FARSI COURSES
Foundational Language Learning
If you're new to Farsi, even with minimal prior exposure, you're welcome to join one of our beginner groups. The capacity for young minds to grasp language is remarkable; the number of languages they're introduced to hardly matters. They can adeptly absorb multiple spoken languages, provided they're consistently exposed.
Students are grouped based on their aptitude, prior familiarity with the language (if any), age/grade, and level of maturity.
As they make progress, students seamlessly transition to the next level. Our program comprises fourteen distinct sub-levels, each catering to specific advancement stages.
All facets of language acquisition are covered, with a pronounced focus on building vocabulary and honing phonetic skills from the outset. As students refine their hand-eye coordination, the prominence of writing exercises grows. Our approach is tailored to each group, as we acknowledge the absence of a universal solution.
Beyond traditional resources, such as textbooks and audio aids, our methodology incorporates TPRS (Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling), melodious tunes, interactive games, and engaging culinary sessions to enrich the learning experience.
Pre-Teens and Teens
Before delving into our programs, we evaluate students' prior experience with Farsi, if any. If they've had any form of exposure, whether formal or informal, we set goals to propel them to the next level. Our approach encompasses internal curricula as well as those aligned with California Standards and the common core curriculum, along with tailored content to cater to the specific needs of Farsi learners.
Our teenage learners gain exclusive access, using their personal logins, to a digital Farsi book. This platform provides a dynamic learning experience, featuring videos by native Farsi speakers. Starting with simple sentences and gradually advancing to stories, students even get to record their own voices—enabling instructors to pinpoint and rectify pronunciation nuances. Our comprehensive curricula cover a wide spectrum: (a) Grammar intricacies and sentence structures; (b) Enhanced conversational abilities via role-play; (c) Language evolution and historical context; (d) Verb conjugation mastery; (e) Enriched vocabulary acquisition facilitated through engaging games and interactive scenarios; (f) Precision in phonetics; (g) Proficiency in reading and comprehension through the proven TPRS approach; (h) Refined listening skills honed via MP4 videos, soundtracks, and MP3 songs.
For those aspiring to excel in AP classes or aiming for success in the DELF exams, we proudly offer comprehensive test preparation resources.
Adults
Our adult classes are meticulously designed to align with each student's unique expectations. The foundation of learning is built upon captivating themes of personal interest. These classes are conveniently scheduled during early afternoons or evenings, accommodating diverse schedules.
Throughout the year, we offer a range of levels catering to various proficiencies, spanning from beginner to advanced. These sessions typically consist of ten classes, held once or twice a week. Whether you're new to the language or possess prior exposure, a comprehensive assessment will guide us in placing you within a well-suited small group of fellow learners.
Within our group sessions, oral proficiency takes center stage through dialogues and role plays. Our holistic approach also addresses written expression, grammar, and cultural nuances, with the emphasis on each aspect tailored to the class composition.
For those seeking a more accelerated path, intensive classes are also available. While our Academy does not offer an I-20 program, foreign students must adhere to all US immigration regulations.
Languages for Travelers
Embarking on a journey abroad? Enrich your travel experience by acquiring the essential language skills to make your vacation truly unforgettable.
Languages for Medical ProfessionalsOur specialized classes cater exclusively to healthcare professionals. We immerse you in medical scenarios, teaching relevant vocabulary and grammar within their practical context.
Topics may encompass, but are not limited to:
Patient examinations and specialist consultations
Emergency procedures and diagnoses
Tailored for legal professionals, our classes delve into the language nuances of the legal field.
Languages for Real Estate PractitionersSpecifically designed for real estate professionals, our classes provide language skills tailored to your industry.
Corporate
For the past half-decade, Bay Language Academy has been a beacon of excellence in Language Training. We extend our expertise to offer tailored and business-focused sessions that cater to your employees' specific needs. Our array of offerings includes group class trainings featuring courses strategically designed for the demands of various industries. Additionally, we're adept at delivering specialized instruction that aligns with unique requirements. Our services extend to the vibrant locales of San Francisco Downtown, East Bay, and the Silicon Valley—accessible either at our physical location or through engaging live digital classes.
Our forte lies in crafting a curriculum that's finely attuned to your firm's distinctive demands. This bespoke approach encompasses not only the content but also the program's scheduling flexibility, accommodating your employees' diverse time constraints. Beyond language instruction, we equip your team with indispensable linguistic tools and strategies, propelling your business toward exponential growth.
Our instruction caters to individuals at various levels of proficiency, categorized according to the ACTFL (The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages) proficiency scale. This comprehensive scale comprises four principal levels: Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, and Superior. Each of the first three levels is further subdivided into three sublevels—Low, Mid, and High—ensuring a nuanced and effective learning journey.
Anchoring our pedagogical approach are our seasoned instructors, all native speakers. These mentors hold graduate degrees from esteemed institutions within the U.S. and abroad, supplemented by extensive experience in the field of linguistics. We wholeheartedly invite your inquiries and insights. To explore more about our Corporate Program, including information on pricing and packages, kindly get in touch.
Nurturing Young Minds: Parent/Toddler Language Learning
We recognize from extensive research that a child's capacity to embark on a linguistic journey knows no age bounds. Indeed, the notion that it's never too early to delve into a new language holds true. In fact, the earlier a child commences their voyage into a second language, the more advantageous it is. The youthful brain is an astonishing learning powerhouse (by age two, a child possesses roughly twice the synaptic connections of an adult). Thus, capitalizing on this formative phase offers remarkable developmental opportunities. Dr. Susan Curtiss, a distinguished Linguistics Professor at UCLA, underscores the existence of a critical language acquisition window in early life. Once this period passes, the brain's plasticity gradually diminishes, making language acquisition more intricate by adolescence. Intriguingly, research indicates that learning multiple languages concurrently appears not to bear adverse consequences.
Ample studies (such as Laurie Vasquez, 2016) and insights from the National Center for Biotechnology Information illuminate the cognitive prowess of bilingual adults, showcasing superior executive brain functions compared to their monolingual counterparts. This translates to heightened abilities in task switching, memory recall, and elevated problem-solving and strategic planning aptitudes. Impressively, these cognitive dividends are also observed in bilingual youngsters.