PRACTICAL PASHTO

A Collection of Role-play Exercises & Scenarios in Pashto

DEFENSE CRITICAL LANGUAGE

AND CULTURE PROGRAM
THE MAUREEN & MIKE MANSFIELD CENTER
AT T HE U N IV ER SIT Y OF MON TA NA

Cover photograph and all other photos istockphoto.com

All rights reserved and copyrighted by Defense Critical Language/Culture Program, Maureen
and Mike Mansfield Center at the University of Montana, Copyright 2011
2675 Palmer Street, Suite E, Missoula MT 59808
Tel: 406-243-3600 http://www.umt.edu/mansfield/dclcp
Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those
of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Security Education
Program (NSEP).

ii

Table of Contents:
1. Preface ............................................................................................................................................. v
2. Greeting Someone ........................................................................................................................... 1
3. Getting to Know a Neighbor ............................................................................................................ 3
4. Reporting an Emergency .................................................................................................................. 5
5. Disturbance by a Neighbors Loud Music ........................................................................................ 8
6. Ordering Food at a Restaurant ...................................................................................................... 10
7. Discussing Last Weekends Activities ............................................................................................. 12
8. Mailing a Package .......................................................................................................................... 14
9. Buying Clothes ............................................................................................................................... 16
10. Buying Fruits and Vegetables ................................................................................................................. 18
11. Grocery Shopping ...................................................................................................................................... 20
12. Talking about Buying Food ...................................................................................................................... 22
13. Making a Doctors Appointment ............................................................................................................ 24
14. Family Health ............................................................................................................................................. 26
15. Examining a Sick Child............................................................................................................................... 28
16. Examining a Patient................................................................................................................................... 31
17. Getting Medicine from a Pharmacy ........................................................................................................ 34
18. Finding an Address .................................................................................................................................... 36
19. Changing Money ........................................................................................................................................ 38
20. A Missed Flight ........................................................................................................................................... 40
21. An Invitation to Dinner ............................................................................................................................. 42
22. Getting to Know Someone at a Wedding .............................................................................................. 45
23. Discussing Food ......................................................................................................................................... 48
24. Lodging ........................................................................................................................................................ 50
25. A Dispute between a Father and a Son .................................................................................................. 52
26. Coming to Class Late ................................................................................................................................. 54
27. The Farmer and the Agriculture Worker................................................................................................ 56
28. The Aid Worker and the Village Elder .................................................................................................... 59
29. Renting a House ......................................................................................................................................... 62
30. Buying a Car................................................................................................................................................ 65
31. Talking to a Refugee Family ..................................................................................................................... 68
32. Glossary....................................................................................................................................................... 71
iii

iv

Preface
One of the challenges of teaching a foreign language is how to best enable students to interact
effectively outside the classroom with native speakers in situations that are different from those
experienced in class. One helpful learning tool that can immerse students into the language is
role playing. When simulating real-life experiences, students learn necessary life skills in a fun
and productive manner. Practical Pashto is a collection of simulations based on real-life
experiences in Afghanistan. The skills taught in this book are aimed at equipping students with
the expertise needed to function in the world outside their classroom. This book is primarily
designed to familiarize students of Pashto with the basic terms and vocabulary needed in
interacting with Afghans and to give students opportunities to develop effective speaking skills
for situations related to daily life in Afghanistan.
Each simulation exercise can take up to one hour. The vocabulary that might be new to students
will be presented before students are expected to perform the role play. This vocabulary will
serve as a resource for students to use in the role play. Students will read a sample conversation
through which they will be familiarized with the necessary phrases and sentences used for that
particular situation. Each section is then followed by activities which encourage students to
reflect upon what they have read. Students answer key questions which encourage them to
summarize their findings and to draw conclusions from the reading. This will be followed by
specific instructions and role-play scenarios that help students simulate a situation similar to the
topics of the sample conversation. Here, the students will act out a situation with closed books.
The simulations start with the most basic conversations and develop into more advanced
conversations towards the end of the book. The booklet is also accompanied by an audio which
includes the recording of all the conversations and follow-up questions. The listening portion is
indicated by the

(headphone sign).

