TEHRAN- The Persian language courses, organized by the cultural attaché of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Saadi Foundation, have been launched at the Center for Persian Studies at the Faculty of Philology, University of Belgrade, attracting numerous enthusiasts eager to learn Persian.

These courses are offered at two levels, beginner and intermediate, taught by Saeed Safari, a distinguished professor of Persian language, Mehr reported on Friday. 

The Persian language courses for interested individuals will be conducted twice a week, emphasizing not only the instruction of the Persian language but also offering participants a deeper understanding of Iran's culture, history, and literature, the report added. 

Moreover, the program will include activities such as film screenings and participation in cultural and literary discussions.

Persian, also known as Farsi, is an ancient language spoken primarily in Iran, Afghanistan (as Dari), and Tajikistan (as Tajik), boasting a rich literary heritage that dates back over a millennium. Its script, derived from Arabic, can initially pose challenges for learners unfamiliar with the right-to-left writing system. Persian vocabulary is influenced by both Arabic and various Turkic languages, adding layers of complexity. While the phonetic structure of Persian is relatively straightforward and lacks gendered nouns, the nuances of its grammar, such as verb conjugations and the use of subordinate clauses, require dedicated study and practice, often making it a rewarding yet challenging pursuit for foreign learners.

The difficulty level of learning Persian can vary significantly based on a learner's background and native language. For speakers of languages that share similarities with Persian, such as Turkish or certain Indo-European languages, the transition may be smoother due to overlapping linguistic features. 

However, learners from languages with markedly different structures, like Mandarin or Vietnamese, may find the concepts of Persian syntax and grammar more daunting. Additionally, the rich cultural context embedded in Persian literature and expressions can require learners to engage deeply with cultural references to achieve proficiency. Nonetheless, many learners find studying Persian to be an enriching experience, allowing them to gain insight into a diverse and historically significant culture.

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