2.10 Cultural Notes and Extra Online Materials

“Album of Persian and Indian calligraphy and paintings, Shāh Jahān enthroned, Walters Manuscript W.668, fol.45a” by Walters Art Museum Illuminated Manuscripts is marked with CC0 1.0.

Cultural Notes

Topics Explanation
Durood

درود

Salam

سلام

 درود  is a Persian word to say “Hello”. YOu can use Durood to greet any time of the day.

 “Salam” سلام is used as “Hello” as well at any time of day by Persian  speakers.

It is normal to shake hands while greeting in Persian culture. In addition People greet with other words/ Phrases like Good morning and  Good afternoon in certain time of the day!

Personal Pronoun “You”

تو  &  شما

Unlike English, Persian has Two different second personal pronoun “you”.Which is second person singular تو  It is used with younger, intimate relations such as mother, and God, and someone who is lower in socio-economic status. It is a  informal way to say “You” تو  in Persian.

It is also used with friends and with someone who is of equal status. It is somewhat informal. It should be used carefully only after confirming with the person you are speaking to.

شماYou Second Person Plural   : In addition to using it for plurals, It is used with older and respected people of the community. It is also used for someone who is of higher socioeconomic status. It is a formal way to say “You” in Persian language.

Introduction In Persian language, you typically do not have to go on introducing yourself to everyone. Culturally, you will be introduced to other people by your host, a friend, and/or someone who already knows you.However, you should expect some very personal questions which may be culturally odd for you in your first meeting with someone, such as: are you married? how much money do you earn? etc. Please know that the sense of privacy varies between different cultures.
Yes/No Question You learned in this chapter that you can simply add آیا  Ayaa at the beginning of a simple sentence to form a yes/no question.

For example:آیا  تو آمریکایی هستی؟  Are you an American?

However, it is very common for the native speakers to pose a yes/no question by using a simple sentence in a raised tone. It is also very common in English.

For example:تو آمریکایی هستی؟  You are an American?

خدا حافظ / خدا نگهدار / بدرود

 

Khodahafez/ Khoda NegahDar/ Bedrood is used to say “goodbye” in Persian Language.

Goodnight in only use as goodbye!

Extra/Optional Online Materials

Additional video teaching long and short forms of verb “to be”:

YouTube video irregular verb “to be” Long form instruction

YouTube video irregular verb “to be” Short form instruction

Learn Persian – Greeting:

Youtube video Persian greetings

Most common Persian/Farsi phrases for Greeting:

Youtube video Most Common Farsi Introductions

 

 سپاس!

License

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Basic Persian Copyright © 2023 by Nahid Shiran is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

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