Pashto: An Elementary Textbook

Pashto, designated a critical language by the US Department of Defense, is one of two official languages of Afghanistan and is also spoken in parts of Pakistan. Volume 1 of Pashto: An Elementary Textbook is designed to cover one semester of beginning-level language instruction; together, Volumes 1 and 2 of Pashto cover one year of instruction. The textbook provides learners and instructors with a wide selection of task-oriented, communicative language materials to facilitate the development of language learning. It features a functional approach to grammar, an emphasis on integrated skills development, and the use of authentic materials.

The activities provided in the textbook will help learners to develop strong skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. In addition to the cultural background embedded in the video materials, the textbook contains cultural notes that improve competency.

Volumes 1 and 2 of Pashto: An Elementary Textbook each include:
a CD-ROM featuring authentic audio and video materials to accompany the text
extensive Pashto–English and English–Pashto glossaries
material for teaching the Arabic-based Pashto alphabet
color illustrations and photographs throughout

Topics covered
Volume 1 (first semester): The Pashto alphabet, writing, reading, pronunciation, greetings and introductions, university life, daily activities, in the city, and family

Volume 2 (second semester): Seasons, weather, holidays, health, food, sport, and shopping

Minimum System Requirements
Intel Pentium II 1.26 GHz or faster processor (or equivalent); Mac OS 10.5 or higher
512 MB of RAM
CD Drive
Speakers or headphones