This book is not intended to be an independent textbook for learning Pashto. It should be used as
supplementary material along with other textbooks. In order to most effectively use this book,
students should already be familiar with the Pashto alphabet and should be able to read Pashto.
Furthermore, students should be able to use the present, past and future tenses. Students should
also already possess some basic key vocabulary.
v

We hope this collection will be helpful for those involved in learning and teaching Pashto. With
the scarcity of professionally-developed curricula about the Pashto language, it is our hope that
this edition can at least fill a small part of this gap and serve as an efficient guide for learners and
teachers.

vi



Greeting Someone

istockphoto.com

Pre-Role Play: Learn the following new words before proceeding with the role play:

English

English

Name
To meet
City

Place
Happy
How

Sample Role Play: Read the following sample conversation.

: .

: .

:
.

:
: .
:

:
: .

: .

: .

: .

: .

: .

: .

Page 1

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

POST- READING ACTIVITIES

I. Role Play Scenario 1: Pair up with a partner and act out roles of two individuals who
meet each other on the street. Introduce yourselves and try to get to know one another.

II. Role Play Scenario 2: Go around the class and interview five of your classmates. Fill
out their information in the following form and report to the class once you are done.

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

Page 2



Getting to Know a Neighbor
istockphoto.com

Pre-Role Play: Learn the following new words before proceeding with the role play:
English
To be named, to be
called
Day
Province

English
Originally

To get settled
Government
employee

Sample Role Play: Read the following sample conversation and answer the
comprehension questions that follow.

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

Page 3

()

POST- READING ACTIVITIES

I. Comprehension Questions: Respond to the following questions in Pashto.
Try not to translate the questions.

.1
.2
.3
.4
II. Role Play Scenario:
In Afghanistan it is uncommon not to meet new neighbors once they move in.
Neighbors often introduce themselves and offer to help when a new neighbor moves to
the neighborhood. You have just moved to a new house in the Khairkhaana area of
Kabul. Meet your new neighbor/s and get to know them in a conversation similar to the
one above.
DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

Page 4



Reporting an Emergency
istockphoto.com

Pre-Role Play: Learn the following new words before proceeding with the role
play:
English
To occur
Corner
Okay/ alright

English
Incident
To inform
Under

Sample Role Play: Read the following sample conversation and answer the
comprehension questions that follow.

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

Page 5

POST- READING ACTIVITIES

I. Comprehension Questions: Respond to the following questions in Pashto.
Try not to translate the questions.

.1
.2

II. Role Play Scenario 1:

Student A: You are a 911 operator. Someone is reporting an

accident. Try to get as much information as possible about the

accident.

Student B: You are an accident victim. Try to give details of the

accident to a 911 operator, e.g., when the accident happened
and how it happened.

istockphoto.com

III. Role Play Scenario 2 (Creating Narratives):

Student A: You are a reporter for a local newspaper. Try to obtain information
from a witness on the street about an accident.
Student B: You are a bystander being interviewed by a local reporter. Try to
describe an accident that you witnessed earlier.

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

Page 6

IV. Role Play Scenario 3:

Student A: You are a police officer who reports to the accident scene. Ask the two
people involved in the accident some questions about the accident, and fill out the
following form by taking notes from the conversation. Once you are done with
the interview, report to the class your findings in Pashto.
Student B: You are the driver of the first car. Answer the police officers questions
about the accident.
Student C: You are the driver of the second car. Answer the police officers
questions about the accident.

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

Page 7

Disturbance by a Neighbors Loud Music

istockphoto.com

Pre-Role Play: Learn the following new words before proceeding with the role play:
English
To disturb/ interfere
Late
Sound
May God bless you/
May God forgive
you
Goodbye

English

Neighbor
High
Music
Birthday

Low, short

Sample Role Play: Read the following sample conversation and answer the
comprehension questions that follow.

)(

)(

. .

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

:
Page 8

.
.

. .

. .

. :
POST- READING ACTIVITIES
I. Comprehension Questions: Respond to the following questions in Pashto.
Try not to translate the questions.

.1
.2
.3
II. Role Play Scenario:
Student A: It is 2:00 am and your neighbors are

playing music. Knock on their door and ask them to

turn it down.
Student B: Apologize to student A and promise to

turn down the music while also getting to know him.

Photo istockphoto.com

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

Page 9




Ordering Food at a Restaurant
istockphoto.com

Pre-Role Play: Learn the following new words before proceeding with the role play:

English

Food
Various
Spinach
Stew

English
Chicken kebab
)One order (of meal
Shaami kebab

Sample Role Play: Read the following sample conversation and answer the
comprehension questions that follow.

