Importance of Pashto
Pashto is spoken by a significant ethnic group, i.e., Pashtuns in eastern and southern areas of Afghanistan, the northwest province of Pakistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and some isolated pockets in Iran. The Pashtun diaspora is worldwide, especially in sizable communities in India, Tajikistan, UAE, and Saudi Arabia. Spanning over 30 years, the war in Afghanistan led to migration to Saudi Arabia, UAE, Australia, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Germany, Canada, and the USA. It has official status in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and in Afghanistan, according to an estimate, there are at least 35 million Pashto speakers. It belongs to the eastern Iranian family of languages and serves as the primary identity marker for Pashtuns.
It’s a great language with an extensive history and rich culture. There are numerous reasons to learn Pashto.
Official status
It is one of the two official languages in Afghanistan and the official language in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
Connecting to roots
The dispersed Pashtun want the next generation to connect to their roots by learning their forefathers’ native language.
Geopolitical importance of the area
Pashto is spoken in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and the area has geopolitical significance due to its strategic location. To have better communication and build solid relationships for political or economic gains, it’s vital to learn Pashto.
Pashto Learning Methods
Traditional Pashto language learning
Traditional language classes
Traditional academies offer Pashto language learning courses.
Private tutor
A teacher personally teaches you on a one-on-one basis. They are usually paid monthly. They are generally hired on a personal referral basis.
Now, modern technology introduces us to learning through
Pashto learning Apps
Online apps that help you learn or improve Pashto. The app divides lessons into the alphabet, words, numbers, phrases, conversations, grammar, reading, and quizzes with images and Pashto audio pronunciation for each word.
Learning Pashto Online
Online academies that offer Pashto language courses from basic to advanced levels through virtual classes on a one-on-one basis.
Difference BetweenLearning Pashto Online & Learning Pashto From A Tutor
Let’s find out the difference between the two against different parameters.
Learning Pashto from a tutor
Teacher Qualification & experience
There is no way to test teachers’ education or experience except to ask personally. The lack of qualified teachers nearby led students to take whatever is available.
Trail classes
No trial classes are offered before starting classes.
Syllabus
Teachers have no proper syllabus and use their experience to guide classes. They use certain books and exercises to teach with no evaluation system and rely on personal judgment.
Attention to student
One-on-one attention on students.
Motivation
Direct physical interaction increases motivation.
Progress report
There is no official progress reporting system or exams.
Flexibility
Classes have a set time and, in most cases, can’t be rescheduled in an emergency. But having good personal relations with teachers, they let you change the time or reschedule.
Convenience
There is a fixed time and place for classes.
Affordability
Tutors charge high fees, especially in Western countries, and students have to accept those fees as it’s hard to find a teacher nearby.
24/7 support
Limited support depends upon the availability of the teacher.
Learning Pashto online
Teacher qualification & experience
Teachers’ backgrounds are verified and are tested before hiring. A student has a wide pool to choose from.
Trail classes
A free trial class is provided for checking compatibility.
Syllabus
The syllabus is designed and constantly accessed to check its effectiveness.
Attention to student
Virtual classes are on one- on- one basis and ensure maximum attention.
Motivation
Lack of direct physical interaction with teachers decreases the level of motivation.
Progress Report
Official progress report and exams after a specific period. This helps students track progress.
Flexibility
Students can set and change the time of class. Also, they can reschedule in times of emergency.
Convenience
Classes can be taken from anywhere.
Affordability
Offers various packages to accommodate your budget.
24/7 support
Support is available round the clock.
Learn Pashto Academy, like many others, offers online Pashto classes at the basic and advanced levels.
Conclusion
The comparison of the two shows that online Pashto classes provide convenience and flexibility. They also offer far greater service due to qualified & experienced teachers, meticulously designed curricula, free trial classes, and customer support. This made online classes a much better option to learn Pashto.