BBC Persian - February 24, 2004
Saturday, February 21, coincided with International Mother Language Day, as declared by UNESCO. On this occasion, we dedicated the Face-to-Face section to two young Iranians whose mother tongues, like many other Iranians, are not Persian. Raqieh lives in the small town of Bostanabad in East Azerbaijan, and Mahnaz in Sanandaj, the capital of Kurdistan province. They shared their experiences as individuals whose mother tongue is not Persian.
You are also invited to join this discussion. Whether your mother tongue is Persian or another language, share your views on the experiences of these compatriots and, if you have personal experiences on this topic, share them too. Even if Persian is your mother tongue, living outside the borders of Iran, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan—countries where Persian is the official language—may make you feel like a linguistic minority. Tell us about this sense of being in the minority:
Mahnaz from Sanandaj:
One day at school, I had a question for my teacher, and I asked it in Kurdish. However, despite being Kurdish himself, the teacher didn’t answer my question and told me to repeat it in Persian if I wanted a response.
Asking the question in Persian was very difficult for me, but somehow, I managed.
Some of our teachers are always like this; they insist we only speak Persian at school.
Persian is our national language, but it would have been better if we could also study in Kurdish, our mother tongue, at school or at least communicate with our teachers in Kurdish to better express ourselves and build connections with them.
Of course, it should also be noted that even in cities like Sanandaj, where the local population is predominantly Kurdish, there are also Persian speakers living there. I understand that because of them, and considering that the curriculum is in Persian, the rest of us also speak Persian at school.
Unfortunately, some Kurdish speakers have stopped speaking Kurdish and even speak Persian at home. I think this is a mistake because everyone should learn and be proficient in their mother tongue.
One reason some Kurdish speakers prefer to speak Persian is that some Persian-speaking students mock Kurdish speakers at school. The fact that teachers don’t let us speak Kurdish at school makes some children embarrassed to speak Kurdish as well.
I see knowing another language besides Persian and being fluent in Kurdish as an advantage for myself, unlike my Persian-speaking classmates. There have been occasions where, among Persian speakers, this advantage has been evident to me. Sometimes, they ask me to speak Kurdish or teach them Kurdish. I have many pleasant memories of such moments.
Raqieh from Bostanabad (East Azerbaijan):
When we travel to cities like Tehran, we sometimes struggle to communicate in Persian. But what’s even more troubling is being mocked and insulted simply because we’re Turkish. I don’t understand the origin of all these jokes and derogatory remarks about Turks.
Despite this, I am committed to preserving my mother tongue and speaking it wherever I go. I always speak Turkish and, alongside bitter experiences, I also have good memories. There have been many instances where Persian speakers have shown interest in my language, asking me to teach them Turkish or provide Turkish equivalents for certain Persian words.
There are significant differences in the level of commitment to and pride in the Turkish language across different Turkish-speaking regions. For instance, many people in Tabriz are so insistent on speaking Turkish and avoiding Persian that they’ll even respond to Persian-speaking travelers in Turkish, even if those travelers don’t understand it.
But it’s not like that in Zanjan. My fiancé is from Zanjan, and his entire family is Turkish, but they speak Persian among themselves. I’m the only one who speaks Turkish when I’m with them. In Zanjan, even though everyone is Turkish and people have a Turkish accent when speaking Persian, you’ll still hear people speaking Persian on the streets, especially young men and women.
In Zanjan, Turkish is gradually fading away, and it’s somewhat similar in Urmia as well.
Messages We Have Received
I am [Turk] but live in Zanjan. Like most people in Iran, my spouse and I speak Persian with our children. The issue of dialectal differences and linguistic communication challenges will fade away soon in Iran because nowadays, almost all children in every province are growing up with a strong proficiency in our national language, Persian. Problems like those mentioned by Roghieh and Mahnaz will soon be resolved everywhere.
Farshad Tabrizi – Zanjan
I am an Iranian Georgian Muslim, and despite my spouse being from Jahrom and a Persian speaker, I, along with my children, speak Georgian. I consider this ability an asset. Moreover, I recommend to everyone with a native language different from the official one not to withhold teaching their language to their children, as it costs them nothing.
Hassan Maqdesi – Fereydunshahr, Isfahan
For thirteen years, I have been teaching in Kurdish in my classes, even though there are Persian-speaking students in them. These students have enthusiastically insisted that I teach in Kurdish because they felt they were not being alienated from their peers. They even took pride in understanding another language other than their mother tongue. The sensitivity towards the mother tongue differs greatly across various Kurdish regions in Iran. For instance, in most Kurdish cities, especially Sunni-majority areas, people take pride in speaking Kurdish, sometimes to the extent that some view it as excessive zeal. However, in Sanandaj, despite my respect for my fellow Kurdish speakers there, many consider speaking a language other than Kurdish as a mark of sophistication and pride. We are proud to be Iranian because we believe the foundation of this land has been built by the hardworking Kurdish people, and we consider it the true homeland of all Kurds worldwide.
