Overview
This lecture introduces the Dari alphabet, used in Afghanistan, explaining each letter, its sound, and examples for English speakers.
Introduction to the Dari Alphabet
- Dari is an official language of Afghanistan, using a modified Arabic script.
- The modern Dari alphabet has 33 letters.
- Some letter sounds do not exist in English and require special practice.
Overview of Letters and Sounds
- The first letter, Alef mad, sounds like "a" in "fall".
- Alef sounds like "a" in "apple", a short vowel sound.
- Bae is like the "b" in "boy".
- Pay is like the "p" in "pan".
- Teh is like the "t" in "teach".
- Say is like the "s" in "sat".
- Jean makes the "j" sound as in "jeans".
- Che is like "ch" in "chat".
- Hey (Hey Halwa) is like "h" in "hat".
- Khe is a guttural sound, somewhat like German "ch" in "Bach".
- Dal is like the "d" in "dad".
- Zal is like the "z" in "zoo".
- Ray is like the "r" in "ray".
- Zay is like the "z" in "zebra".
- Jay is like the "s" in "measure".
- Seen is like the "s" in "saw".
- Sheen is like "sh" in "show".
- Sode is like "s" in "soap".
- Zod is like "z" in "zero".
- Toy is like "t" in "tall".
- Zoy is like "z" in "zone".
- Ein is a glottal stop, similar to a pause in "uh-oh".
- Ghein is a French "r" from the back of the throat.
- Fae is like the "f" in "foot".
- Coff is a very guttural "q/k" not found in English.
- Koff is like "k" in "keep".
- Golf is like "g" in "golf".
- Lam is like "l" in "love".
- Meem is like "m" in "money".
- Noon is like "n" in "none".
- Wow is like "w" in "well".
- Hey (second form) is like "h" in "hat", used to differentiate from first "hey".
- Ya is like "y" in "Yankee".
Key Terms & Definitions
- Dari — An official language of Afghanistan using a 33-letter modified Arabic alphabet.
- Glottal stop — A speech sound produced by obstructing airflow in the vocal tract, as in "uh-oh".
- Guttural — A sound produced in the throat.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the full Dari alphabet and practice pronouncing each letter.
- Listen to native speakers or recordings for unfamiliar sounds.
- Memorize letter order for reading and writing practice.