Persian is the ancient and modern language of Persia, Iran, and Afghanistan, the language of the Epic of Kings, the Robâiyât of Omar Khayyâm, and the mystical and spiritual verse of the great poet Rumi.

Persian is an Indo-European language, related to English and French, but written in an Arabic script. Farsi is the dialect of Iran, Dari that of Afghanistan, Tajiki that of Tajikistan.

The Duke Persian Program provides a foundation in the 4 skills of the language through a task-based, learner-centered, communicational and interactive method enriched with authentic culture.

Visit the Asian and Middle Eastern Studies Department for more information.