Harim – Marivan
On Saturday, February 21, corresponding to Esfand 2, a ceremony was held at Dr. Mobin Hall in Tabriz to commemorate International Mother Language Day. More than 500 participants attended. Although it was scheduled for 4 p.m., it started half an hour late for unknown reasons and continued for four hours with great enthusiasm. It is worth mentioning that the permit for this event was issued at the last moment. The turnout was so high that all the hall’s seats were filled. Additional seats were placed in the corridors, but many participants stood and listened to the speeches due to the large crowd.
Dorna – Tabriz
I am from Zanjan, and unfortunately, I largely agree with Roghieh’s comments. We have a rich and beautiful culture, glimpses of which can be found in the rare book The Encyclopedia of Zanjan, published about forty years ago. It includes local poems and special ceremonies for Nowruz and weddings. I recommend reading this book to all Zanjanis, especially those who blindly mock languages.
Mehdi – Zanjan
Allowing the growth of minority cultures in any country does not mean opposing its official culture. In fact, one can be diverse and united at the same time. Those who view suppressing smaller and unofficial cultures as a means to achieve national unity are actually undermining national cohesion by instilling hatred in ethnic minorities towards the official language and culture. Another point is that each culture contains unique words and expressions rooted in the region’s history and geography. For instance, northern Iran has many terms related to forests, forest dwellers, and agricultural rituals in rice paddies and mountains that have no Persian equivalents. By recognizing these minority languages, we can enrich Persian instead of borrowing from foreign languages like English or Arabic. I am a Mazandarani Iranian and proud of my language. It saddens me when, among Mazandarani gatherings, everyone speaks Persian with a Tehrani accent. I strive to speak Persian correctly but not with a Tehrani accent, as I believe proper speech does not mean adopting a central accent. Correct grammar and vocabulary suffice.
Arash – Tehran
To respond to Mrs. Roghieh from Bostanabad: Not only are Zanjanis proud of their mother tongue, but the number of Persian speakers in Zanjan is much lower than in other Turkish-speaking regions of the country. For her clarity, I would say that the most devoted Turks are in Zanjan. For example, compared to Tabriz, the number of publications entirely or partially in Turkish is much higher here, and some have even had their licenses revoked for this reason. For another example, my region, Tarom, despite its proximity to Gilan and longstanding social and cultural ties, has never lost its love for the cherished Turkish language.
Hossein – Abbar Tarom (Zanjan)
Discussion about the mother tongue and dialects is incomplete without considering accents. Having lived in Tehran and Kermanshah for years, I have seen many Persian speakers with unique expressions and idioms. The current Tehrani dialect, which dates back to the Qajar era at most, is a mere convention. Yet, anyone living in Iran or interacting with it who does not know it will inevitably face communication delays.
Mohammadreza – Isfahan
The complexity of cultural suppression policies, aimed at strengthening central authority by negating the existence of other cultures in Iran, is significant. Those who implement such policies often have a native language other than Persian themselves. In fact, as long as Iran’s policymakers see the key to their governance within such a framework, the average citizen must pursue using their language and cultural characteristics as weapons to assert their individual or national identity. If some, in the midst of such struggles, succumb to spiritual exhaustion and adopt a passive stance of “whatever comes from God is good,” they fall within Dr. Ashouri’s hypothesis. These individuals hold no social respect, neither in urban nor rural areas. It might be said that this is an ominous cycle from which there is no escape until Iran is built on a federal and multinational system, allowing every nationality to cultivate their own garden. At that point, one could ask Mr. X, “How do you address a fellow countryman in Kurdish?” so he could boast of his knowledge and perceive the grace of Iran’s Persian cat symbol through the lens of education, not the barrel of a gun.
Dylan – London
Familiarity with the local language in the city of Bandar Abbas is indirectly one of the reasons for success in the workplace and being accepted socially.
Arash – Bandar Abbas
Fortunately, recent advancements in communications, satellite, and the internet, contrary to the assumptions of those who spent billions of rials trying to erase Kurdish customs and language, have increased the number of people who can read and write in Kurdish day by day. This heralds a bright future for the Kurdish nation. Even ordinary people in the streets prefer watching Kurdish programs from Iraqi Kurdistan via satellite over Iranian programs.
