Pashto vs. Persian: Understanding the Similarities and Differences

Summary

This video explores the Pashto language, spoken by the Pashtun people in Central and South Asia. It delves into Pashto's distinct features, its relationship with Persian (Farsi), and its status as an official language in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The script highlights Pashto's rich oral traditions, its Indo-Iranian roots, and its unique phonetic, lexical, and grammatical characteristics. The video also compares Pashto and Persian, illustrating their similarities and differences in vocabulary, pronunciation, and syntax, emphasizing the importance of understanding these languages for cultural and linguistic diversity.

Takeaways

• 🌐 Pashto (PTO) is a language spoken by the Pashtun people at the crossroads of Central and South Asia, known for resisting conquests by various empires and forces.
• 🏛 Pashto is one of the official languages of Afghanistan, alongside Dari, an Afghan dialect of Persian, and is sometimes referred to as Eastern Persian or Afghan Persian.
• 🔠 Pashto and Dari have coexisted in Afghanistan for centuries, with Dari historically being the language of the elite and Pashto becoming a symbol of Afghan identity in the 20th century.
• 📜 Pashto is also spoken in Pakistan, particularly in the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, serving as a vital means of communication for the Pashtun people.
• 🗣️ Pashto has a larger number of native speakers than Dutch, with an estimated 40 to 60 million people speaking it as their first language, making it a significant yet lesser-known language globally.
• 🌱 Pashto is an Indo-Iranian language, part of the larger Indo-European family, and shares roots with other languages such as Persian, Kurdish, and Balochi, but has distinct phonetic, lexical, and grammatical features.
• 📚 Both Pashto and Persian have scripts based on the Arabic alphabet and have added to it to meet their linguistic needs, sharing some vocabulary due to geographic and cultural ties.
• 🔤 Pashto has a series of retroflex consonants and a richer set of sounds compared to Persian, with 12 extra letters in its alphabet.
• 📈 Pashto and Persian follow a subject-object-verb (SOV) order, which is common in other Indo-Iranian and Indo-European languages.
• 🌐 Learning Pashto and Persian can provide insights into the broader linguistic landscape of the region and offer opportunities for connection with speaking communities.

Q & A

What is Pashto and where is it spoken?

Pashto, also known as PTO, is an Indo-Iranian language spoken at the crossroads of Central and South Asia, primarily by the Pashtun people. It is one of the official languages of Afghanistan, alongside Dari, and is also spoken in Pakistan, particularly in the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

How has Pashto resisted conquest by various empires and forces?

The Pashtun people, speakers of Pashto, have a history of successfully resisting conquest by empires such as Alexander the Great, the British Empire, the Soviet Union, and even more recently, US and NATO forces. This resilience is attributed to their strong cultural identity and geographical advantages.

What is the historical significance of Pashto in Afghanistan?

Historically, Pashto was the language of the Afghan elite, including kings and the ruling class. In the 1920s and 1930s, it became an essential symbol of Afghan identity, leading the ruling class to study and use it. In 1936, King Zahir Shah made Pashto one of Afghanistan's official languages.

How many people speak Pashto as their first language compared to Dutch?

While Dutch has about 22 million native speakers, Pashto has a significantly larger number of native speakers, with approximately 40 to 60 million people speaking it as their first language worldwide.

What are the main dialects of Pashto and what are their characteristics?

Pashto has several dialects, which are broadly categorized into Northern and Southern Pashto. Each dialect has its own unique characteristics, with Northern Pashto being more widely spoken and Southern Pashto having more conservative features.

How does Pashto compare to Persian in terms of script and vocabulary?

Both Pashto and Persian use scripts based on the Arabic alphabet and have added to it to meet their linguistic needs. They share some vocabulary, particularly of Persian and Arabic origin, but Pashto has retained many archaic Indo-Iranian terms that are not present in modern Persian.

What are the similarities and differences in the grammar of Pashto and Persian?

Pashto and Persian share a subject-object-verb (SOV) word order, which is common in Indo-Iranian languages. However, Pashto has a series of retroflex consonants and a richer set of sounds compared to Persian, giving it a distinct phonetic character.

Can you provide examples of shared vocabulary between Pashto and Persian?

Shared vocabulary between Pashto and Persian includes words for common concepts such as 'hello' (Salam), 'goodbye' (Khoda hafez), 'thank you' (Shukran/Moteshakeram), 'water' (Ab), 'book' (Kitab), and 'friend' (Dost), which are borrowed from Arabic, Persian, or have ancient Iranian roots.