Page 10

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

POST- READING ACTIVITIES

I. Comprehension Questions: Respond to the following questions in Pashto.
Try not to translate the questions.

.1
.2

2. Role Play Scenario: Your teacher will talk about common Afghan food. After
learning about different Afghan dishes, pair up with a partner and play the roles
of an Afghan waiter and a visiting foreign guest.

Both pictures istockphoto.com

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

Page 11



Discussing Last Weekends Activities

Pre-Role Play: Learn the following new words before proceeding with the role play:

English

English

Weekend, holiday

Only

Last
Sample Role Play: Read the following sample conversation and answer the
comprehension questions that follow.

Spend
Also

Page 12

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

POST- READING ACTIVITIES

I. Comprehension Questions: Respond to the following questions in Pashto.
Try not to translate the questions.

.1
.2
.3

II. Role Play Scenario:

Student A: You took a trip to a nearby city over the weekend. Answer your friends

questions about your weekend.

Student B: Ask your partner questions about his weekend.

Both pictures istockphoto.com

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

Page 13



Mailing a Package

istockphoto.com

Pre-Role Play: Learn the following new words before proceeding with the role play:

English

To send

Ordering
Post Office
/ Food at a Restaurant
To register

English
Regular
Difference
Postal worker

Sample Role Play: Read the following sample conversation and answer the
comprehension questions that follow.

( )

( ) .

()

.
.

Page 14

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

POST- READING ACTIVITIES

I. Comprehension Questions: Respond to the following questions in Pashto.
Try not to translate the questions.

.1
.2
.3

2. Role Play Scenario: Pair up with a partner and practice the above conversation
by taking the role of a post office clerk and a customer.

Student A: You are a post office clerk. Pair up with your

partner and answer questions about mailing a

package.
Student B: You are sending a package to a place
outside Afghanistan. Talk to the post office clerk and
ask questions about mailing the package.
istockphoto.com

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

Page 15



Buying Clothes
istockphoto.com

Pre-Role Play: Learn the following new words before proceeding with the role play:

English

Store

Pair

Size
Ordering
Food
at
a
Restaurant

Buyer

English
Embroidered collar
To tie, close
Cheap
Seller

Sample Role Play: Read the following sample conversation and answer the
comprehension questions that follow.

: .
:

: ()
Page 16

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

. :
. :
. . :
. :
. :
POST- READING ACTIVITIES
I. Comprehension Questions: Respond to the following questions in Pashto.
Try not to translate the questions.

.1
.2
.3
.4

II. Role Play Scenario: Your teacher will bring some samples of Afghan clothing to
class. Pair up with a partner and take the role of an Afghan shopkeeper and a
customer. Discuss the clothing.

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

Page 17



Buying Fruits and Vegetables

istockphoto.com

Pre-Role Play: Learn the following new words before proceeding with the role play:
English

English

Shopkeeper

Spinach

Fruit

Potatoes
Sample Role Play: Read the following sample conversation and answer the
comprehension questions that follow.

Onions
Change (money)
Peach

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

Page 18

POST- READING ACTIVITIES

I. Comprehension Questions: Respond to the following questions in Pashto.
Try not to translate the questions.

.1
.2
.3
.4
.5
II. Role Play Scenario: Pair up with a partner and simulate a role play similar to
the conversation between the seller and the buyer in the above sample
conversation. Remember that bargaining is very common during shopping in
Afghanistan. Try to bargain for the items you are buying.

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

Page 19



Grocery Shopping

istockphoto.com

Pre-Role Play: Learn the following new words before proceeding with the role play:
English
Lentils
Rice
Grocery
To reduce, to go
give discount

English

To buy
To sell
Beans
Sugar

Sample Role Play: Read the following sample conversation and answer the
comprehension questions that follow.

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

Page 20

POST- READING ACTIVITIES

I. Comprehension Questions: Respond to the following questions in Pashto.
Try not to translate the questions.

.1
.2
.3
II. Role Play Scenario: You have invited your classmates to your house for lunch.
You need to buy groceries. Pair up with a partner and simulate a role play
between a local Afghan shopkeeper and a customer.

istockphoto.com

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

Page 21

Talking about Buying Food

istockphoto.com

Pre-Role Play: Learn the following new words before proceeding with the role play:

( )

English
Food
Edge, corner
Bazaar
Store
Bakery

English
Meat
Bread
Vegetables
Butcher shop

Sample Role Play: Read the following sample conversation and answer the
comprehension questions that follow.