Zanyar – Sanandaj
My mother tongue is Luri, and I am very happy that besides Persian, I am fluent in another language. My colleagues often listen to Luri music and express regret when they cannot understand its lyrics. That’s when I realize the value of the Luri language even more and feel proud to know it alongside Persian. A few years ago, during an administrative mission to Kazeroon, I felt very distressed among the local Turkic-speaking tribes when I could not speak or understand Turkish, especially when a local poet named Mr. Azizi recited poetry in Qashqai Turkish, deeply moving the Turkish-speaking audience. I felt humiliated that I could not share in the enjoyment of those poems.
F.R. – Isfahan
Fortunately, in our society, that is, among Iran’s Turkmen community, speaking the mother tongue is widespread. I have often observed how surprised other Iranians are when they hear our children speaking Turkmen. However, with the growing use of Persian in schools, books, and media, our mother tongue is losing its adaptability and vitality, becoming more Persianized day by day. This trend will not stop unless local languages are strengthened in schools and media.
Shahram – Gonbad-e Kavus
I live in Tehran. My mother is from Tehran, and my father is from Urmia. I learned both Persian and Turkish from childhood and consider both as my mother tongues, as I feel a connection to both languages and cultures. Iran consists of various ethnic groups, each with its cultural attributes. None are superior to the others, and each is a piece of the larger jigsaw puzzle called Iran. We should take pride in being Iranian.
Shahin – Tehran
I wish for a world where everyone, wherever they are, has the opportunity to speak their mother tongue, where their mother tongue is recognized as a national language, and where the prejudices and hatred sown by ignorant and bigoted rulers do not grow, as has been the case in Afghanistan.
Abdullah Dehzad – Jaghori, Kabul
Ferdinand de Saussure, the renowned linguist, identifies the roots of identity in human language and considers language the most fundamental aspect of human identity. Many of the contributors here seem to overlook this crucial point. Why should we be deprived of the fundamental right to speak Persian in classrooms where everyone is Kurdish? Persian is a second language for us and requires a specialized learning process. Some friends unfairly compare our situation to the Kurdish-speaking people of Turkey, ignoring the fact that it is our basic right to speak, write, and read in our mother tongue. However, the erasure of ethnic languages stems from systemic policies. An example is the establishment of provincial television networks, where in the case of Kurdistan, more than 70% of the programming is in Persian.
Voria – Sanandaj
I am from Mashhad but live in Tehran. I must say that, unfortunately, in addition to the extinction of languages, various Persian dialects are also disappearing. For example, nowadays in Mashhad, most families speak to their children in a Tehrani accent, and as a result, in the coming years, the Mashhadi accent, along with many other Persian dialects, will be forgotten.
H. Abbasi – Tehran
To Hatef, who mentioned that Turkish was the governmental language of Iran, I must say that with even a brief study of history, one can see that during the Safavid era, correspondence between the Iranian and Ottoman courts—despite both being Turkic-speaking dynasties—was conducted in Persian. Furthermore, all administrative correspondences and decrees during the reign of Turkic-speaking governments in Iran were in Persian. Turkish has never been the official, administrative, or governmental language of Iran throughout history. Even Turkic governments outside Iran, such as those in India and Uzbekistan, used Persian as their administrative and governmental language.
Heydar Afshar - Maku
The state in any country is responsible for educating all its citizens. When children reach school age, it is expected that they have been exposed to a set of words and cultural and social concepts. Children who grow up with Persian as their first language often possess the readiness for schooling. However, children raised with a language other than the country’s prevalent or official language may lack the preparation to start school in a language other than their mother tongue. To bring these children to the same level of readiness, the state should implement bilingual programs, at least for the first couple of years of elementary school. Many countries today already use such programs.
Dariush
For over a thousand years, Turkish was the language of governance in the greater Iran of the past. Yet, none of the powerful Turkic governments sought to eliminate Persian; rather, they worked to elevate it. Iran belongs to all Iranians, and all Iranians have chosen Persian as the shared and official language—not the national language. Is the role of Turkic speakers in Persian literature deniable? We love Persian, but Turkish is our mother tongue, whose speakers worldwide outnumber Persian speakers many times over.
Azar - Tehran
The Turks, and especially the Kurds, are among the most indigenous Iranians. Regarding Iranian Turks, the Turkish language lacks much antiquity and is considered a foreign tongue. Nevertheless, it is now the native language of many Iranians and deserves respect. Perhaps the reason for much ridicule stems from poorly executed efforts to restore Persian among these compatriots or from resistance to foreign Turkic rulers over parts of Iran, which gradually extended to fellow citizens. Kurdish, on the other hand, is a deeply rooted Iranian language. Kurds are the descendants of the ancient Medes. Unfortunately, British colonial policies, dividing this Iranian ethnic group across multiple countries, spread ideas of separation and the creation of artificial nations among them. In my view, Iranian ethnic groups should have the right to education in their languages. However, fears of foreign intervention and efforts by unpatriotic and mercenary individuals promoting separatist ideologies—as seen in Iranian Azerbaijan, Arab, and Kurdish regions—pose significant obstacles.