How do pronouns and the verb 'to be' differ in Pashto and Persian?

In Pashto, pronouns and the verb 'to be' are distinct, with specific forms for masculine and feminine subjects in the third person singular. In Persian, the verb 'to be' has a unified form for both 'he' and 'she' in the third person singular.

What are the practical implications of learning Pashto and Persian for communication?

While Pashto and Persian share some vocabulary due to their common Indo-Iranian heritage, they are distinct languages with significant differences in grammar, pronunciation, and usage. Speakers of one language may not automatically understand the other unless they have been exposed to it, making learning both languages valuable for effective communication in the region.

Outlines

00:00

🌐 Introduction to Pashto and Its Historical Significance

This paragraph introduces Pashto, a language spoken by the Pashtun people at the crossroads of Central and South Asia. It highlights the resilience of the Pashtun people against various conquerors, including Alexander the Great, the British Empire, the Soviet Union, and modern military forces like the US and NATO. Pashto is one of Afghanistan's official languages, alongside Dari, and has been a symbol of Afghan identity since the 1920s and 1930s. King Zahir Shah made Pashto an official language in 1936. The paragraph also discusses the coexistence of Pashto and Dari in Afghanistan and the language's role in Pakistan, particularly in the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Pashto is part of the Indo-Iranian language family and has distinct phonetic, lexical, and grammatical features compared to its linguistic relatives like Persian, Kurdish, and Balochi.

05:01

🔤 Linguistic Comparisons: Pashto and Persian

This paragraph delves into the linguistic similarities and differences between Pashto and Persian. Both languages use scripts based on the Arabic alphabet and share some vocabulary, along with geographic and cultural ties. Pashto has a richer set of sounds, including retroflex consonants, compared to Persian. The paragraph also discusses the shared vocabulary between the two languages, which includes words borrowed from Arabic and ancient Iranian languages. Both Pashto and Persian follow a subject-object-verb (SOV) word order, which is common in Indo-Iranian and other Indo-European languages. The paragraph sets the stage for a practical comparison of the two languages using example sentences to highlight their differences and similarities.

10:02

🌟 Practical Linguistic Examples and Conclusion

The final paragraph provides practical examples of shared vocabulary between Pashto and Persian, such as greetings, common nouns, and verbs. It compares the pronouns and the present tense of the verb 'to be' in both languages, showing how they are structured and conjugated. The paragraph emphasizes that despite their common Indo-Iranian heritage, Pashto and Persian have unique characteristics in grammar, pronunciation, and usage. It suggests that speakers of one language may not automatically understand the other unless they have been exposed to it. The paragraph concludes by encouraging exploration of both languages to gain insights into the linguistic landscape of the region and mentions the Ling app as a resource for learning these languages.

Keywords

💡Pashto

Pashto, also known as Pasto, is one of the official languages of Afghanistan and is spoken by the Pashtun people. The language is significant as it has historically resisted conquests by various empires and forces, as mentioned in the script. It is also spoken in Pakistan, particularly in the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. The video discusses Pashto's unique linguistic features and its relationship with Persian, another prominent language of the region.

💡Persian (Farsi)

Persian, also known as Farsi, is a prominent language of the region, primarily spoken in Iran, Afghanistan (where it is known as Dari), and Tajikistan (where it is called Tajik). The script compares Persian with Pashto, highlighting their similarities and differences in vocabulary, phonetics, and syntax. Persian shares some vocabulary and script with Pashto, but it also has its own distinct features.

💡Indo-Iranian languages

Indo-Iranian languages are a branch of the Indo-European language family, which includes both Persian and Pashto. The script mentions that Pashto is an Indo-Iranian language, indicating its linguistic roots and its relationship with other languages in the group, such as Kurdish and Balochi. This classification helps to understand the shared heritage and influences among these languages.

💡Dialects

Dialects refer to variations of a language that are specific to a region or social group. The script mentions that Pashto has several dialects, broadly categorized into Northern and Southern Pashto, each with its own unique characteristics. This diversity within the language showcases the rich tapestry of cultural and linguistic features within the Pashto-speaking regions.

