Every year we conduct eight to ten elementary Pashtu classes for Marines. The elementary classes teach basic Pashtu through all modalities (speaking, writing, reading, listening, and culture), as well as simple phrases and idioms needed for everyday interaction in Afghanistan and the Pashtunwali social codes which underlie Afghan life and culture.
Student learning outcomes for the 8-week course include: ability to make lists of things and create, in a basic way, with the language; ability to carry out a simple conversation about daily topics, including culturally appropriate greeting and leave-taking, asking simple questions, gathering/providing vital information and statistics about people, places, and things.
