eTextbooks are now available to purchase or rent through VitalSource.com! Please visit VitalSource for more information on pricing and availability. Pashto, designated a critical language by the US Department of Defense, is one of two official languages of Afghanistan and is also spoken in parts of Pakistan. Volume 1 of Pashto: An Elementary Textbook is designed to cover one semester of beginning-level language instruction; together, Volumes 1 and 2 of Pashto cover one year of instruction. The textbook provides learners and instructors with a wide selection of task-oriented, communicative language materials to facilitate the development of language learning. It features a functional approach to grammar, an emphasis on integrated skills development, and the use of authentic materials. The activities provided in the textbook will help learners to develop strong skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. In addition to the cultural background embedded in the video materials, the textbook contains cultural notes that improve competency. Volumes 1 and 2 of Pashto: An Elementary Textbook each include: ? Authentic audio and video materials to accompany the text, available on the Press website ? Extensive Pashto?English and English?Pashto glossaries ? Material for teaching the Arabic-based Pashto alphabet ? Color illustrations and photographs throughout Topics covered Volume 1 (first semester): The Pashto alphabet, writing, reading, pronunciation, greetings and introductions, university life, daily activities, in the city, and family Volume 2 (second semester): Seasons, weather, holidays, health, food, sport, and shopping For Instructors: Exam copies of the textbook are available free of charge to instructors and can be ordered on this page. To request a print sample, please use the "print" exam copy button. Instructors may request a digital sample by logging into VitalSource.com, selecting "Faculty Sampling" in the upper right-hand corner, and selecting the desired product.