Iranian Languages and Dialects, Part VIII: Sogdian

Summary In this episode, I explored the rich history and linguistic features of the Sogdian language, a key ‎player in the cultural tapestry of the ancient Silk Roads. I delved into the unique aspects of ‎Sogdian script, including its evolution and adaptation into other languages like Uighur, ‎Mongolian, and Manchu. ‎ I also discussed the complexities of Sogdian phonology, the influence of the rhythmic law on ‎vowel retention, and the intriguing historical spellings that give us a glimpse into the language's ‎past. We took a look at how Sogdian preserved elements of Old Iranian, such as its nominal ‎declension with three numbers and three genders, while also adapting to new linguistic realities ‎over time. ‎ Keywords ‎#SogdianLanguage; #LinguisticsPodcast; #AncientLanguages; #SilkRoads; #SogdianScript; ‎‎#Phonology; #HistoricalLinguistics; #IranianLanguages; #LanguageEvolution; #MiddleIranian; ‎‎#UighurScript; #MongolianScript; #ManchuScript; #NominalDeclension; #LanguageHistory; ‎‎#MiddleIranianLanguages; #Dialectology; #CulturalLinguistics; #LanguagePreservation; ‎‎#LinguisticHeritage‎ Caption to the Image: Fragmentary decorated Manichean text in Manichean script, ca. mid-8th to early 11th century CE.