💡Retroflex consonants

Retroflex consonants are a type of speech sound where the tongue is curled back in the mouth to produce certain consonant sounds. The script notes that Pashto has a series of retroflex consonants, which contributes to its distinct phonetic features compared to Persian. This aspect of Pashto's phonology is part of what makes it unique among the Indo-Iranian languages.

💡Script

A script refers to the written form of a language, including its alphabet and writing system. Both Pashto and Persian use scripts based on the Arabic alphabet, which they have adapted to meet their linguistic needs. The script is an essential aspect of language identity and communication, and the video discusses how these languages have developed their writing systems.

💡Subject-Object-Verb (SOV)

Subject-Object-Verb is a sentence structure where the subject comes first, followed by the object, and then the verb. The script mentions that both Pashto and Persian follow an SOV order, which is common in many Indo-European languages. This shared syntactic feature is an example of the linguistic similarities between the two languages.

💡Archaic terms

Archaic terms are words or phrases that were once commonly used but are no longer in everyday use in modern language. The script points out that Pashto has retained many archaic Indo-Iranian terms that do not exist in modern Persian. This preservation of older language forms is part of what makes Pashto distinct and rich in linguistic history.

💡Ling app

The Ling app is mentioned in the script as a resource for learning languages, including Pashto and Persian. It is presented as a tool for language enthusiasts, travelers, or those looking to connect with Pashto and Persian-speaking communities. The app is an example of modern technology aiding in the exploration and understanding of diverse languages.

💡Cultural heritage

Cultural heritage refers to the traditions, languages, and artifacts that are passed down through generations in a community. The script emphasizes the role of Pashto in preserving the rich oral traditions and cultural heritage of the Pashtun people. This connection between language and culture is a central theme of the video, highlighting the importance of linguistic diversity.

Highlights

Pashto is spoken at the crossroads of Central and South Asia by the Pashtun people.

The Pashtun have historically resisted conquest by various empires and forces.

Pashto has been added to the Linguist app, prompting questions about its similarity to Persian.

Pashto is one of the official languages of Afghanistan, alongside Dari.

Historically, Pashto was the language of the Afghan elite, including kings and the ruling class.

In the 1930s, Pashto became a symbol of Afghan identity and was made an official language.

Pashto is also an original language of Pakistan, particularly in the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

More people speak Pashto as their native language than Dutch, making it a significant yet lesser-known language globally.

Pashto is an Indo-Iranian language, part of the larger Indo-European family.

Pashto has several dialects, broadly categorized into northern and southern Pashto.

Pashto shares roots with other languages in the Indo-Iranian group, such as Persian, Kurdish, and Balochi.

Pashto has distinct phonetic, lexical, and grammatical features that set it apart from its linguistic relatives.

Both Pashto and Persian have scripts based on the Arabic alphabet.

Pashto has a series of retroflex consonants and a richer set of sounds compared to Persian.

Pashto and Persian share many words of Persian and Arabic origin, but Pashto has retained many archaic Indo-Iranian terms.

Both Pashto and Persian follow a subject-object-verb (SOV) order.

Practical examples comparing Pashto and Persian sentences highlight differences and similarities.

Pashto and Persian share some vocabulary, but they are distinct languages with significant differences.

Learning Pashto and Persian opens up opportunities and insights into the linguistic landscape of the region.