.

.


.
Page 22

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana


.
POST- READING ACTIVITIES
I. Comprehension Questions: Respond to the following questions in Pashto.
Try not to translate the questions.

.1
.2
.3

II. Role Play Scenario: Discuss with a friend your shopping preferences. Follow the
above sample conversation and talk about the places where you usually do your
grocery shopping and why you shop there. Once you are done, report to the class
about where your partner usually shops.

istockphoto.com

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

Page 23



Making a Doctors Appointment

Pre-Role play: Learn the following new words before proceeding with the role play:
English
Visit
Open
Busy
Prescription

English

Sick
Time, appointment
Ordering
Food at
a Restaurant

Help
Office

Sample Role play: Read the following sample conversation and answer the
comprehension questions that follow.

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

Page 24

. .

POST- READING ACTIVITIES

I. Comprehension Questions: Respond to the following questions in Pashto.
Try not to translate the questions.

.1
.2
.3

II. Role Play Scenario:

Student A: You are working as a secretary for Dr. Ahmads Office. Answer a

telephone call and make arrangements for a patient to see the doctor.
Student B: You have been sick for the last few days. Make a phone call to Dr.
Ahmads Office and ask for an appointment.

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

Page 25



Family Health
istockphoto.com

Pre-Role Play: Learn the following new words before proceeding with the role play:

English
Health
Condition
To take
To cry
Hard, tough

English
Dirty
Be quick
Fare
Well-done
Fever

Sample Role Play: Read the following sample conversation and answer the
comprehension questions that follow.

. .

.
.

Page 26

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

POST- READING ACTIVITIES

I. Comprehension Questions: Respond to the following questions in Pashto.
Try not to translate the questions.

.1
.2
.3
II. Role Play Scenario:
Student A: Your younger brother is very sick. He has had a fever for the past few

days and is suffering from a sore throat. You have taken him to the doctor and are
now talking to the doctor. Explain to the doctor the situation and ask for help.
Student B: You are student As younger sibling. Try to explain to the doctor your
symptoms and ask for medical advice.
Student C: You are the medical doctor examining the younger sibling. Find out
what is wrong with the patient and give at least five suggestions for treatment.

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

Page 27



Examining a Sick Child
Pre-Role Play: Learn the following new words before proceeding with the role play:
English
Dark
Eyes
Quilt
To put
Liquids
Body
To increase

English

To examine
Group prayer
To pray
pain
Ordering
FoodTrouble,
at a Restaurant
/ Is everything ok?
Medicine
To sweat

Sample Role Play: Read the following sample conversation and answer the
comprehension questions that follow.

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

Page 28

.

.

.
.

Page 29

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

POST- READING ACTIVITIES

I. Comprehension Questions: Respond to the following questions in Pashto.
Try not to translate the questions.

.1
.2
.3
.4

II. Role Play Scenario: Pair up with a partner and practice the following role play
between the head of an Afghan household and a visiting foreign doctor:
Student A: You are a foreign doctor or health specialist who is visiting an Afghan

village. You are invited to a house to see a sick child. Talk to the head of the
household and find out what the problem is and give some recommendations.
Student B: You are the head of this Afghan household. Tell the foreign doctor the
childs health complaints.

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

Page 30



Examining a Patient
istockphoto.com

Pre-Role Play: Learn the following new words before proceeding with the role play:
English
Device
To cough
Dry
Wet
Breathe

English

Head
To hurt
Pain
Pills
To help (feel better)
Back

Sample Role Play: Read the following sample conversation and answer the
comprehension questions that follow.

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

Page 31

...... ..

.
. .

.
POST- READING ACTIVITIES

I. Comprehension Questions: Respond to the following questions in Pashto.

Try not to translate the questions.

Page 32

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

 .1
.2
.3
.4
.5
II. Role Play Scenario: If possible, before proceeding with the following role play,
bring to class a blood pressure monitoring device and create a bed by putting two
tables next to each other.
Student A: You are a doctor and are visiting a patient. Ask the patient about

his/her condition and prescribe some medication. Also give him/her advice on
what to do. Fill out the doctors form below as you interview the patient. Swap
roles with your partner when you are done.
Student B: You have been sick and suffering from the flu for the past few days.
Play the role of a patient and explain your major complaints and symptoms. Swap
roles when you are done.

