Dari language courses are beginning to take place for a  NATO training mission in Afghanistan. The goal is to teach the  Dari  language to soldiers stationed there  while at the same time giving them the opportunity to connect with the Afghan communities. Captain Felisa Dryud of the U.S. Air Force played a vital role in organizing the Dari language classes. Dryud was first introduced to the Dari language when she worked in an Afghan orphanage in Kabul as a civilian.  She expanded her knowledge of the Afghan language and culture by connecting with other Afghan natives who spoke fluent Dari. Now back in Afghanistan she is a main player in organizing the English-Dari immersion classes. 


The program is separated into two sections; a conversational Dari course for senior leaders and mentors and a basic Dari course for interested coalition members.  The conversational Dari course is a 12- week  program that has 24 sessions. The course is broken down into  three levels each addressing key parts of successful language learning all ranging from coursework , instructional books and interactive dialog sessions to learning about the culture of the Afghan people. The basic Dari program which is called the ‘Qatra Qatra’ course is a much shorter program that can be completed with six sessions over a period of two weeks even though it is taught with the same curriculum as the conversational Dari.

American Soldiers and Afghan civilians agree that these courses will bring both cultures closer together. It will also make communicating with one another a much easier and more enjoyable experience. Dryud’s ultimate goal is to get foreigners to begin greeting and speaking to natives on  a basic but personal  level. She wants people to realize and understand that these courses wont allow for a mastery understanding of the Dari language. However it will allow for the western culture to experience the Afghan culture. Captain Felisa Dryud  remarks “ Just getting to the point of greeting and speaking some basic Dari communicates a lot of honor and respect”.  

If you are interested in learning the Dari language on a more comprehensive level Pimsleur can help. We offer a full 16 hour 30 unit program complete with reading material. You  can experience this Eastern Persian dialect and learn like a native how to greet, speak and communicate in Dari.  Plus a  military discount is offered for this program to the men and women that are serving in Afghanistan.