Reflection from Week 12

[Taylor Napier-Runnels]

So last week was my last week of Farsi. I feel pretty confident that I achieved my learning objectives for last week although after reviewing all of my vocabulary and grammar I have realized that there are certainly areas I know much better than others. For example I feel much more comfortable introducing myself and talking a little bit about myself than trying to give directions or talk about the weather. I also still struggle with present tense verbs because of the way the stems change in irregular ways that it is hard to always remember how to conjugate verbs in that tense. The past tense is much easier for me and I sometimes find myself switching to the past tense when I don't know what the present tense is because at least I am getting my thoughts across that way.Last week we also had several more presentations that taught me more about the cultural aspects of Persian, Muslim and Afghan culture. One presentation was on the culture of Afghanistan, which was extremely similar to Iranian culture. There seemed to be certain aspects that transcended state boundaries including hospitality and the importance of tea. Another presentation was on the political structure of Afghanistan, which although length, was extremely helpful. In one of my other classes we were talking about the political structure in Afghanistan and I was able to contribute to the class because of what I had learned through this presentation. The final presentation was on the way the Dutch speak, but it actually tied into the Middle East slightly because of the murder of several prominent Dutch politicians and activists by radical Islamists. The presentations were interesting and it was also nice to be able to do my presentation.It is weird to think that this is going to be one of my last blog posts and that I will no longer have language sessions with Mona, who was a wonderful language partner. This has been a great experience and I am extremely glad that I signed up and took this course.