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

Page 33



Getting Medicine from a Pharmacy

Pre-Role Play: Learn the following new words before proceeding with the role play:
English
Body
To hurt

English

Pharmacy
Medicine
Ordering FoodAll
at a Restaurant

Sample Role Play: Read the following sample conversation and answer the
comprehension questions that follow.

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

Page 34

. .

. .

POST- READING ACTIVITIES

I. Comprehension Questions: Respond to the following questions in Pashto.
Try not to translate the questions.

.1
.2
.3
II. Role Play Scenario: Conduct a role play based on the scenario in the above
conversation:
Student A: Your friend is sick and needs some medication. He gives you the

prescription and you pick up the medicine for him from the local pharmacy.
Student B: You are sick and cannot go to the pharmacy. Ask one of your friends to
pick up your medicine from the pharmacy.

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

Page 35



Finding an Address
istockphoto.com

Pre-Role Play: Learn the following new words before proceeding with the role play:

English

English

Passenger

Intersection
Resident

Straight
Bus station

Left
Ordering Food at a Restaurant
Lane /

Right
Side, direction

To turn
Buggy

Choice
Sample Role Play: Read the following sample conversation and answer the
comprehension questions that follow.

: .
:

:
.
:

:

.
:

Page 36

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

 :
.
.

. :
.

. :
POST- READING ACTIVITIES
I. Comprehension Questions: Respond to the following questions in Pashto.
Try not to translate the questions.

.1
.2
.3
2. Role Play Scenario: Your teacher will bring to class a map of Kabul or a map of
the city where you study. Pair up with a partner and take the role of an Afghan
taxi driver and a passenger. Discuss how to get to a specific location in the city
and discuss the fare to get there.

istockphoto.com

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

Page 37



Changing Money
istockphoto.com

Pre-Role Play: Learn the following new words before proceeding with the role play:
English
Reasonable
Price, rate
To calculate, to
estimate
In my idea, in my
opinion

English

Currency

Ordering Food at a Restaurant

To exchange
Money changer

Money changee
May God bless you
(thank you)

Sample Role Play: Read the following sample conversation and answer the
comprehension questions that follow.

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

Page 38

. .

POST- READING ACTIVITIES

I. Comprehension Questions: Respond to the following questions in Pashto.
Try not to translate the questions.

.1
.2
.3

II. Role Play Scenario: Your teacher will bring some Afghan currency to class and
will show you different Afghan notes. Pair up with a partner and take the role of a
local money changer and a person who wishes to change some dollars into
Afghani (Afghanistans monetary unit).
DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

Page 39



A Missed Flight

Pre-Role Play: Learn the following new words before proceeding with the role play:

English

Flight
/
to be left
Ordering
FoodTo
at remain,
a Restaurant
Information
To take

English
Place, seat
Additional
No problem
Necessary

Sample Role Play: Read the following sample conversation and answer the
comprehension questions that follow.

( ) - .

:
.

Page 40

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

() .

. .

B
.

.
POST- READING ACTIVITIES

I. Comprehension Questions: Respond to the following questions in Pashto.

Try not to translate the questions.

.1
.2
.3
.4
II. Role Play Scenario: Pair up with a partner and take the role of a passenger that
has missed his/her flight and a flight agent. Make new travel arrangements and
discuss the possible options.
Page 41

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana



An Invitation to Dinner

Pre-Role Play: Learn the following new words before proceeding with the role play:

English

English

Invitation
To accept
Ordering Food at a Restaurant
Engagement

Boy, son
Economical
condition
Separately

Sample Role Play: Read the following sample conversation and answer the
comprehension questions that follow.

Page 42

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

POST- READING ACTIVITIES

I. Comprehension Questions: Respond to the following questions in Pashto.

Try not to translate the questions.

Page 43

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

 .1
.2
.3
.4
.5
.6

II. Role Play Scenario: Practice the following simulation based on the above
conversation:
Student A: Invite student A to your home on a family occasion, e.g., engagement,
birthday or get-together.
Student B: Accept the invitation and try to get to know student As family.

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

Page 44



Getting to know Someone at a Wedding

Pre-Role Play: Learn the following new words before proceeding with the role play:
English
Husband
Relatives, in-laws
Music

Song

English

Wedding/bride/wife

Ordering
FoodCeremony
at a Restaurant
To be familiar with,
to get to know
someone
High school

Sample Role Play: Read the following sample conversation and answer the
comprehension questions that follow.

