Persian language 101

What Persian is, where it is spoken, how it is written, and how heritage learners can start.

Level

Foundations

Who it is for

Everyone from about age 14: young people, adults, parents and newcomers. No prior knowledge is needed.

Format

Self-paced online, in plain language, with maps, figures, short quizzes and a discussion.

About 6 hours. Hours are an estimate.

What you will be able to do

• Place Persian in the Iranian language family.
• Explain Farsi, Dari and Tajik as classification and as self-identification.
• Recognise the Persian script and its main features.
• Plan first steps as a heritage or new learner.

Modules

1. What Persian is. Persian in the Iranian language family.
2. Farsi, Dari and Tajik. One language or three? Both views, with sources.
3. The Persian script. Letters, joining, vowels and the half-space.
4. Learning Persian. Heritage learners, adults and the courses ahead.

Assessment

A short check after each module, with feedback. Completion is recorded; it is not an accredited award.

Status

Draft lessons, written with AI assistance. A subject expert reviews them, then a copy editor, before they are published. Completion is recorded; nothing is accredited.

Course code: IDCDC-PER-09.