Looking for the best Persian textbooks?
See, some people like learning with courses.
Others want language apps. And some people like learning with textbooks.
And Persian textbooks are a simple way to learn Persian. Why?
Books guide you from page 0, to page 1, to page 3… to page 100. From your first words to your first conversation. You learn tons of words and grammar rules along the way.
So, in this guide, you’ll find some of the best Persian textbooks and phrasebooks.
By the way, if you want to HEAR real Persian, check out this audio lesson while you browse the books. (3-Minute Persian Lesson from PersianPod101.com)
Notes
- A word of warning: Kindle books often differ from physical textbooks in formatting. Be sure to get a free sample first. Also, textbooks – which you’d want to flip though for easy review – are not very friendly to use on the Kindle.
1. Persian in Use: An Elementary Textbook of Language and Culture
This may be one of the best Persian textbooks.
- Pages: 400
- By Leiden University Press
It’s designed for first year university students but you can use it as a self-learner as well. You’ll learn the alphabet, plenty of dialogues, grammar rules, and learn about the culture too. At 400 pages, it’s a whopper too.
2. Farsi (Persian) for Beginners: Mastering Conversational Farsi
This is another good book for Persian beginners, and it comes with audio.
- Pages: 160
- By Tuttle
Basically, you follow an American character traveling to Iran and learn the language through him. There are plenty of dialogues, grammar explanations, exercises and cultural tips.
Whereas the first book is more academic, this one is more casual.
3. Complete Modern Persian (Farsi) Beginner to Intermediate Course
- Pages: 336
- By Teach Yourself
Like with most proper textbooks, you learn dialogues, grammar, pronunciation, vocabulary, but that’s not all.
This 24-chapter book includes exercises and tests inside the book to force you to practice what you’ve learned. Also, you can get 2 CDs for the dialogues to practice your listening skills.
4. An Introduction to Persian Revised 4th Edition
This a grammar-centric textbook. So, if you’re not fully familiar with grammar terminology (a.k.a. haven’t learned the grammar of your own native language), you may struggle with thus.
- 324 pages
- By IBEX Publishers
5. Learn to Read Persian (Farsi) in 5 Days
Seeing how unique the Persian alphabet is, I think it’s well worth it to get a separate book to help you practice and master it. Otherwise, you’ll be bouncing around from YouTube video to YouTube video.
- 56 pages
- Wolfedale Press
There are also plenty of exercises to help you master the Alphabet.
6. Basic Persian (Grammar Workbooks)
Want to speak Persian and express yourself fluently? Then, you’ll need grammar.
Grammar rules give you all the ways to express yourself. So, that’s where this Persian learning book comes in. Being a “workbook,” it also has plenty of exercises to help you nail down the rules.
- Pages: 286
- By Routledge
- Strength: grammar and exercises
7. Learn Farsi in 100 Days: The Ultimate Crash Course to Learning Farsi Fast
This is an interesting textbook.
- 496 Pages
- Independently Published
There are 100 several-page-long chapters or lessons – one for each day. And you need to spend 90-120 minutes a day to do them and reach an advanced level. Each day includes grammar explanations, vocabulary lists, and reading practice.
Of course, for some it may be too much upfront. But, you don’t have to spend 90-120 minutes if you don’t want to.
8. Lonely Planet Farsi (Persian) Phrasebook
Phrasebooks are another valuable way to learn Persian.
- Pages: 256 pages
- By Lonely Planet
Why? Because instead of learning words one by one, you learn phrases. Phrases that you can use immediately. So, if you’re looking to travel or simply add more Persian to your brain, this is a good way to do so.
These are some of the best Persian textbooks and books I’ve found so far.
But, if you want something a little more than a “book,” then I recommend PersianPod101.
PersianPod101 is a Persian learning program. You get audio/video lessons made by real teachers. The lessons get you speaking in minutes and are just 3-15 minutes in length. Just press the play button below to check out a lesson.
So, if you want to HEAR real Persian and learn faster with a program, I recommend them.
Click here to get a Free Lifetime Account at PersianPod101.com.
– The Main Junkie