Zoroaster Aryanejad
Dear compatriots, despite a repressive government, the patience and dignity of the Iranian people have allowed all Iranians, regardless of their culture and language, to live in their cities with their traditions. No one mocks them. This false mindset that fosters hatred among you and incites you against Persian and the Persian language is unfounded. Problems in local areas are self-inflicted, and the resulting misfortunes are blamed on Persian speakers. Take a glance at neighboring countries to see the difference between our people and others. The government and the people are separate entities; the current rulers of Iran are only about twenty percent Persian.
Norooz - Tehran
I am from Gilan and Rudsar. Our mother tongue is Gilaki, but unfortunately, unlike many other Iranians, such as Turks, we Gilaks are reluctant to speak Gilaki with our children. We, the people of Gilan, are marginalized in our own country. Who is to blame? Society or ourselves?
Amir - Rasht
Years ago, while teaching science (physics, chemistry, and so on) in the Barkhar district of Isfahan, I observed an important issue that I think is worth sharing. In this area, a language or dialect different from common Persian is spoken. Unfortunately, I have limited knowledge of its roots (perhaps it is akin to Ardistani or Goleabadi, stemming from the southern Pahlavi branch). Once, I asked an exam question: "What is inertia?" Among the answers, a diligent and studious student wrote: "Inertia is tendency." Naturally, I marked it incorrect. He protested and brought the textbook to show me. Indeed, the book described inertia as "objects tend to remain in their previous state." This student, whom I still remember vividly, swore he had read the lesson three times—and he was honest. But, of course, he could not understand the text. I asked him, “What does 'tendency' mean?” He replied, “Inertia.” And inertia? “Tendency.”
Unfortunately, I didn’t know his dialect or language well enough to explain the concept of "tendency" in Persian or "inertia" in English to him. We also lacked a lab to demonstrate inertia experimentally. From that day forward, I started bringing a Persian dictionary to my physics and chemistry classes and sought help from the students to compile and compare the vocabulary of their language/dialect. Through this process, we communicated better and discussed scientific and literary concepts more effectively. However, these efforts remained in their early stages.
The point is that we should embrace the existence of diverse languages and dialects in Iran as an opportunity. Each is a treasure trove, rich with unique expressions and nuances that can enhance the official language and vice versa. We should formalize this exchange. Wouldn't it be great to make the literature and art of Lurs, Kurds, and Turks accessible to everyone? It benefits trade as well! We study the literature of France, England, America, and Pakistan—why not the works of Turks, Kurds, and Baluchis?
Furthermore, profound understanding and experience are always tied to memories shaped in one’s language. Every person experiences their first joys and pains in their mother tongue. Why should these feelings and understandings be forcibly severed, leaving individuals—and the society that could benefit from their insights—impaired? If my student had found a native term alongside the Persian "tendency" and the Arabic "inclination," I could have taught him something valuable that day. Unfortunately, he didn’t know, and neither did I fully grasp the necessity of learning his language.
Saeed - Columbus, Ohio (USA)
I am Iranian and from Azerbaijan. Your questions seem quite provocative. In many countries around the world, several languages are spoken, but they all have one official language. Persian, which is the language of culture, poetry, and literature, is the official language of Iran and has a long history among Turkic-speaking nations. If some people mock and belittle others due to ignorance and lack of culture (as is done in the West towards migrants), it does not mean that the Persian language and culture are bad. I have lived in the West for years, but I have never been upset about being Iranian or Azerbaijani. In England, there are also many jokes made about the Irish or the Scots. What is your opinion on this? Should they also separate from England?
Minoo - Tehran
I live in Tehran and am a high school teacher. Since I have a Turkish accent, I haven’t faced any issues because of my high education and confidence. I speak both languages with my wife and child. I am happy that my child is learning Turkish. The Tehranis who mock Turks are ignoring their own flaws, and they criticize the abilities of Turks. Turkish is a very beautiful and capable language.
Nasser - Ardabil
Iran has always been a country with multiple languages, and throughout history, the official language of the government has been Persian, its scientific language was Arabic, and its literary language was Persian. We must always consider Iran as a country with multiple languages.
