The Global Prestige of the Persian Language: A Clear Path for Farhangian Teacher Education University’s (FTEU) International Engagement

On Wednesday, July 2, 2025, Hossein Omidi, Director of International Affairs at FTEU, met with Dr. Ahmad Ramezani, Deputy for Education and Research and a Member of the Publishing Council of the Saadi Foundation, to discuss the establishment of the International Center for Persian Language Teaching to Non-Persian Speakers (AZFA) at FTEU.

 

During the meeting, Omidi emphasized that the Saadi Foundation’s Publishing Council is responsible for reviewing and evaluating Persian language textbooks for non-native speakers. He noted that access to specialized materials aligned with the latest educational standards is one of the most critical factors for the success of the planned AZFA Center at FTEU. Referring to the Supreme Leader’s emphasis on safeguarding the Persian language and promoting it globally, alongside Chancellor Dr. Rajab Ali Borzooei’s transformative vision for the university’s robust international presence and for attaining academic leadership in Islamic education regionally and in the Islamic world, Omidi pointed out that the prestige and global status of the Persian language are now more important than ever. “Persian can pave a clear path for the university’s international engagement. Nevertheless, all dimensions of the project must be studied, and we will benefit from the expertise and experiences of the Saadi Foundation in this regard,” he added.

 

Dr. Ramezani stressed that teaching Persian to non-native speakers requires both enhancing research activities and solidifying AZFA’s research identity. “Instruction must be research-based; without scholarly investigation, teaching will remain empirical and unscientific. Educational programs in the country always need a research-oriented foundation,” he remarked. He also highlighted the importance of improving the expertise of Persian language educators in designing, implementing, and evaluating teaching programs for Persian learners. Dr. Ramezani discussed curriculum models and their essential components, such as intended, implemented, evaluated, and attained curricula, including objectives, content, learning experiences, and assessment methods. “A curriculum is not just a list of lessons and materials—it is a comprehensive roadmap for guiding learning, and must be designed according to learners’ needs and environmental conditions.” He went on to review the global models of curriculum development as outlined by educational theorists such as Tyler, Taba, Silver, Alexander, and Hawkins, with practical examples specific to Persian language education.

 

Regarding the organization of a series of international workshops to empower human resources and enhance the quality of Persian language instruction for non-native speakers, Omidi announced that significant agreements between FTEU and the Saadi Foundation have been achieved. He expressed optimism that these specialized workshops will be held at the university in the near future.