Learning the local lingo in Dushanbe | Tajikistan - Lonely Planet Forum

ONLINE

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 18:30:01 +0000

I will be spending the best part of 4 months in Dushanbe from July 6th.

I have no talent for languages and have never really been to asian/russian type places before. Different character sets baffle me.

Is it better to try to pick up a bit of russian or tajik?. Does anyone know of any good tutors or classes that might be worth going to?

Is it worth bringing my persian phrasebok along that i took to iran several years ago, or is the language too different?

Has anyone ever made use of the phrase "I dont want to take part but I would like to watch" that always seems to be included?

TIA,
H.

ONLINE

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 19:50:59 +0000

Tajik is a form of Persian, and Persian is what many foreigners based in Tajikistan learn. As for Tajik or Persian vs. Russian, that's very tough to answer and really depends on your own interests and needs.

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ONLINE

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 03:56:18 +0000

I can speak little Farsi and had no problem communicating with people from Tajikistan. I guess your Farsi guide book should be good enough.

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ONLINE

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 15:59:36 +0000

Most people would agree that Tajik is an easier language to learn than Russian. However, if you plan to travel elsewhere in the region, Russian will take you farther. So that's up to you, but if Tajikistan is your main destination, go for Tajik. Farsi will help, but be prepared for some strange looks, there are definitely differences in pronunciation. But still, it can't hurt to start with what you know in Farsi and get people to correct you and learn the Tajik way to speak. Good luck!

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