Iranian Communities in the U.S.

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

2. 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.

3. 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

4. Current Iranian Communities • Anywhere in the U.S. • Mostly well-integrated into American society • Little or no language barriers • Highly value education • Highly educated: 2nd highest educated group • Very attached to preserving language and culture • Close ties within the community • Some may regularly visit Iran

5. 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

6. 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

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

8. Persian or Farsi Language • An Indo-European language • Alphabet composed of 32 letters • Adopted Arabic script in 7th century • Many foreign words have entered the language • Writes from right to left • Poetry an important part of the language

9. 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

10. 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

11. New Year’s Celebration: Nowruz