Multilingualism in Iran: A Cultural Aspect

Abstract

The Persian language is one of the few bonds of the multinational and multilingual Iranian society, which consolidate representatives of different ethnic groups under the collective name "Iranians" and underlie the understanding of the syncretic Iranian culture. The titular nation is represented by the speakers of this language - the Persians, who inhabit the central provinces of the country.

To build a single state and society, the political elite of the Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI) chose the model of "one state, one people, one language." The Persian language is considered a "national treasure" of the Iranians and an essential factor in the state-political doctrine of the country.

Along with the long-term and targeted assistance to the active linguistic assimilation of non-Persian ethnic groups, the country was in the process of suppressing the development of the local languages, which were steadily degrading. In 2019 a study showed that 24 languages and dialects in Iran are on the verge of extinction.

Many local languages are spoken on both sides of the borders, and peoples like Azerbaijanis, Kurds, Turkmens, Balochis, Arabs, Armenians, and Jews can be called "divided". However, even the perspective of teaching the native local language or in the native local language is still considered by the authorities, including as a threat to the integrity of Iran.

The possibility of using the minority languages is enshrined in the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran, but is only partially implemented in practice: media are being developed in some languages (Kurdish, Arabic, Azerbaijani, Armenian, Gilan, Mazandaran, Turkmen, Armenian, Hebrew). Most ethnic minority languages are not taught in schools. Formally, the issue of teaching the Kurdish language has been resolved.

According to some experts, the best way to preserve and improve the status of minority languages in Iran is to integrate these languages into the school timetable and include them in various types of scientific activities at all levels of education. If it is possible to revise and raise the status of minority languages, this will be an important step in building a new perception of the cultural heritage of Iran. The introduction of such a practice in Iran is seen as a difficult but doable task.

According to the experience of multilingual countries, teaching in the native language is not a threat to territorial integrity and national disintegration, but strengthens the sense of equality and national solidarity. It can be hypothesized that the more people feel respect for their culture and identity, the deeper and more conscious their dependence on this society can be. The desire to live in a country where the personality and freedoms of citizens are respected has become an urgent social requirement of the modern world.

Keywords: The Persian language, Iran, multilingualism, minority languages

JEL Classification: I23, I28, Z10