Iranian Communities in the U.S. Before the 1979 Revolution: Small number Mostly college students Diplomats Some businessmen

Iranians in the U.S. Shortly before and after the 1979 Revolution: Mostly affluent families Many in their 40’s and 50’s High ranking government officials In general, well-educated Mostly on the West and East Coasts Some difficulty adjusting to the new culture Parents 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 society Little or no language barriers Highly value education Highly educated: 2 nd highest educated group Very attached to preserving language and culture Close ties within the community Some may regularly visit Iran

Current Iranian Students Mostly born in the U.S. Close to American culture Mostly 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

Language Persian language also known as Farsi or Parsi Mostly spoken in: Iran Afghanistan Tajikistan Pakistan

Persian or Farsi Language An Indo-European language Alphabet composed of 32 letters Adopted Arabic script in 7 th century Many foreign words have entered the language Writes from right to left Poetry 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 hospitable Mostly do not talk much about their personal life Many do not like talking about money Are very modest May not always say directly what is on their mind Are quite discreet Use lots of complements

New Year’s Celebration: Nowruz