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

Page 45

Page 46

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

POST- READING ACTIVITIES

I. Comprehension Questions: Respond to the following questions in Pashto.
Try not to translate the questions.

.1
.2
.3
.4
.5

II. Role Play Scenario: Pair up with a partner and pretend to be meeting him/her
for the first time during an Afghan wedding reception. Try to get to know him/her
and discuss the wedding, e.g., the food, the music and the clothing.

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

Page 47



Discussing Food
DCLCP

Pre-Role Play: Learn the following new words before proceeding with the role play:
English
Oil
Raisin
Carrots
Tomato
Onion
Hard
To steam

English

Food

Delicious
Ordering
Food
at
a
Restaurant

True, real

Meat

Rice

Famous

To soak

Sample Role Play: Read the following sample conversation and answer the
comprehension questions that follow.

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

Page 48

. .

. .
.

. .

POST- READING ACTIVITIES

I. Comprehension Questions: Respond to the following questions in Pashto.
Try not to translate the questions.

.1
.2
.3
II. Role Play Scenario:
Student A: Talk to your conversation partner about his/her food preferences and

ask him/her how to cook one of his/her favorite dishes.

Student B: Pick up a favorite easy-to-prepare recipe and present its preparation
method in Pashto to your partner.

* Time permitting, your instructor will help you with an authentic Afghan cooking
experience in Pashto language.

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

Page 49



Lodging
istockphoto.com

Pre-Role Play: Learn the following new words before proceeding with the role play:

English

English

Room

To accept
To rent

Have a good day.
Sample Role Play: Read the following sample
conversation
and answer the
Ordering
Food at a Restaurant
comprehension questions that follow.

/ .

Page 50

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

POST- READING ACTIVITIES

I. Comprehension Questions: Respond to the following questions in Pashto.
Try not to translate the questions.

.1
.2
.3
.4
II. Role Play Scenario:
Student A: You are a front desk clerk at a hotel. Record the necessary information

about the guest by filling out the following form.

Student B: You are a guest who is trying to book a room at a hotel. Answer the
clerks questions.

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

Page 51



A Dispute between a Father and a Son

Pre-Role Play: Learn the following new words before proceeding with the role play:

English

Dispute
Closed
Ordering
Food Lie
at a Restaurant
To make excuses
Neighbor

English
Foreign
Representative
Search
Last
Outside

Sample Role Play: Read the following sample conversation and answer the
comprehension questions that follow.

.
.

.

.

Page 52

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

 .
.

POST- READING ACTIVITIES

I. Comprehension Questions: Respond to the following questions in Pashto.
Try not to translate the questions.

.1
.2
.3
.4

II. Role Play Scenario: Pair up with a partner and play the role of a father and a
son and discuss a family conflict. Try to solve the problem and express your
feelings and reasons in Pashto.

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

Page 53



Coming to Class Late

istockphoto.com

Pre-Role Play: Learn the following new words before proceeding with the role play:
English
Usually
Hour, session
Absence
This time

English

Late
A little
To try
Sometimes
To promise

Sample Role Play: Read the following sample conversation and answer the
comprehension questions that follow.

( )
.

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

Page 54

POST- READING ACTIVITIES

I. Comprehension Questions: Respond to the following questions in Pashto.
Try not to translate the questions.

.1
.2
. .3

II. Role Play Scenario: Pair up with a partner and practice a similar situation
between a teacher and a student or an employer and employee. Discuss why
he/she is late and try to explain him/her the class/office regulations about
punctuality.

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

Page 55



The Farmer and the Agriculture Worker

Pre-Role Play: Learn the following new words before proceeding with the role play:

English

English

Employee/ worker

Agriculture,
/
cultivation
Ordering Food at a Restaurant
Information

Chemical
Mostly

)Animal (adj
To grow

To plow
Sample Role Play: Read the following sample conversation and answer the
comprehension questions that follow.
Canal
Fertilizer

Page 56

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

.
POST- READING ACTIVITIES

I. Comprehension Questions: Respond to the following questions in Pashto.

Try not to translate the questions.

