Modern Persian, elementary level : like a nightingale

'Modern Persian, Elementary Level' is textbook of modern spoken Persian (Farsi) intended for adult learners. It features material for two consecutive semesters of elementary Persian and is intended to facilitate the implementation of an integrated and student-centred approach to language instruction. With real-world topics, high-frequency structures and vocabulary, thematic presentation of material, straightforward language and plenty of engaging speaking activities in each chapter, this textbook is an easy-to-follow, effective and cohesive way to acquiring functional proficiency in the real-world colloquial as well as written Persian. Complete with a companion website, a plethora of audio and video exercises, answer key, an online searchable dictionary with pronunciation audio files and a special appendix for instructors with all necessary activity materials for an entire year, this self-contained textbook makes for an innovative and modern language-learning resource that students of different learning styles as well as instructors will find inclusive, user-friendly and flexible. Extra features and accompanying online resources make this textbook an effective option for those who want to learn the language on their own.

The theoretical framework and underlying linguistic philosophy of ‘Modern Persian, Elementary Level’, its methodology and practical approach to language instruction, format and learning objectives are based on the latest trends in foreign language instruction defined by the Modern Language Association and the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages. The material of the textbook also reflects the 5 Cs of National Standards in Foreign Language Education.

‘Modern Persian, Elementary Level’ features all attributes necessary for the implementation of modern practices in foreign language instruction such as context-based teaching for real-world objectives, integrated approach toward teaching all language skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing) from the outset, thematic presentation of material, differentiating between proficiency and competence, and student-centred classroom. Overall curriculum, lessons plans, and exercises and activities that inspire the material of the chapters have been tested at Cornell University for several years with groups of students that included true beginners with no background in Persian as well as Persian-heritage students, undergraduate and graduate students and even faculty members from other fields. Feedback from students has been considered and incorporated. ‘Modern Persian, Elementary Level’ is inspired by the author’s long years of experience in designing and teaching less commonly taught language programmes and is informed by the experiences, research and data across various modern languages. The textbook is intended to train literate speakers of Persian, and teaches familiarity with both colloquial pronunciation and proper written spelling as it is practised naturally by Persian native speakers.