Iranian Communities in the U.S.Before the 1979 Revolution:

Small numberMostly college studentsDiplomatsSome businessmen

Iranians in the U.S.Shortly before and after the 1979 Revolution:

Mostly affluent familiesMany in their 40’s and 50’sHigh ranking government officialsIn general, well-educatedMostly on the West and East CoastsSome difficulty adjusting to the new cultureParents and children not always on the same

page.

Iranians in the U.S.Subsequent waves of Iranian immigrants:• Mostly middle class• Mostly educated• Younger population• Looking for better education for their

children• Many minority groups• Closer relationship between parents and

children

Current Iranian Communities Anywhere in the U.S.Mostly well-integrated into American societyLittle or no language barriersHighly value educationHighly educated: 2nd highest educated group Very attached to preserving language and

cultureClose ties within the communitySome may regularly visit Iran

Current Iranian Students

Mostly born in the U.S.Close to American cultureMostly familiar with some aspects of the

Iranian culture, such as food, celebrations, etc.

Many may not know some deeper aspects of the Iranian culture, such as history, literature, etc.

May or may not have been to Iran

Iranians: Heritage or Second Language Learners?

Very mixed learners:

Some comprehend and can communicate orally

Some may comprehend but cannot communicate

Some neither comprehend nor communicate orally

LanguagePersian language also known as Farsi or Parsi

Mostly spoken in:Iran Afghanistan Tajikistan Pakistan

Persian or Farsi Language

An Indo-European languageAlphabet composed of 32 letters Adopted Arabic script in 7th century Many foreign words have entered the

languageWrites from right to leftPoetry an important part of the language

Culture

Has preserved many traditions and practices of pre-Islamic times

Many important holidays and celebrations observed today date back to Zoroastrian era

Most families value close family ties Some grand parents may live with their

children

Culture: Parents

Extremely hospitableMostly do not talk much about their personal

lifeMany do not like talking about moneyAre very modestMay not always say directly what is on their

mindAre quite discreetUse lots of complements

New Year’s Celebration: Nowruz