Sarah Hermann: A French Scholar Bridging Cultures Through Pashto

The Pashto language, Pashtunwali, and the associated values have remained an inseparable part of Afghan identity throughout history. However, when a non-Pashtun, a person from the Western world, learns this language and deeply studies its culture, it becomes a rare story. Sarah Hermann, a French woman who is a teacher of the Pashto language, is the main character of this story. 

Hermann, a French linguist and researcher, has dedicated her academic and personal life to the study and promotion of the Pashto language and Afghan culture. Over the past few years, she has not only taught Pashto grammar and literature at INALCO, a French University specializing in Oriental languages but has also actively engaged in cultural research and social work related to Afghan communities. Currently, she is pursuing a Ph.D. focused on the role of Pashtunwali in contemporary society, analyzing its evolution over the centuries and its adaptation to modernity.

Teaching, Research, and Cultural Engagement

With four years of experience teaching Pashto at a university level, Hermann has observed firsthand the challenges and intricacies of learning the language. Her research delves into how Pashtunwali, the traditional Pashtun code of conduct, functions in the modern era. She examines how it has transformed over time and whether it aligns with modern societal norms.

Beyond academia, Hermann works as a translator for Afghan refugees in France, assisting them with administrative, legal, and social procedures, including in hospitals and courts. She bridges information gaps for Pashto-speaking individuals in France, helping them navigate their daily needs.

Her strong connection with the Afghan community comes from her years living in Afghanistan, where she immersed herself in the local culture, staying with Pashtun families.   

Hermann’s first visit to Afghanistan was in June 2019, when she traveled to Kabul, Laghman, and Jalalabad. Her professional work with the Red Cross later took her to Kandahar and Parwan, followed by Ghazni and Khost after the fall of the former Afghan government. She has also made personal trips to various provinces, including Kabul, Paktia, and Herat, gaining a nuanced understanding of Afghanistan’s diverse cultural landscape.

Her initial motivation to learn Pashto was not purely academic. Instead, she wished to understand the daily life of a Pashtun family, experiencing their traditions and values firsthand. She believes many Afghans do not have the opportunity to explore the cultural diversity within their own country, which adds to her drive to bridge these gaps through education and research.

Language, Identity, and Pashtunwali

Hermann finds the structural differences between Pashto and French fascinating. While both languages have complex grammatical systems, Pashto stands out for its consistent rules, making it relatively easier to learn once the fundamentals are grasped. However, the real challenge in learning Pashto lies in the lack of educational resources tailored for non-native speakers. Unlike widely spoken languages such as English and French, Pashto lacks comprehensive grammar books for foreigners or Dari speakers, something Hermann aims to address by developing learning materials based on proven pedagogical models.

Her introduction to Pashto was unexpected. In 2017, while teaching French to refugees, she met a Pashtun speaker who insisted on identifying himself by his language rather than his nationality. This interaction sparked her curiosity, leading her to research Pashto and its speakers. This encounter ignited a deep appreciation for the language and its cultural significance, ultimately shaping her career path.

Hermann’s Ph.D. research explores the intersection of Pashtunwali, politics, and modernization. She analyzes how Pashtunwali has historically influenced governance, from Ahmad Shah Durrani’s empire to its role in contemporary conflicts. While Pashtunwali has been a unifying force at times, it has also posed obstacles to modernization, as seen in reforms attempted by former King of Afghanistan – Amanullah Khan.

She argues that for Afghanistan to establish a strong governance system, it must balance Pashtunwali with Islamic values and modern governance principles. Sole reliance on Pashtunwali is not feasible; instead, a synthesis of tradition and modernity is necessary for sustainable progress.

Hermann has also observed that some Pashtuns accept certain parts of Islamic teachings while disregarding others. She has remarked that “Pashtuns accept half of the Quran but not the remaining half,” referring to the selective adherence to Islamic principles when they align with Pashtunwali. This tension between cultural traditions and religious teachings is a key focus in her research.

The Future of Pashto and Afghan Studies

Hermann is actively involved in initiatives to preserve and promote Afghan culture, including a project to establish a cultural center for Afghans in France. She frequently appears in media to inspire Pashtuns to take proactive steps toward self-improvement. She emphasizes that while many Pashtuns express aspirations for progress, real change requires action rather than wishful thinking.

Her ongoing research and advocacy efforts highlight the importance of understanding and preserving Pashtunwali while adapting it to contemporary needs. She believes that more academic work is required to bridge the gap between tradition and progress in Afghanistan. Her work serves as an inspiration to both Afghans and non-Afghans, proving that linguistic and cultural exchange can foster deeper mutual understanding and cooperation.

Through her commitment to Pashto studies, cultural preservation, and refugee support, Sarah Hermann exemplifies how academic research can transcend borders, fostering meaningful connections between people and their heritage.

Note: ADN conducted a comprehensive interview in Pashto, which can be viewed here.