Afghanistan Languages

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Online Resources[edit | edit source]


Description[edit | edit source]

With upwards of 40 distinct languages, Afghanistan is a linguistically diverse nation.
The Dari or Dari Persian and Pashto have official status in Afghanistan and are two of the leading languages in the country.

  • Dari or Dari Persian
    • is spoken by 78% as a native language or 2nd language
    • is the most widely understood language as a shared language between multiple ethnic groups in the country
    • has served as a historical Lingua Franca between different linguistic groups in the region
    • is an Irainian Language
  • Pashto
    • is spoken by 35%
    • is not multi-ethnic and is not as commonly spoken by non-Pashtuns
    • is an Iranian language [1]

Other regional languages are spoken by minority groups across the country. They are the third official languages in areas where the majority speaks them. These include: [2]

English is most spoken as a foreign language. [3]

Word List(s)[edit | edit source]

Dari or Dari Persian

Pashto

Alphabet and Pronunciation[edit | edit source]

Dari or Dari Persian

Pashto

Language Aids and Dictionaries[edit | edit source]

Dari or Dari Persian

Pashto

Additional Resources[edit | edit source]

  • Yarzi, Shawali. English, Pashto & Dari dictionary. London: Sabawoon Language Services, 2009. Available at: WorldCat.

References[edit | edit source]

  1. Wikipedia contributors, "Languages of Afghanistan," in Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Languages_of_Afghanistan, accessed 15 May 2023.
  2. Wikipedia contributors, "Languages of Afghanistan," in Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Languages_of_Afghanistan, accessed 15 May 2023.
  3. Wikipedia contributors, "Languages of Afghanistan," in Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Languages_of_Afghanistan, accessed 15 May 2023.