Pashto Learning Resources: پښتو زده کړه

[Darweshkhel]

For serious studies of Pashto language I recommend reading these early but fundamental works, which were not only the first methodical analyses of Pashto - these works also provided a basis for further Pashto examination. Unfortunately these books were not written by Afghans or Pashtuns, but by British officers and hobby linguists who were fluent in Pashto since they have learned this language (or consulted Pashtuns to teach them) during their missions in Afghanistan and NWFP.

1. A dictionary of the Pukkhto or Pukshto Language, in which the words are traced to their sources in the Indian and Persian languages
by Henry Walter Bellew
Bellew - A Dictionary of the Pukkhto Language (1909.pdf

2. A Grammar of the Pukkhto Or Pukshto Language (1867) with dialogues and exercises
by Henry Walter Bellew
Bellew - A Grammar of the Pukkhto Or Pukshto Language (1867.pdf

3. A Manual of Pushtu (1921)
by Roos-Keppel
Keppel - A Manual of Pushtu (1922.pdf

4. A Dictionary of the Puk'hto, Pus'hto, or language of Afghans (1867)
by Major H. G. Raverty
Raverty - A Dictionary of Pushto (1867.pdf

5. A grammar of the Pukhto, Pushto, or language of the Afghans; together with translations from the articles of war, and remarks on the language, literature, and descent of the Afghan tribes (1867)
by Major H. G. Raverty
Raverty - A Grammar of Pushto (1867.pdf

6. The Pus'hto manual: Comprising a Concise Grammar, Exercises and Dialogues (1880)
by Major H. G. Raverty
Raverty - The Pushto Manual (1880.pdf

7. Selections from the Poetry of the Afghans - From the 16th to the 19th century (1862)
by Major H. G. Raverty
Raverty - Selections from the Poetry of Afghans (1862.pdf

8. Grammar and Vocabulary of Waziri Pashto (1902)
by John Gordon Lorimer
Lorimer - Grammar and Vocabulary of Waziri Pashto (1902.pdf

[spogmai shaglay]

Darweshkhel... manana for theselinks... but i amnot able to access them....the pages dsnt get displayed at all

[tor_khan]

Here is a super learning resource from the University of Minnesota Peace Corps Project 1965.

Manuals with audio. Downloadable Manuals with Audio.

Learning Resources Center

[Darweshkhel]

thanks tor khana

those textbooks are real good. they can be used for distance learning very well.
but do you really like the pronunciation??? Sounds like cheap windows voice.

[tor_khan]

For those interested Transparent Language: Byki do Interactive Language Learning Software. They have, a free version of an interactive Pashto learning program, downloadable here.

Free Pashto Software Download - Learn Pashto with free BYKI software downloads

It is, in my opinion, rather good, especially for beginners at word level/phrase level stage. The full version, which I have, has the full learning catalogue and the extra features enabled.

[Nokia_Apridy]

tor Lala Sallooooooooooot mannnnna

[amna.]

Tor Khan its not working for me.

[Pakhtunzai]

I've downloaded it, but I can't find the pakhto learning software..Help please

[Pakhtunzai]

Basically I ended up with the "Byki 4 express" software/program and when I click on it I don't have a clue where to go next.

[tor_khan]

If, like me, you belong to generation computer type-script, then this is a useful Flash Tutorial on how to write and form the letters in Pashto script. Suits me because I type, not write in Pashto. Right-Click to zoom in necessary.

[akhan]

Does anyone have lists they have for the Byki that they would care to share? You can download new lists and share lists I think.

[akhan]

Tor Khan software not working for me. I have windows vista

Try saving the download to your desktop. Right click on the icon and you will see run as administrator. See if you have any problems then.

The list I was talking about was when you go into Byki to change your list, there is a share list option. I was wondering if it is possible to share lists as you can make your own lists with the paid version.

[sean]

Dera manana Darweshkhel,

Thank you for all of the useful information on these forums! I wanted to let everyone here know that I just finished putting together a website on Pashto language resources, kindly hosted by afghanistan-analyst.org.

It includes links and description for Pashto textbooks, readers, grammars, media, university courses and so forth. Of course a lot of the resources are mentioned here at PF, but there may be others that Pashto learners may find helpful. It is located at:

http://afghanistan-analyst.org/Pashto.aspx

Please anyone let me know if you have comments about the website or suggestions for things to add - my contact info is on the website. Thanks!

Sean

[Darweshkhel]

afghanistan-analyst.org is in my sig, great work @ sean. =)

[sean]

Thanks everyone for the kind words.

I put together the Pashto Language Resources part of the Afghanistan-Analyst.org website and got it online last month. I should mention that Christian Bleuer created and maintains everything else on the website, including the very helpful bibliography on Afghanistan which Darweshkhel mentioned.

I hope that the site ends up being useful. I'm glad there is so much good Pashto discussion going on here at PF!