.1
.2
.3
.4
.5

Page 57

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

2. Role Play Scenario I: Once you are done reading the role play, pair up with a
partner and take the role of an Afghan farmer and an agriculture worker. Discuss
the key problems related to agriculture in Afghanistan. Try to discuss the
following key agriculture issues in Afghanistan:

3. Role Play Scenario II: Pair up with a partner and pretend to be an Afghan and
American farmer. Discuss with each other the differences in agriculture in the US
and in Afghanistan. Try to incorporate the vocabulary on crops and agricultural
activities.

istockphoto.com

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

Page 58



The Aid Worker and the Village Elder

Pre-Role Play: Learn the following new words before proceeding with the role play:
English

English

Between

Resident

Ordering
Food Problems
at a Restaurant

It is alright.
/ To grow

Canal

Stagnant water

/ With difficulty

Youth/ youngsters
Sample Role Play: Read the following sample conversation and answer the
comprehension questions that follow.

Wheat
Corn
Poppy
Grass
To irrigate
To estimate
Jobless
Donkey

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

Page 59

. .

( ) .

Page 60

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

POST- READING ACTIVITIES

I. Comprehension Questions: Respond to the following questions in Pashto.
Try not to translate the questions.

.1
.2
.3
.4
.5

2. Role Play Scenario 1: Your teacher will play the role of an Afghan villager. Ask him
questions about the key problems in his village. Try to familiarize yourself with the
village life by asking questions about what makes cities different from villages in
Afghanistan.
3. Role Play Scenario 2: Pair up with a partner and take the role of a local Afghan elder
and an outside visitor. Discuss the key issues in the village.

istockphoto.com

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

Page 61



Renting a House
istockphoto.com

Pre-Role Play: Learn the following new words before proceeding with the role play:

English

To get along with

Ordering
Food
at
a
Restaurant
Obvious, known

Reasonable, suitable

Bathroom

English
Previous
Owner
Rent

Sample Role Play: Read the following sample conversation and answer the
comprehension questions that follow.

. .

Page 62

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

. .
.

.
( ) .

:
.
:

.
POST- READING ACTIVITIES

I. Comprehension Questions: Respond to the following questions in Pashto.

Try not to translate the questions.

.1
.2
.3
.4

Page 63

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

2. Role Play Scenario 1: In a group, play the role of a family looking for a new apartment
or house. One of you will play the role of the real estate agent and will show the family
the building where your class is located as the suggested place to be rented. Other
students, who will play the role of the family members, should ask the real estate agent
questions about the apartment.
3. Role Play Scenario 2:
Student A: Pretend you are renting your apartment/house to one of your
classmates. Tell him/her about the place by describing such details as location,
utilities and other amenities.
Student B: You are renting Student As apartment/ house. Familiarize yourself
with the apartment by asking questions on the place you are about to rent.

istockphoto.com

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

Page 64



Buying a Car
istockphoto.com

Pre-Role Play: Learn the following new words before proceeding with the role play:

English
Sound
To drive
Bargain
Compatriot
Documents
Goodbye (informal)

English

Service, help,

assistance
Ordering Food at a Restaurant
Buyer
Seller

Type, kind

Side, direction

To start (a vehicle or

device)

Sample Role Play: Read the following sample conversation and answer the
comprehension questions that follow. Pay special attention to the underlined local
expressions and ask your instructor to describe them.

() .

. .

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

Page 65

. .

. .

. .

. .
.

. . .

.
POST- READING ACTIVITIES

I. Comprehension Questions: Respond to the following questions in Pashto.

Try not to translate the questions.

Page 66

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

 .1
.2
.3

2. Role Play Scenario 1: Go outside to the parking lot and borrow a vehicle from one of
your friends for this role play:
Student A: You are a salesperson trying to sell a used car. Describe the car to the
customer.
Student B: You are buying a used car from Student A. Check the car specifications
and ask the salesperson questions about the car.

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

Page 67



Talking to a Refugee Family

Pre-Role Play: Learn the following new words before proceeding with the role play:
English
Government
Charity
Red Crescent
Tent
Blanket
Problem
Quilt
Request
Security
protection

English

Interviewer
Interview, discussion
Ordering Food at a Restaurant
Original/originally
Immigrant, refugee,
IDP
District
War
Oppositions
Almost
Tribe
Firm, secure

Sample Role Play: Read the following sample conversation and answer the
comprehension questions that follow.

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

Page 68

:
:

: ( )
:

: ( )
:

:
:

:
:

Page 69

.
DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

:
.
. .

:

.

