BA in Persian in Canberra Australia | The Australian National University

The Persian language (Farsi) serves as the native tongue for over 150 million individuals across the Middle East and Central Asia, predominantly spoken in Iran, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan today, with communities of speakers in several neighboring nations. Historically, Persian was commonly used from the Mediterranean to India, boasting a profound cultural heritage that features contributions from literary giants like Ferdousi, Khayyam, Saadi, Rumi, and Hafiz. Its influence extends to European authors such as Victor Hugo, Voltaire, Lamartine, Maeterlinck, Goethe, and F. Scott Fitzgerald, alongside shaping Arabic, Turkish, and Urdu literature, with numerous Persian terms still present in these languages.

Learning Outcomes
compose Farsi texts in suitable genres, employing proper grammar and level-appropriate vocabulary;
interpret and deduce meanings from Farsi-written sources like newspapers, magazines, and literary works;
interact with genuine Persian media—including news, films, and music—by critically examining their content;
converse fluently in diverse situations with skilled Farsi speakers; and
recognize and distinguish cultural and societal elements linked to the Farsi-speaking world.