Hatef - Ardabil
The mother tongue holds a special place in the individual's values, and one should use it with all their heart. Someone who does not value their own mother tongue will not value a second language either and will commit a great cultural mistake, becoming a hindrance to both themselves and others. In Eastern culture, following one's mother tongue is a sign of respect for one's parents, family, and homeland.
Shujauddin Mostaql - Kabul
The diversity of accents and dialects in many countries, including Britain, is immense. I can say with certainty that in every city, the accents change so much that people often cannot understand each other. In parts of Wales and Scotland, people speak another language, and local governments not only encourage learning those languages but also broadcast local programs in those languages. Protecting local languages does not disrupt national security, and being ashamed of one's language and accent only shows a lack of self-confidence.
Sohrab P. - Sheffield (England)
Interestingly, friends interested in their mother tongue in Iran should know that a comprehensive plan is currently being studied with the cooperation of Turkish and Kurdish representatives in the parliament and the Ministry of Education regarding the implementation of Article 15 of the Constitution, which allows the teaching of non-Persian languages in schools. According to Mr. Ali Asghar Shaerdoost, a representative from Tabriz, books in Turkish have been commissioned to be written by the relevant committee, and universities in Tabriz and Urmia will begin accepting students for a bachelor's degree in Turkish language and literature from the 2003-2004 academic year.
Hossein Shaerdoost - Tabriz
Mr. Ashouri, in his article "Mother Language Day and Iranians," mentioned that "resistance movements against the Persian language are limited to a few intellectuals and do not have roots among the masses of Iranian ethnicities; the issue of local languages is not a priority for ethnic groups." I would like to ask him if the hundreds of thousands of Turks who gather every summer at the Babak Castle are not considered the masses?
Tahereh Samimi - Naqadeh
Mahnaz and Raghieh, I liked your confidence.
Nasim - Astara
After entering university and learning about the culture, language, and literature of my people, I have been proud to be Turkish. At the same time, I am saddened by seeing Turkish and Kurdish children and youth who are ashamed to speak their mother tongue. I feel sorry for them because they will live a kind of artificial life until the end.
Solmaz Rouhi - Zanjan
I have always been proud of my Kurdish heritage and always will be. Although I studied in Persian until the last year of high school, I have always had a strong desire to fully learn Kurdish, and I have been very successful in this endeavor without receiving any help. Now that I am away from my beloved homeland, Kurdistan, I have further intensified my efforts to learn my mother tongue. I believe that anyone who sincerely wants to learn their language can do so by reading books or any writings in that language. I agree with the statement of Mahnaz from Sanandaj because the dear people of Sanandaj, despite having the sweet Sanandaji accent, have refrained from using it or have been deprived of using it for several reasons. One reason is that the Islamic regime, by settling Persian speakers under the pretext of carrying out missions or taking over administrative tasks in Kurdistan, especially in Sanandaj, Kermanshah, Urmia, etc., has forced Kurdish people to use Persian not only in administrative offices and schools but also in the market. It should also be noted that unfortunately, many people, despite being fully familiar with Kurdish, still use many Persian words in everyday conversations. What is truly regrettable is that, from their perspective, this practice is seen as a sign of awareness and higher education. It is true that we must be considerate of the presence of Persian speakers and, where necessary, communicate with them in Persian, but this should not lead to Kurdish people forgetting their language and using Persian, Arabic, or Turkish words instead of the sweet Kurdish ones. Moreover, we should not forget that those with a minority status must learn the language of the majority, so if you are asking about the principles, we, who are in our own city, must speak, write, and read in our own language, and the Turkish, Arabic, and Persian speakers who come to our city must learn our language. If you see that, under the title of the official language, people are forced to learn and use a language other than their mother tongue, this is the result of their chauvinistic thoughts. I realized the issue that Mahnaz pointed out when I went to Sanandaj with the Baneh choir group along with some friends and instructors. During the few days we were with the people of Sanandaj, we couldn’t speak Kurdish with them because they didn’t speak Kurdish to each other, let alone to us, and this made us avoid any kind of interaction with them. So I must say that the people themselves are somewhat to blame. However, the one thing that does not exist among Kurds in general is the shame of speaking Kurdish. Or, better said, they are proud of their language and Kurdish identity, especially in recent years. The brave people of Sanandaj, Kermanshah, and all Kurdish cities in Iran, Turkey, and Syria have made great efforts in various ways to keep the Kurdish language alive. I am very happy to add that now, wherever Kurds are in the world, they proudly say they are Kurdish and speak Kurdish. So, Mahnaz, from now on, tell your teachers that answering a student who asks a question in Kurdish should be a matter of pride for them.
