August 10, 2010 > Learn Pashto or Dari: register now for classes Learn Pashto or Dari: register now for classes Submitted By Diane Daniel For the first time this fall, both Cal State East Bay students and the community will have the opportunity to learn elementary Pashto or Dari, the two dominant languages of Afghanistan. This is a perfect opportunity for all, be they persons of Afghan heritage, those interested in working in Afghanistan or with Afghan businesses or government, or for anyone interested in enhancing their career opportunities, according to program organizer Valerie Smith, a Department of Communication instructor. The first classes will be from 6 p.m. to 7:50 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays from September 22 through December 8 on the Hayward Campus, 25800 Carlos Bee Blvd. Enrollees in either class will be encouraged to also participate in one hour of language practice either before or after class. Pashtuns are the country's largest ethnic group and historically the rulers, comprising 40 percent of the residents. As the language of government and business, Pashto is spoken by 35 percent of the country's population, and in neighboring regions. Dari, on the other hand, is the language of 50 percent of the nation's residents. Both are spoken widely by the Bay Area's large Afghan Community. Classes will provide an introduction to the speaking, listening, reading, and writing of the language, plus emphasize the nation's culture. The university intends to offer intermediate and advanced beginning, intermediate, and advanced courses in these languages in future academic terms. Students completing these courses will gain professional-level language and culture skills appropriate for working in cross-cultural settings where the languages are spoken. CSUEB students may enroll in either four-hour course the same as they would for any university class. Pashto is MLL 3999-01; Dari is MLL 3999-02. The courses fulfill a general education requirement. Non-students may enroll by completing the Open University Application Form at http://www20.csueastbay.edu/prospective/files/pdf/records-forms/open%20application.pdf Additional information is at: http://class.csueastbay.edu/ALSS/docs/pashto_dari.pdf For more information contact Valerie Smith at Valerie.smith@csueastbay.edu Space is limited and taken on a first come basis.