

Learn Persian with Chai and Conversation
Chai & Conversation
Learn Persian with Chai and Conversation teaches you conversational Persian in a fun and casual manner in weekly lessons of about 15-20 minutes each. Check out our website chaiandconversation.com for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 10, 2017 • 11min
Speak Lesson 58 | Babies
In this lesson, we learn all the language associated with pregnancy, babies and small children.

Apr 24, 2017 • 11min
Speak Lesson 57 | Proposals, Marriages and Weddings
In this lesson, we learn all the vocabulary associated with getting married in Persian! Includes the process of proposing, getting married, and language associated with the wedding ceremony. As promised, here are some links to some of our favorite Persian wedding songs! Vigen, Shah Damad vigen - shah damad original version, farsi Shamaeezadeh, Ye Dokhtar Daram Hassan Shamaeezadeh - Ye Dokhtar Daram | حسن شماعی زاده - یه دختر دارم Hayedeh, Emshab Shabeh Eshgheh Hayedeh - Shabe Eshgh (High Quality Audio)

Apr 10, 2017 • 9min
Speak Lesson 56 | The Etiquette for Talking on the Phone
Lesson 56 covers language needed for talking on the phone, including etiquette used in greetings and saying goodbye on the phone.

Jan 18, 2017 • 21min
Interview | Interview with Fared Shafinury

May 3, 2016 • 12min
Speak Lesson 55 | The Etiquette of Being Hosted
If you’re around Iranians often, chances are you’ll be invited to their homes. Iranians love hosting, and it’s common to invite someone over as soon as you meet them. So, let’s learn some of the language and etiquette that goes along with being hosted.

Apr 20, 2016 • 11min
Speak Lesson 54 | Common Persian Sayings and Expressions
In this lesson, we learn common Persian sayings that often don't make sense in English. Expressions, idioms- these are what make a language unique! We also learn some common Persian insults.

Mar 23, 2016 • 12min
Speak Lesson 53 | Respect in the Persian Culture
Respect is a big deal in Persian culture- respect for your family, respect for elders, among other things. We've learned about tārof- but this type of etiquette is just one aspect of showing respect for others. In this lesson, we learn other ways respect is demonstrated in the Persian culture.

Mar 9, 2016 • 16min
Speak Lesson 52 | Navigating 'Tā'arof' in Different Social Situations
In this lesson, we continue our discussion of the Persian concept of 'tārof'- we learn different situation in which 'tārof' comes into play, and how to successfully navigate through these situations. These situations include being paid a compliment, making a financial transaction at a store, interacting with guests and hosts, and much more.

Feb 24, 2016 • 14min
Speak Lesson 51 | Introducing 'Ta'arof'
In this lesson, we talk about one of the most important concepts when it comes to learning about Persian culture- the concept of tārof. Tārof is basically the code of etiquette Iranians use in all social situations, and it's quite culturally pervasive. While western culture also has rules of engaging with others, Persians take it to a whole new level. For someone unfamiliar with the concept, sometimes the behavior of Iranians may seem a bit strange, but once these few simple rules are learned, a lot of cultural misunderstanding can be avoided. LINKS: We also explored this concept in our popular Youtube video, which you can see here.In addition, Leyla was interviewed for PRI's The World about the concept- check it out on their webpage.Or checkout her interview with the LA Times, where again she championed the cause.

Aug 27, 2014 • 13min
Speak Lesson 50 | More about Daily Routines
In this lesson, we learn more about how to talk about daily routines, especially routines associated with waking up and going to bed.