Sohila – Adelaide (Australia)
In the large Indo-European language family, which includes all European, Indian, and Iranian languages, there is a branch called Indo-Iranian, where the Iranian languages belong, and most of them have minor differences. Therefore, it doesn’t matter which language I speak, but knowing scientific and expanding languages like English is beneficial. From a higher perspective, every language is respectable.
Reza Dastmardi – Tehran
I am very happy to see that one of the problems of our ethnic minorities in Iran, namely the lack of cultural and linguistic pluralism in this land, has been addressed by the BBC site. It must be acknowledged that after the rise of Reza Shah, the non-Persian ethnic groups in Iran suffered a catastrophe. During this period, the central government has always been in pursuit of eliminating other languages. Although Tehran, with the help of its media, has been somewhat successful in advancing this policy, it seems that now, thanks to transnational media like the internet and satellite, ethnic groups will be able to reclaim their identities, and it is at this point that Turks, Kurds, Arabs, Baluchis, Turkmens, Lor people, etc., will enjoy speaking their mother tongue.
Ali Turan – Qazvin
Every language carries a world of a particular worldview with it, a perspective that comes from the experiences of generations upon generations of people who have spoken and lived in that language. So is it right to make thoughtless moves that would reduce the colorful world of human languages to a few colors? This means depriving ourselves of the civilizations, thoughts, and ideologies that are encapsulated in those languages. I am Kurdish, and I have never felt ashamed to speak Kurdish in front of non-Kurdish people. I proudly speak my Kurdish language with great respect for the Persian language.
Farzad – Tehran
When I was in Iran, I thought I would never be able to speak in my mother tongue, and I felt like millions of refugees around the world who can only speak their mother tongue in their dreams, because sometimes, unconsciously, I would think in my second or third language. Speaking in one’s mother tongue means expressing everything that blossoms in the heart, it means expressing all the emotions that surge within me. I can never express myself the way I can in my mother tongue.
Aziz Foroutan – Kabul
I am a Turk from Qashqai in southern Iran. Friends who still want to discuss the issue of ethnic and linguistic diversity in Iran by blaming it on the British must realize that they are very mistaken. In fact, insisting on the superiority and national status of the Persian language has strengthened separatist sentiments, especially among educated non-Persian speakers in Iran. I do not take pride in being a Turk, but I love my mother tongue and work to promote it. No language is a source of pride or arrogance. Let’s not forget that language is merely a tool for communication and understanding.
Yashar Kilij – Gachsaran
Unfortunately, one of the excuses often used to oppose the freedom to use mother tongues for the various ethnicities in our country is to equate it with separatism, which is yet another consequence of the underdevelopment and backwardness of our country. Let’s remember that European racism, just sixty years ago, led to two world wars, but today those same nations have embarked on a path that resulted in the union of the European continent. Today, the global movement is towards unity and the dismantling of artificial borders between humans, and speaking of separatism is a step in the opposite direction of history. However, this unity does not mean sidelining language, culture, and national identity; on the contrary, preserving language, culture, and national identity in today’s world is a necessity and has greater importance than at any time in history. So, let’s listen to the message of our time and, while striving to preserve the language and culture of all ethnicities in Iran, move towards creating a regional union with our neighbors, many of whom share a common language with parts of the Iranian population. Let’s turn this challenge into a golden opportunity.
Aydin – Urmia
My mother is Kurdish, and my father is Turkish. I speak both Turkish and Kurdish and communicate with my relatives in these languages, but there is no reason to deny Persian as my mother tongue. I consider Persian one of my greatest prides; a language with thousands of years of history and liveliness. I truly enjoy speaking, writing, and reading in Persian.
Ali – Hamadan
I am an Afghan of Uzbek descent, and I take pride in both my Uzbek and Afghan identities. However, the one thing that troubles me is why, in Afghanistan, despite the large population of Turks, including Uzbeks, Turkmens, and Kyrgyz, our language is not made official. Why are our lessons not in our mother tongue? I hope that all lessons for the Turkic communities in Afghanistan will be in our language.
Ahmad Naveed – Kabul
Undoubtedly, in a country where there is greater linguistic and ethnic diversity, it is easier for foreigners to dominate, as this diversity is the foundation and root of division. I am Kurdish, but I never speak Kurdish in public. Not because I’m ashamed, but because, more than being Kurdish, I am Iranian.
