About 50 million people speak Pashto, an Indo-European language that is mostly spoken in Afghanistan and Pakistan. It is acknowledged as a regional language in Pakistan, especially in the regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and northern Baluchistan, and one of the official languages of Afghanistan. Pashto has great cultural value as a fundamental component of Pashtun identity, which is mirrored in a rich legacy of poetry and storytelling. The language’s prominence has grown globally as a result of geopolitical circumstances, such as the region’s military and humanitarian endeavors. Pashto is useful in the United States for refugees services and international affairs, supporting diplomatic initiatives and cross-cultural interactions. It has a crucial role in commerce and politics, promoting linkages and facilitating communication throughout South and Central Asia.
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WHERE TO START
Introductory Course
ASIALANG 121: First Semester Pashto
Department
Department of Asian Languages & Cultures
Advisor
Rachel Weiss, rweiss@wisc.edu
If you have background in Pashto, either through formal study, informal study, or as a heritage learner, contact the advisor listed above for placement information.
SUMMER STUDY
Study Pashto through the South Asia Summer Language Institute (SASLI).
سمه ده [sәma da]: "right"