My journey teaching Persian online
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Hi everyone, I’m Ellie. I’m a Persian language and literature teacher, and I’ve been teaching and studying Persian for more than 30 years.
Before the pandemic, most of my teaching was in person. When everything moved online, I initially found the change difficult. But unexpectedly, it opened a new door: I began meeting Persian learners from different countries and different backgrounds.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of watching my students grow with the language. Some started with just a few simple sentences. Later, some were able to speak Persian with their partners and friends, communicate with Persian-speaking family members, read Persian literature, continue their studies at university, or even speak Persian with their own children.
That is probably the part of teaching I love most. Language is not only about grammar and vocabulary. It can become a bridge between people, families, generations, and cultures.
In my classes, we gradually build from everyday Persian and conversation toward more advanced language and, for those who are interested, Persian literature. I particularly enjoy introducing students to writers and poets such as Hafez, Saadi, Khayyam, and Ferdowsi.
After more than three decades of teaching, I still find it fascinating to see the moment when a student realizes, “I can actually say this in Persian.”
I’m curious to hear from other Persian learners here: What made you want to learn Persian, and what part of the language do you find most challenging?