Out of all the languages I know, Persian is the one that speaks directly to my soul and offers a new way of being | Shadi Khan Saif

I’ve found metaphors that mirror my own journey, phrases that feel like home, and poetry that speaks directly to the soul

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’ve always carried a deep sense of gratitude for my ability to speak more than one language. It has allowed me to build bridges across cultures, to connect with people from vastly different walks of life and to find a sense of belonging wherever I’ve been: Australia, Germany, Pakistan or Afghanistan. Each language I’ve learned has brought with it a new lens through which to view the world. But nothing has stirred my soul quite like Persian – the language of mystics and lovers.

My recent journey into the Persian language felt less like consciously acquiring a new skill and more like unlocking a secret passage inside myself. It has opened doors not just to new ideas and ways of thinking but to the deepest emotions. For the first time, I’ve found a language that doesn’t just help me navigate time and space in mere practical terms but helps me to express and feel every moment beyond that.