Introduction to Pashto (Afghan)
A 10-week course aimed at those who wish to understand and to make themselves understood in everyday spoken Pashto of Afghanistan
Duration:
20 hours part time
Mode of Attendance: Part Time
Description
This SOAS Language Centre course in the less widely taught (LWT) language of Pashto is designed to give participants a basic conversational ability in the language. The course takes the form of a series of situation contexts in which participants will be asked to understand what is taking place around them and to respond in comprehensible and clear Pashto.
Method
The course is taught in English and Pashto. Class size is normally limited to fifteen to allow close involvement.
Summary of course contents (by session)
- Introduction to the Pashto language
- The Pashto alphabet and pronunciation of sounds
- Greetings and responses
- Introducing oneself and others
- Asking for and sharing information
- Vocabulary building and basic grammar
- Numbers; telling time; days of the week; the calendar
- Getting around and asking for directions (1)
- Getting around and asking for directions (2): role play
- Culture points: food; customs; social etiquette
Continuing your study
Subject to demand, the Language Centre will schedule an Introduction to Pashto (Afghan) 2. The Pashto script will be incorporated gradually into this course, whilst speaking and comprehension skills continue to be developed, allowing students to make the transition to Pashto script with confidence.
Materials
Course materials are not included in the course fee and can be purchased from the SOAS bookshop bookshop@soas.ac.uk. You are advised not to purchase course materials until your course has been confirmed.
Timetable
Classes will be held at the Bloomsbury or Kings Cross Campus of SOAS in central London on one evening a week or Saturday daytime. Participants receive 20 hours of language tuition over a ten-week period (with additional weeks where public holidays displace a class session).