POST- READING ACTIVITIES

I. Comprehension Questions: Respond to the following questions in Pashto.
Try not to translate the questions.

.4
.5
.6

II. Role Play Scenario:

Student A: Pretend you are working for the Afghan Red Crescent Societies. You
visit an Afghan family that has been displaced by war or drought in a region of
Afghanistan. Interview the family and take note of their key problems.
Student B: Pretend you are the head of the above-mentioned Afghan family.
Explain what you went through and state the key problems in your refugee camp.
DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

Page 70

Glossary
A little

Absence

Accept

Additional
/
Affect, to be beneficial, to help (get better)

Agriculture, cultivation
/
All

Almost

Also

Animal (adj)

Back

Bakery

Bargain

Bathroom

Bazaar

Be quick

Beans

Become familiar with, to get to know someone

Between
DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

Page 71


Birthday

Blanket

Body

Body

Boy, son

Bread

Breathe

Buggy

Bus station

Busy

Butcher shop

Buy

Buyer

Buyer

Calculate, to estimate

Canal

Carrots
/
Ceremony

Change (money)

Charity
DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

Page 72


Cheap

Chemical

Choice

City

Closed

Compatriot

Condition

Corn

Corner

Cough

Cry

Currency

Dark

Day

Delicious

Device

Difference

Dirty

Dispute

District
DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

Page 73


Disturb/ interfere

Documents

Donkey
/
Dry

Economical condition

Edge, corner

Embroidered collar

Employee/ worker

Engagement

Estimate

Examine

Exchange

Eyes

Famous

Fare

Fertilizer

Fever

Firm, secure

Flight

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

Page 74

Food
) (
Foreign

Fruit

Get along with

Get settled

Goodbye

Goodbye (informal)

Government

Government employee

Grass

Grocery

Group prayer

Grow

Happy

Hard, tough

Have a good day.

Head

Health

Help

High

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

Page 75

High school

Hour, session

How

Hurt

Husband

Immigrant, refugee, IDP

Increase

Information

Intersection

Interview, discussion

Interviewer

Invitation

Irrigate
/
Jobless

Chicken kebab

Lane

Last

Late

Left

Lentils

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

Page 76

Less, a little

Lie

Liquids
/
Low, short

Make excuses

May God bless you (thank you)

May God bless you/ May God forgive you

Meat

Medicine

Meet

Money changer

Money changer (customer)

Mostly

Music

Name

Named/ to be called

Necessary

Neighbor

No problem

Obvious, known

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

Page 77

Occur

Office

Oil

Okay/ alright

One order (of meal)

Onion

Only

Open

Oppositions

Original/originally

Originally

Outside

Owner

Pain

Pair

Passenger

Peach

Pharmacy

Pills

Place

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

Page 78

Plow

Poppy

Post Office
/
Postal worker

Potatoes

Pray

Prescription

Previous

Price, rate

Problem

Problems

Promise

Protection

Province

Put

Quilt

Raisin

Reasonable

Red Crescent

Reduce, go give discount

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

Page 79

Register

Regular

Relatives, in-laws

Remain, to be left

Rent (n)

Rent (v)

Representative

Request

Resident

Rice

Right
/
Room

Drive, ride

Search

Security

Sell

Seller

Send

Separately

Service, help, assistance

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

Page 80

Shaami kebab

Shopkeeper

Sick

Side, direction

Size

Soak

Sometimes

Song

Sound

Spend

Spinach

Stagnant water

Start (a vehicle or device)

Steam

Stew

Store

Straight

Sugar

Sweat

Take

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

Page 81

Take (something to a place)

Tent

This time

Tie, close

Time, appointment

Tomato

Tribe

Trouble, pain

True, real

Try

Turn

Type, kind

Usually

Various

Vegetables

Visit

War

Wedding/bride/wife

Weekend, holiday

Well-done

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

Page 82

Wet

Wheat

With difficulty

Youth/ youngsters

DCLCP, Mansfield Center The University of Montana

Page 83

PRACTICAL PASHTO

A Collection of Role-play Exercises & Scenarios in Pashto

Cover photograph and all other photos istockphoto.com

All rights reserved and copyrighted by Defense Critical Language/Culture Program,
 
  


Copyright 2011

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National Security Education Program (NSEP)

DEFENSE CRITICAL LANGUAGE

AND CULTURE PROGRAM
THE MAUREEN & MIKE MANSFIELD CENTER
AT T HE U N IV ER SIT Y OF MON TA NA