http://www.ajabanzaban.com/log/index.php/site/index/ Adventures in Persian (a.k.a. Farsi) language and culture. Home of Persian-English word magnets. en razani@planiran.com Copyright 2010 2010-11-28T16:20:02+00:00 http://www.coolzaban.org/index.php/site/article/linguistic_composition_of_iran/ Here’s a map showing the distribution of languages spoken in Iran by MESH, Middle East Strategy at Harvard.  Language 2010-11-28T16:20:02+00:00 http://www.coolzaban.org/index.php/site/article/international_phonetic_association/ You may be wondering why this site chooses not to use the International Phonetic Association (IPA)'s notation to transliterate Persian text. Letters, Phonemes, Transliteration 2009-04-05T06:46:00+00:00 http://www.coolzaban.org/index.php/site/article/paradoxical_commandments/ Here is a text that highlights one of my favorite Adverbs, “Anyway”.  We have translated it into “به هر حال” in Persian.  Here, then, is the translation of Kent Keith’s “Paradoxical Commandments” in Persian!  Translated with the help of Dr. Razani and Ms. Javadpour. Grammar, Parts of speech, Adverbs 2007-06-14T08:19:00+00:00 http://www.coolzaban.org/index.php/site/article/using_forums_in_persian/ Those of you who are comfortable typing Persian may be frustrated with the forums because the default theme (“Developer”) is set from left to right.  Don’t panic!  All you need to do is switch from the default theme to the Persian right to left theme (“Developer-pe-rtl”).  When you change the theme, you change the direction, but all the data remains the same.  And you can easily switch back.  Effectively, you can interface with the forum in two different modes.  Here’s how it works: Computer Age, Help with this website 2006-12-21T23:46:00+00:00 http://www.coolzaban.org/index.php/site/article/setting_up_your_computer_for_persian/ This website is compatible with Persian script.  you can write comments in Persian, post on the Forums in Persian, even search in Persian.  How?  Here are some tips for viewing Persian script properly on your browser, setting up your computer for Persian input in PC and Mac, and typing in Persian.  Computer Age, Help with this website 2006-12-21T07:13:00+00:00 http://www.coolzaban.org/index.php/site/article/mission_goals_principles_motivation_vision/ We love language! This website is dedicated to the exploration of Persian and English and language in general. Being bilingual is cool. It all started with these double sided magnets which have really helped us in our enjoyment of language. For one thing, designing magnets required us to break down the language into parts and particles of speech. This is really handy for deconstructing language and gaining a quick and intuitive grasp of it. The magnets are part of a larger mission, with a sweeping vision.  Read on for the details of our secret agenda. About 2006-12-20T23:25:00+00:00 http://www.coolzaban.org/index.php/site/article/you_have_my_word/ In English, to make a promise is to “give someone your word” that you will do something.  With the Persian word magnets, you can give someone your word literally! Words, Vocabulary, Products 2006-12-20T19:06:00+00:00 http://www.coolzaban.org/index.php/site/article/all_this_history_what_is_it_good_for/ In which we ask, what is history good for? And come up with several useful suggestions. We're open to more, of course! Chip in : ) Creativity, Mythology, Screenplays 2006-12-20T18:49:00+00:00 http://www.coolzaban.org/index.php/site/article/how_to_beshkan/ In this instructional video, the mysteries of Beshkan will be revealed!  First, are you right handed or left handed?  The video shows a left-handed beshkan (actually, right handed, taken in the mirror.).  The frames below that show the right hand Beshkan.  Now, let’s go to video: Basic Communication, Body Language 2006-12-20T08:04:01+00:00 http://www.coolzaban.org/index.php/site/article/beshkan/ What is Beshkan? “Beshkan” is traditional Persian two handed finger snapping.  We don’t know how traditional it is, or when it originated, but we do have some live footage to show you that you, too, can make this freaky sound.  No double jointedness required.  Ordinary hands will suffice. Basic Communication, Body Language 2006-12-20T07:07:00+00:00