PhD in Persian language and literature. I've been teaching Persian for about 10 years and have worked with all levels and different nationalities.

Find out more about Rashin

• Did you grow up speaking this language? Or were you inspired by a trip abroad, an individual, or a certain aspect of the culture?

  Persian is my native language, but I’d say it was a mix of both. Growing up, I spoke it every day, but some teachers really made me fall in love with it. Once I realized how deep and poetic the language is, I wanted to learn more and teach others.

• Can you name a living, historical, or fictional character that you think is the emblematic representative of the language's culture?

  Definitely Rumi. His poetry captures the heart of Persian culture with its blend of mysticism, love, and wisdom. Even though he’s known worldwide, his work feels deeply rooted in Persian language and soul.

• Is there a typical word, phrase, tradition, or expression in the language that you particularly like?

  I love the word “جانم” (janam), which means “my soul” or “my dear.” It’s such a warm, affectionate term that’s used across different relationships—from family to friends. It’s a simple way of showing care

• Why does speaking this language matter to you?

  Speaking Persian connects me to my roots, my family, and my culture. It’s also a way for me to share Persian art, literature, and history with others. It’s part of who I am, and I love teaching it to others as well.

• What is the main difficulty in learning this language, and what can help the process of learning?

  The biggest challenge is definitely the script and pronunciation, especially if you’re used to Latin characters. But listening to native speakers, using subtitles, and diving into Persian music and poetry can make the process much easier and more enjoyable.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to your language learning or your days at school.

  I remember memorizing a Hafez poem for a school recital. At the time, I didn’t fully understand it, but years later, I found myself quoting those same lines during a challenging moment in life. It felt like the poem had evolved with me, and that’s what makes Persian so special—it reveals its meaning over time.

• How has travel or a specific trip helped you to increase your skill and knowledge of the language?

  Traveling across Iran has definitely expanded my understanding of Persian. Different regions have different accents and ways of speaking, from the poetic dialect of Shiraz to the fast pace of Tehran’s slang. It showed me how alive the language is and how it adapts to different contexts.