Diglossia Language Patterns in the Zoroastrian Dari Ethnolect
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55640/jmsi-02-04-02Keywords:
Diglossia, Zoroastrian Dari, EthnolectAbstract
This study investigates the diglossic language patterns prevalent among speakers of the Zoroastrian Dari ethnolect, a distinct linguistic variety spoken by the Zoroastrian community in Iran. Diglossia, a sociolinguistic phenomenon where two distinct varieties of a language are used in different social contexts, provides a framework for understanding the complex interplay between language use and cultural identity within this ethnolect.
The Zoroastrian Dari ethnolect, while rooted in the broader Dari dialect of Persian, exhibits unique characteristics influenced by its religious, cultural, and historical context. This research explores how Zoroastrian Dari functions within a diglossic framework, highlighting the roles of formal and informal varieties in various social domains. The study delineates the primary domains of language use, distinguishing between the high variety, which is employed in religious and formal settings, and the low variety, used in everyday communication among community members.
In formal contexts, such as religious ceremonies and liturgical practices, the high variety of Zoroastrian Dari is characterized by its adherence to traditional vocabulary, syntax, and phonology. This variety serves to preserve the linguistic and cultural heritage of the Zoroastrian community, reinforcing its distinct identity. Conversely, the low variety, used in casual interactions and daily life, is more influenced by modern Persian and exhibits greater linguistic flexibility.
The study employs qualitative methods, including interviews and participant observation, to gather data on language use patterns among Zoroastrian Dari speakers. By analyzing these patterns, the research elucidates how language functions as a marker of cultural identity and social distinction within the community. Additionally, the study addresses the challenges faced by Zoroastrian Dari speakers in maintaining their linguistic heritage amidst the pressures of modernization and assimilation.
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