Learning Objectives
This course introduces the Pashto alphabet and sound system through a systematic presentation of the language’s structure and commonly used interpersonal phrases. Emphasis is placed on extensive practice in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in Pashto, with limited use of English in keeping with best practices for immersion-based language learning. Throughout the course learners will also explore contemporary Pashtun culture through a variety of authentic audio-visual materials.
By the end of the course, learners will be able to do the following in Pashto:
Recognize and understand familiar names, words, and common phrases.
Use familiar words and basic phrases to talk about yourself, your family, and immediate surroundings in conversations.
Ask and answer simple questions on familiar topics.
Fill in forms with personal information. For example, writing your name, nationality, and address.
Write simple answers to questions on familiar topics.
Write a short, simple text. For example, a holiday card or postcard.
Participate in simple interactions following social conventions of Afghan culture.
Engage in simple conversations on a number of everyday topics.
Read simple texts and understand the main ideas of texts.
- Write short texts.
Required Textbook
- Inokhojayev, Rakhman. Pashto. An Elementary Textbook, Georgetown University Press, 2011.
Reference and Suggested texts and materials
- Pashtoon, Zeeya A. Pashto-English Dictionary. First Edition. Dunwoody Press, 2009.
- Chand, Ghayan. English-Pashto, Pashto-English Dictionary. 2nd edition. Simon Wallenberg, 2007.
Enroll in Pashto Course
- Click here to enroll in Pashto 101, a standalone, asynchronous, self-paced course being offered through IU Expand.
- Click here to enroll in Pashto Level 1 (8 cr.), an intensive 8 week online course offered through IU's Summer Language Workshop.