Dari ─ An Intermediate Textbook

Dari is the most commonly used language in Afghanistan; in fact, all official documents are written in it. This textbook, designed to cover one year of instruction, offers intermediate learners a communicative approach to the Dari language that develops the four language skills—speaking, listening, reading, and writing—through culturally relevant activities. It is accompanied by a CD-ROM with extensive authentic audio and video to help learners perform tasks and functions in both colloquial and standard forms.

Emphasizing task-oriented, communicative activities that develop key language skills, this textbook offers a thematically organized approach to learning the Dari language for intermediate students. The topics discussed feature travel, micro-loans for businesses, shopping, and meeting with officials. Innovations include the functional approach to grammar and an emphasis on integrated skills development. With its various authentic materials, including a DVD with videos filmed in the different regions of Afghanistan and audio by native speakers, students have many opportunities to advance their language skills.

Rahman Arman is an Afghan languages developer in CeLCAR and a lecturer of language and culture in CEUS (Central Eurasian Studies) at Indiana University. He has spent many years developing materials for study of the Dari and Pashto languages, and he is certified by both ACTFL/ILR as an Afghan languages OPI (Oral Proficiency Interview) tester.