Goals
A look at the AZFA Center at Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman
According to the announcement of the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman is among the top 10 comprehensive universities in Iran in the ranking of the Ministry of Science in 2010. In 2014, it was ranked 12th among the universities in the country . Due to the university's position as the largest university in the southeast of the country and the history of the Persian Language and Literature Department, preparations were made in 2013 to establish AZFA (Teaching Persian to Non-Persian Speakers) and finally the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology issued a license in 2013. AZFA of Shahid Bahonar University has begun its activities to attract and train applicants to learn Persian.
Teaching Persian to non-Persian speaking students and volunteers who wish to study in various educational and research fields is an undeniable necessity. Knowing Persian is a basic requirement and in fact the first requirement for studying in universities in the country. Without having the four language skills of listening, reading, speaking and understanding at the desired level, it will be practically impossible for non-Persian speaking students to use specialized classes.
In addition to being the second language of the Islamic world, Persian is also an important factor in national solidarity, a means of linguistic communication, and a historical and cultural support for Iranians in the fields of education, society, culture, and national security . On the other hand, the valuable and noble literary texts that have attracted the attention of the world require us to provide the basis for teaching Persian at universities for non-Persian speakers so that international communication and scientific and cultural synergies can be expanded.
The Persian language program at Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman is offered at six levels based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching and Assessment ( CEFR ). The approach to implementing this program is recognized as an international system that can lead to better understanding and closer cooperation between different language study centers around the world.
The goal of the entire Persian language program is to make learners proficient in the Persian language. All courses follow a communicative approach to language teaching, focusing on the part of the language that is needed to communicate in different situations. The levels defined according to the CEFR provide a clear and comprehensive description of what learners need to learn to use the Persian language effectively. Also, the criteria provided for each level of proficiency make it easier to measure progress at each level of proficiency, which is more understandable for learners, teachers, and other interested parties.
Goals of teaching Persian to non-Persian speakers:
1- Strengthening the four skills of speaking , writing , listening , and reading in learners.
2- Familiarizing students with the Persian language, Iranian and Islamic culture and identity.
3- Teachers' attention to sociological, psychological, and cultural issues of Persian language teaching among learners.
4- Creating a spirit of convergence and cultural and literary synergy between different nations.
5- Familiarizing students from other nations with scientific, cultural, and literary achievements.
6- Introducing students from other nations to Iran's tourist attractions and encouraging the spirit of visiting Iran.
The International Persian Language Training Center (IFTTC) at Shahid Bahonar University offers a variety of courses.
Persian language training courses for non-Persian speakers:
These courses include three levels: Preliminary , Average , and Advanced , each of which includes two basic levels ( A1 and A2 ), two intermediate levels ( B1 and B2 ), and two advanced levels ( C1 and C2 ). These levels will be held in regular courses for a period of six months (each course is two months) and 100 hours per course every two months. In emergency situations, the course will be held in an intensive format for a period of three months (each course is one month) and 100 hours per month, two sessions per day. The levels can be adjusted to the needs of the participants for more specific and limited courses. The center recommends that students interested in studying at one of the universities in Iran complete at least level B2 to gain admission to these universities, although B1 may be sufficient for some conditions (depending on the field of study). At the end of each course, the final exam for the desired level is held by the teacher, and if passed, the learner advances to the next level. After completing the three levels, the learner must be able to take the Persian language proficiency exam and obtain a Persian language proficiency certificate.