Product Overview
Contemporary Azerbaijani: A Communicative Textbook is a comprehensive and engaging
introduction to modern Azerbaijani language and culture, designed for both classroom
instruction and independent learning. Developed at the Center for Languages of the Central
Asian Region (CeLCAR) at Indiana University, this innovative textbook combines communicative
language teaching with authentic cultural content to help learners build real-world proficiency
and confidence in Azerbaijani, one of the most widely spoken Turkic languages in the world.
Organized into nine thematic chapters spanning approximately 160 instructional hours, the
textbook guides learners through everyday situations such as introducing oneself, discussing
family and hobbies, shopping, dining, traveling, navigating transportation, visiting a doctor, and
much more. Through carefully sequenced lessons, learners progressively develop speaking,
listening, reading, and writing skills while gaining meaningful insight into Azerbaijani life and
traditions.
Grounded in a backward-design curriculum model and aligned with ACTFL Proficiency
Guidelines, Contemporary Azerbaijani emphasizes practical communication through pair work,
task-based activities, authentic dialogues, videos, audio recordings, readings, and interactive
cultural materials. Upon completion, learners can expect to reach an Intermediate Low–Mid
proficiency level, with highly motivated learners potentially achieving Intermediate High
proficiency.
Major Features Include:
- A communicative, task-based approach focused on real-life interaction
- Step-by-step development of speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills
- Authentic Azerbaijani materials, including videos, dialogues, readings, and audio recordings
- Integrated cultural content throughout every chapter and activity
- Functional grammar presented in meaningful communicative contexts
- Pair-work and classroom activities that promote active participation
- Clear explanations with English translations and structured vocabulary support
- Cultural notes, proverbs, riddles, and authentic photography that bring Azerbaijani culture to life
- End-of-chapter vocabulary lists, answer keys, dialogue transcripts, and a complete glossary for review and self-study
DR. SHAHYAR DANESHGAR is a native Azerbaijani from Tehran, Iran, and a longtime language
educator specializing in Azerbaijani and Persian. He helped establish Azerbaijani language
instruction at Indiana University and has taught for decades through both Indiana University’s
Summer Language Workshop and the Department of Central Eurasian Studies.
FIALA ABDULLAYEVA is an experienced Azerbaijani language educator who has taught at both
the Azerbaijan University of Languages and Indiana University’s Summer Language Workshop.
