies are popular Farsi ete — Traian, both men and women, enjoy eating ot Major cities have a varioty of restaurants offering ‘many types of cuisine, fom pizza to sushi, Some ‘American products such as Coca-Cola are also fvallable; ‘since “American counties cannot presently trade with Iran, however, such US. finports have to go through a third county, thereby ding 10 the cos. ‘Traditional tea houses stil exis, although they are mainly frequented by blue-

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