Ali B. – Tehran
My mother tongue is the dialect of Laristan. In the early years of primary school, I faced difficulties, but today I speak Persian better than many native speakers. Today’s Persian is a distilled version of all Iranian dialects and is the best for the general language of the people of Iran, although it still needs refinement, and to refine it, we must draw from other Iranian dialects. Our Azeri (not "Azari") compatriots are as Iranian as the rest of us in culture, history, blood, and race, but their language is a foreign one, one they were forced to accept in the past. Today, they believe Turkish is their mother tongue. It is better for our Azeri compatriots to look back at their roots so they don’t become estranged from themselves. For the Aryan-descended people of Azerbaijan, the Aryan language, Persian, is more fitting than the foreign language, Turkish. In my opinion, Persian should be the universal language of Iran, and we should also honor other Iranian dialects so that Persian, by borrowing from them, can thrive. We will also have a language that reflects all the Iranian dialects, which truly have a common root, and this will be a symbol of unity among Iranians.
Salar – Dubai
Now that I am in my master’s program at the University of Tehran, I am trying to learn to read and write Kurdish properly and even learn the scientific terminology of my field in Kurdish. At home, we teach our children Kurdish children’s songs. I speak Persian without an accent and am more familiar with Persian grammar and writing than even my Persian-speaking friends, but in response to Alireza from London, I must say that there is no need for Kurds to speak Persian without an accent to defend their rights in the capital of Iran. What matters is that they can speak Persian correctly or at least reasonably well, even if it’s in written form, which is different from speaking without an accent. I recommend Kurdish teachers, especially literature teachers, to not only teach Kurdish but also teach students to read and write Kurdish. They should read Kurdish poems and texts in class and talk about the history and geography of Kurdistan. They should introduce Kurdish poets, writers, books, and dictionaries to their students and, if possible, introduce Kurdish leaders, political parties, and groups. Also, the respected teacher Mahnaz from Sanandaj should know that if she wants her students to defend their rights in the future, she needs to educate them culturally, socially, and politically, not just teach them Tehran Persian.
Agarin – Sanandaj
I lived in Iran and in Urmia for fifteen years. At first, many people spoke Kurdish, but now Kurds are even afraid of the name Kurdish and Kurdistan. While everyone speaks of being Iranian and the national language Persian, they trample on the rights of other ethnic groups and consider it a national honor. It is truly saddening that we Kurds are oppressed in Iraq, Syria, and Turkey, while we expect Iranians to help us. Yet, the Iranian authorities suppress us even more and more harshly. But are Kurds really a problem for greater Iran? No, Iran extends from Tajikistan to the Alexandrian Gulf (in Turkey), and we can all live together happily.
Kaveh – Erbil (Kurdistan, Iraq)
Today, as Kurds in Iraq seek more autonomy after Saddam’s downfall, many of them nurture the idea of a larger, independent Kurdistan. Meanwhile, in Azerbaijan, we witness the spread of pan-Turkist leaflets, using the shared language and people as a basis for their ideas. Pan-Turkists in newly independent Azerbaijan, which legally became part of Iran after the demise of the Turkmenchay Treaty, and the Arabs claiming the three Iranian islands, continue to push for independence. It’s no surprise that the English, especially the BBC, call the Persian Gulf the Arab Gulf (except for the Persian section, which is aware of Iranian sensitivities), or that they worry about local dialects in Iran. To the Iranian officials in the Persian section, most of whom are Iranian, I ask: Could this action of yours have any aim other than preparing the grounds for the disintegration of Iran?
Sasan – Tehran
In response to Mr. Sharif Behrouz from Ottawa, I must say that comparing the situation (not the issue) of multilingualism in Iran with that of Canada, which is composed of English and French-speaking immigrant groups with a not-so-long or deep historical and cultural background, does not seem accurate or logical. It may be worth considering countries like Switzerland and Belgium alongside Canada. Linguistic differences should not necessarily lead to boundary division and declarations of independence. The Kurds, whose name appears in the Shahnameh, have deep historical roots in this region, which today we call Iran, and like the Persians, are among the owners of it, not just the owner of Kurdistan but all of Iran. In a slice of contemporary history of this vast geography, we realize this long-term strategy: placing Iranian ethnic groups on both sides of the drawn borders, then pressuring the central government through encouraging and provoking the separated ethnic group on both sides of the border to continue this cellular multiplication process, relying on the leverage of language and dialect, etc. This is the horizon drawn for the future of this land. The competition between smaller cells increases the possibility of political bargaining and breaking prices for the orchestrators of this game. Let us remember that the key to solving the current government's problems is not changing the geographical boundaries or watering the country's disintegrating mill. Iran and the name of Iran have been preserved for many years not by the government, but by Iranians: Persian Iranians, Azerbaijani Iranians, Lore Iranians, Kurdish Iranians, Baluchi Iranians, Gilaki Iranians, Dailami Iranians, Bandar Iranians, Dastistani Iranians, etc. Ehsan - Nagoya (Japan)
