This is a very accessible learner's guide to one of the oldest and most important literary languages of the Middle East. Persian is spoken by over 35 million people in Iran and Afghanistan, where it is known respectively as Farsi and Dari. First learn about the country's history and culture, acquaint yourself with social customs, restaurant practices and transportation systems. Then learn basic language skills, including vocabulary, grammar and useful phrases that will have you communicating with natives and moving about freely.