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:* a CD-ROM featuring authentic audio and video materials to accompany the text* extensive Pashto--English and English--Pashto glossaries* material for teaching the Arabic-based Pashto alphabet * color illustrations and photographs throughout Topics coveredVolume 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 Minimum System Requirements* Intel(R) Pentium(R) II 1.26 GHz or faster processor (or equivalent); Mac OS 10.5 or higher* 512 MB of RAM* CD Drive* Speakers or headphones