Iranian Languages and Dialects, Part IV: Classification of Iran's Languages

In this episode, I dive into the complex world of classifying modern Iranian languages. Understanding the distinction between languages and dialects isn't as straightforward as it seems. Traditionally, linguists use structural similarities and functional criteria to differentiate them, but real-life distinctions often involve factors like ethnic identity, language prestige, standardization, and geographical context. For example, while Persian is seen as the parent language, it shares close ties with varieties like Lori and Bandari, which are sometimes grouped together as 'Persian dialects'. The classification of languages in Iran is further complicated by varying lists of languages, ranging from official documents that list a handful to scholars who identify dozens or even up to 80 distinct languages. This discrepancy highlights the challenge of creating a single, definitive list. To address these challenges, I introduce a new, multi-dimensional approach to language classification. Traditional two-dimensional models, like the tree and wave models, have their limitations. The tree model, dating back to the 19th century, traces historical divergence from common ancestors, while the wave model accounts for language contact and shared innovations. Although the wave model offers a more nuanced view, it still struggles with the complexity of languages like those in Iran. Since 2015, teams of linguists and designers have been developing a 3D 'Multi-Dimensional Language Relation Web' to better visualize these complexities. This model uses a force-directed graph to display languages as nodes with detailed information and illustrates various types of connections, including genealogical inheritance, structural similarity through contact, and ethnic association. This approach aims to provide a clearer, more interactive overview of the intricate relationships between Iran’s languages. In the next episode, I’ll explore modern Iranian languages, and in particular Persian | *Farsi* External Links: For Historical Glottometry check here For NeighborNet check here For Classification of Iran's Languages check here For Langauage Tree Diagrams, check here