Gains in Language and Understanding

I am more than half way through my semester here and I have seen so much improvement in my Farsi language skills. I am taking one class of Tajiki where we focus on learning the alphabet and reading texts in Cyrillic as well as learning words that are used in the Tajik dialect versus the Farsi. I have made some amazing friends and met many cool people from all backgrounds in this country. I love meeting with my peer tutors or conversation partners. I have two, a Tajik one where we focus on cultural sights and an Iranian one where we focus on conversation and talking about various topics. The more Iranians I speak with, the more I would like to visit Iran. Also, most Iranians that live here in Tajikistan left Iran for various reasons and are looking to live in other countries like Canada and America. It is sad to listen to their stories about why they left and the feelings of wanting to return to their country even though they know it wouldn’t be in their best interest.

I am having a good time living with my family. We have our ups and downs with communication, but overall we are able to communicate well. As a person focusing on the Farsi dialect, it is uncommon to use the skills learned in class outside of class and peer tutors. The academic program here is great. I have progressed so much more than I would have back in the States. As far as the Tajik dialect, I know enough to get by, but I find it’s easiest talking to the older generation (usually 30 years old and above). To an extent, the younger generation and Tajiks my age, know Russian better than Tajiki which makes communication difficult. I believe that while focusing on the Farsi dialect one must realize that the world outside of the classroom is different. For example, I look at class as improving my Farsi and speaking with Tajiks my main goal is to communicate a message whether I use the Tajik I learned, Farsi, pictures or body language. I enjoy learning about their culture as well as describing what it is like living in America.

A rule I have made for myself is not speaking English to Tajiks. Most of them want to practice their English when they see a foreigner, but at the same time I want to improve my language skills. So it’s funny that some of my conversations have been one person speaking in broken English and me responding in Farsi/Tajik. But I have also gotten to the point here that I don’t want to switch back to English. Because I have been so immersed, it’s actually difficult to speak in English. For the most part the Tajik and Farsi grammar is the same, so this practice outside of classroom has been helpful.

Coming to Tajikistan you must be aware of the shortfalls and be able to cope and come to terms with them in order to take advantage of the language learning opportunities. If you can’t find the balance, you won’t improve in either capacity. It’s a challenge that needs to be overcome. In the end, we have no other choice for a Farsi or Dari abroad experience. I came here not knowing to what to expect and how much Russia has influenced this culture and language. If I had been told this by someone in the being I would have been able to find a way to cope faster. Simply being told that Tajiki and Farsi dialects can understand each other is a simple way of looking at the languages. It overlooks and simplifies the complexities and differences between both. This weekend we have an excursion to Kulob, a place outside of the city, so I am excited to get out and see different areas of Tajikistan.

Shaharazad Purvis is studying Farsi in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.