Transcripts

have you ever heard of

PTO this language is spoken at the

crossroads of Central and South Asia by

the pon people who have successfully

resisted conquest by the likes of

Alexander the Great the British Empire

the Soviet Union and even recently the

US and NATO forces POS has been added to

the Ling out and an interesting question

that people often ask about poshto is

how similar is it to Persian or farsy

another prominent language of the region

so in this video we will find out the

answer by comparing sentences from both

languages but first let's discover some

fun and interesting facts about poshto

Pasto is one of the official languages

of Afghanistan the other is D an Afghan

dialect of Persian and as such it is

sometimes referred to as Eastern Persian

or Afghan Persian the two languages have

coexisted in Afghanistan for centuries

historically most pum spoke PTO well D

was the language of Afghan Elite

including Kings and the ruling class

during the 1920s and 30s posa became an

essential symbol of Afghan identity so

the ruling class began to study and also

use PTO in

1936 King Zahir Shaw formerly made PTO

one of Afghanistan's official languages

PTO is also a original language of

Pakistan particularly in the provinces

of kyber pakun in baluchistan the

language serves as a vital means of

communication of the pasum people

preserving their Rich oral traditions

and cultural

heritage most people have heard of Dutch

but not so many people have heard of

poshto surprisingly more than twice as

many people speak PTO as their native

language than Dutch while Dutch boasts

about 22 million native speakers about

40 to 60 million people around the world

speak poshto as their first language

this makes poshto a significant yet

lesser known language

globally poshto is an indo-iranian

language part of the larger

Indo-European family it has several

dialects broadly categorized into

northern and southern poshto each with

its own unique characteristics Pasto

shares roots with other languages in the

indo-iranian group such as Persian farsy

D kurish and baluchi despite these

connections poso has its own distinct

phonetic lexical and grammatical

features that set it apart from its

linguistic relatives in this video we

will explore those similarities and

differences Apostle and Persian have

scripts based on the Arabic alphabet if

you don't speak Arabic Persian or PTO

you might find it difficult to

distinguish among them when written both

Pas and Persian have added to the Arabic

script to meet their linguistic needs

these languages also share some

vocabulary as well as Geographic and

cultural ties further contributing to

their

similarities now let's take a look at a

general comparison with Persian Persian

is spoken primarily in Iran Afghanistan

where it is known as D and tajic Stan

where it is called tajic a quick compar

comparison with poshto reveals that in

phology poshto has a series of retroflex

consonants and richer set of sounds

compared to farsy thus it has these 12

extra letters concerning vocabulary both

languages share many words of Persian

and Arabic origin but poshto has

retained many archaic Indo Iranian terms

that don't exist in modern day Persian

concerning syntax both PTO and Farsi

follow a subject object verb SLV order

meaning that the verb comes at the end

of the sentence this s so structure is

also common in other indoan languages as

well as in other Indo-European languages

like Hindi uru and

Nepali now that we have set the stage

let's dive into some practical examples

we'll compare the same sentences in the

lingap in poto and Farsi to highlight

these differences and similarities this

will give you a Hands-On understanding

of how these languages work in everyday

communication stay tuned as we explore

these intriguing linguistic nuances as

we have seen to our comparison of pul

and farsy using the Ling app first let's

take a look at some shared vocabulary

between pasu and Persian the words for

hello are borrowed from Arabic Salam

Salam the words for goodbye are borrowed

from

Persian the words for thank you are

derived from Arabic

man the words for water are derived from

ancient

Iranian the words for book are borrowed

from

Arabic the words for day have roots in

old

Persian R the words for night are from

old

Iranian the words for friend are derived

from

Persian the words for Teacher are

borrowed from

Arabic the words for City are rooted in

Persian

Origins the words for garden are

commonly used across Iranian

languages the word for door is derived

from

Persian the word for peace is influenced

by Arabic and

Persian the word for night is derived

from old Iranian languages

let's compare the pronouns and the

present tense of to be in p and Persian

the example sentences follow the pronoun

plus compliment in this case student

plus the verb to be I I am a student

you singular familiar or a

student he or she is a

student we are students

you plural or formal are

students they they are

students soup

the verbs to eat in both languages are

quite

similar

Persian both derived from the same

indo-iranian root in both languages the

verb is conjugated according to the

subject both PTO Persian use a subject

object verb s o order for example I rice

eat Persian

comes or is from is the third person

singular feminine is a form of the verb

to be in PTO specifically used for

masculine subjects in the third person

is in the

example he is from Japan the first

functions as a pronoun for he and the

second serves as the verb is the other

forms are DA used for feminine third

person singular and D used for plural

subjects meaning R Persian on the other

hand uses as for both he and she these

two languages while sharing a common

Indo Iranian Heritage have their own

unique characteristics and charm from

phology to vocabulary and syntax each

language offers a rich tapestry of

cultural and linguistic diversity so

even though PTO and Persian D in

Afghanistan share some vocabulary they

are distinct languages with significant

differences in grammar pronunciation and

usage as a result speakers of pel and

Persian

may not automatically understand each

other unless they have been exposed to

the other language exploring parel

alongside Persian not only highlights

the similarities and differences between

the two languages but also deepens our

understanding of the broader linguistic

landscape of the region whether you're a

language Enthusiast a traveler or

someone looking to connect with a poshto

speaking and forces speaking communities

learning these languages opens up a

world of opportunities and insights

don't forget to check out the Ling app

for these languages and many more thank

you for listening see you in the next

video