Everything You Need To Learn Persian

Everything You Need To Learn Persian

Persian (Farsi: فارسی) is an Indo-Iranian language from the Indo-European language family. It is the national language of Iran (formerly known as Persia), and one of two official languages in Afghanistan, where it’s known as Dari. There are around 110 million Persian speakers worldwide.

The language is most closely related to Kurdish, Pashto and Avestan. It’s written in the Persian alphabet, a derivation of the Arabic alphabet, and is thus written from right to left.

Luckily, there are a variety of resources available for those interested in Persian; this is likely due to the vast number of speakers. We’ve put together a list of the products we believe will give you the biggest bang for your buck.

Persian Language Learning Books

Start your language journey off with a good Persian course book that will teach you the basics. Persian study books include a rudimentary study of the language in all four skills (reading, writing, speaking and listening), introducing you to Persian grammar concepts and language structure gradually, at a pace that’s comfortable for beginners.

A Persian/Farsi dictionary and phrasebook is always a good idea to keep on hand. You’ll have access to the most common Persian words and everyday phrases to use when speaking to natives.

As Farsi uses a unique writing system that’s likely alien to English speakers, it’s worth picking up a Persian writing practice work book to help you learn the Persian alphabet in a fun and interactive way.

Complete Modern Persian (Farsi) Beginner to Intermediate Course
Amazon.com
Complete Modern Persian (Farsi) Beginner to Intermediate Course
Colloquial Persian
Amazon.com
Colloquial Persian
Farsi-English/English-Farsi (Persian) Dictionary & Phrasebook
Amazon.com
Farsi-English/English-Farsi (Persian) Dictionary & Phrasebook
Learn to Read Persian (Farsi) in 5 Days
Amazon.com
Learn to Read Persian (Farsi) in 5 Days
Essentials of Persian Grammar: Concepts and Exercises
Amazon.com
Essentials of Persian Grammar: Concepts and Exercises
Master The Persian Alphabet, A Handwriting Practice Workbook
Amazon.com
Master The Persian Alphabet, A Handwriting Practice Workbook
Learn to Speak Farsi in 30 Days
Amazon.com
Learn to Speak Farsi in 30 Days
Lonely Planet Farsi (Persian) Phrasebook & Dictionary
Amazon.com
Lonely Planet Farsi (Persian) Phrasebook & Dictionary
Persian vocabulary for English speakers - 9000 words
Amazon.com
Persian vocabulary for English speakers - 9000 words
How to Write in Persian (A Workbook for Learning the Persian Alphabet)
Amazon.com
How to Write in Persian (A Workbook for Learning the Persian Alphabet)
Persian Learner Part One: Elementary Persian for College Students (Volume 1)
Amazon.com
Persian Learner Part One: Elementary Persian for College Students (Volume 1)
Farsi (Persian) for Beginners: Mastering Conversational Farsi (Audio Disc included)
Amazon.com
Farsi (Persian) for Beginners: Mastering Conversational Farsi (Audio Disc included)

Persian Children’s Books

One of the best ways to build on the skills you learned during your course is to read kids’ books in Persian. They’re a great, non-threatening way to put your language skills into practice, as the language used in them is simple and easy-to-read.

My First Persian (Farsi) Alphabets Picture Book with English Translations
Amazon.com
My First Persian (Farsi) Alphabets Picture Book with English Translations
Persian Children's Bible
Amazon.com
Persian Children's Bible
I Love to Help: English-Farsi/Persian Edition
Amazon.com
I Love to Help: English-Farsi/Persian Edition
My First Book Of Animals in Farsi/Persian
Amazon.com
My First Book Of Animals in Farsi/Persian
Mana and the City of Stars: Persian/Farsi Edition - Level 2 Beginners
Amazon.com
Mana and the City of Stars: Persian/Farsi Edition - Level 2 Beginners
Once Upon a Time (Seven Persian Folktales): Persian/Farsi Edition
Amazon.com
Once Upon a Time (Seven Persian Folktales): Persian/Farsi Edition

Persian Fiction

Take your learning even further by reading more challenging material, particularly Persian books written for older readers.

These books are more relatable to adults, covering more complex topics, using advanced language, thereby boosting your working Persian vocabulary considerably.

Easy Persian Reader: Beginner to Low Intermediate Level
Amazon.com
Easy Persian Reader: Beginner to Low Intermediate Level
My Mother's Persian Stories: Folk tales in English and Farsi
Amazon.com
My Mother's Persian Stories: Folk tales in English and Farsi
The Holy Bible in Persian Language - Black Leather Cover
Amazon.com
The Holy Bible in Persian Language - Black Leather Cover

Persian Movies & TV Shows

Watching Persian-language films/films with Persian dubbing is a great way to put your language skills into practice and learn proper pronunciation, all while having fun.

What’s more, Persian movies are often packed with useful Persian phrases and colloquial expressions that will help you sound more natural when speaking with native Persian speakers.

Baran (Lluvia) DVD - Audio: Persian, Spanish [Region 2]

Amazon.com

Persian Digital Courses

Maybe books aren’t your thing, and you’re more interested in learning using a more interactive, less theoretical approach. If that’s the case, a Persian e-course might be a better fit for you.

Persian digital courses tend to be audiovisual in nature, the majority of the lessons being audio and/or videos. They aim to nurture learners’ speaking and listening skills, whilst introducing them to grammar and language structure in a more organic way.

While Udemy offers a comprehensive, extremely affordable Persian course packed with 11.5 hours of video lessons, Pimsleur’s Conversational Farsi course is audio-only, though both aim to have you speaking at least basic Persian by the end.

You’ll usually be able to access these courses on or offline, from anywhere in the world, from almost any device with audio or video capabilities. Perfect for learning while you’re on the move.

PERSIAN UDEMY COURSES

Persian/Farsi Udemy

PERSIAN AUDIO COURSES

Pimsleur Farsi Persian Conversational Course - Level 1 Lessons 1-16 CD

Amazon.com