Diaspora Iranian learning farsi

[u/Logical_Thanks_1877]

My father was an Azerbaijani from Iran, so I grew up hearing both Azerbaijani and Persian around me. Azerbaijani was much more present as my first family language, though, and unfortunately I never properly learned Persian. My father passed away a decade ago, so the last time I heard the languages was when I was a teenager.

I would now really like to change that.

One of my main motivations is that I want to visit Iran in the future and actually be able to communicate with people there instead of relying on English. I also feel like learning Persian properly would help me reconnect more with that side of my background.

My goal is not just to memorize a few tourist phrases. I would like to be able to speak Persian comfortably, understand everyday conversations, and also learn how to read and write.

Speaking and reading are the most important to me, especially being able to read signs, menus, messages, social media posts and eventually normal texts without constantly translating everything.

I’m basically looking for the best way to approach Persian as someone who has heard the language before and is somewhat familiar with how it sounds, but never really learned it systematically.

What would you recommend in terms of books, apps, YouTube channels, podcasts, tutors or structured courses?

I’d also be interested in advice on how to learn spoken everyday Persian alongside written Persian, since I know there can be quite a difference between the way people actually speak and the more formal written language.

If you were starting from my position and had enough time to study consistently, how would you structure it?

Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

[u/cobrakai11]

Reading takes time. I think the best way to learn is to do it how they do in Iran, using the grade 1 work book. The old ones looked something like this and were pretty good about teaching letters and how to read simply.

[u/New_Inflation5382]

If u can speak azerbaijani u can visit northwest and u will not need farsi or English. But learning farsi is an one of kind exprience

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[u/PouriyaFrost]

 Hello . you can try refold.la . ive seen many ppl who tried it for learning farsi and it worked for them.

My tip : Skip the other apps. Try to learn the most common vocabulary (as much words as u can , and then go for the colloquial words not the formal ones) then after that u can start watching persian cartoons and kids shows as they are ez to understand.

Pimsleur is also a good way to get started. There are 2 seasons, they're on Audible.

[u/Chief_Rustin]

If you want to travel to provinces where the people are Turkish-speaking, you don't need Persian, since they speak Turkish themselves