Unfortunately, some people are so weak-minded and backward that they are ashamed to speak their mother tongue. They lose themselves and never want to admit their heritage, which includes their tribe and language. If someone does not accept themselves in their society, is ashamed of their ethnicity, and denies their mother tongue, they can be sure they will never progress in society. If a person does not accept themselves, society will certainly not accept them, and they will become weak, miserable, oppressed, and filled with complex. What's wrong with speaking in your mother tongue with your fellow citizen, except in formal meetings? A person should not feel degraded or deny their mother tongue. Whatever it may be. Raziyeh - Shiraz
Although I speak Persian, I love all Turks, Lurs, Kurds, and... in general, all Iranians. Mojtaba - Jahrom
I was born in 1978 in a remote village in Khoy county, West Azerbaijan, and graduated with a Master's degree in Electronics from the University of Tehran. I wanted to sincerely share the following points: 1- I was born in a remote village and had no extensive connection to the outside world. In that village, my language was called Turkish, and when I entered university, I was surprised that my language was called Azerbaijani, although I had never heard this term or, if I had, I didn't understand that it referred to us. 2- Before entering university, I was a strong Iranian nationalist, or rather, I accepted no place other than Iran. But living in university and Tehran changed my perspective, which may be interesting to you. Now, I think someone in Iraq, Afghanistan, Turkey, Europe, or America, who shares similar beliefs to mine, is closer to me than someone who lives in Tehran and is my neighbor. Nationalism and insistence on closed national borders are not the right approach. 3- The mother tongue is a legacy that definitely carries with it a rich culture of thousands of years, and it must be preserved. Now that I live in Tehran, I make every effort in this regard and ask all my fellow countrymen—Turk, Kurd, Baluchi, Persian, Lore, Arab, etc.—to preserve their culture and language. Yousef - Khoy
The unification of Persian dialects towards the Tehranian accent is also a danger. While everyone must speak and correspond in Persian for official and governmental communications, speaking in local languages and even teaching them in high schools and universities should be free. If we think this freedom will cause the collapse and disintegration of the country, it is short-sighted. Jafar - Torbat Jam
Mahnaz says: "Our national language is Persian." If that is the case, she should speak it well, but then she says, "Asking this question in Persian was very difficult for me, but I asked it anyway." Wouldn't it be better if she first learned the "national language" of the country before suggesting that "we should have learned Kurdish in school because it is our mother tongue"? E. H. A - Tehran
Nationalism is a double-edged sword that cuts both ways. If we accept that knowledge is the only way out of ignorance and prejudice, then knowing anything should not be a source of shame. But if we believe in knowledge, then it is ignorance that is the source of shame. Farahmaz Jafari Nia - Rasht
A sign of civilization is to respect linguistic and national values, followed by international ones. Every language should grow within its own cultural and artistic environment, and this phenomenon will never cause embarrassment to anyone or any people. There are some points that should be left aside with open eyes. English and other European languages, which have gained international fame, have done so because of their realistic outlook, not solely due to military invasions. Ahmad Firouz - Kabul
As a Kurd, I have always loved speaking Kurdish, and my love for my mother tongue has gone to such an extent that my Persian-speaking roommates at university have learned Kurdish, and we speak Kurdish most of the time. Language is a suitable tool for communication with one's peers, and knowing any other language is essential for an individual. Diako - Mahabad
My mother tongue is Turkish, and I have been living in Tehran for nearly sixteen years. Unfortunately, I have witnessed a lot of insults directed at my fellow language speakers, to the extent that even my own wife often mocks and insults me. I respect all languages, and I wish everyone knew that not being of the same language is not a flaw; rather, lack of harmony is the flaw, and it destabilizes relationships. Davood - Tehran
In response to my dear friend "Rezgar - Sardasht," who said, "The governmental system forces some people not to speak their mother tongue," I must say that Persian is the national language, as mentioned in the Constitution, and its goal is to enable all tribes of Iran to communicate with each other, regardless of their cultural affiliations. I am personally a critic of the Iranian political system, but I avoid criticisms that lack intellectual and logical foundations, as such criticisms strengthen the opponents of democracy. This criticism reminds me of the clergymen’s opposition to changing the official time or population control programs during the previous regime. Mehdi - Tehran
I have a question for these girls: In the future, when you enter university, will knowing Persian better help you or not? At the same time, knowing your mother tongue is also very good. By the way, those who preach about Europe, Turkey is forcefully trying to shove itself into Europe, while in the bus, if two people speak Kurdish, they are silenced. How is it in the U.S., where Spanish is not taught in schools? Or in Israel, where there are so many Russian speakers, why is Russian not an official language? Iranpour - Europe
The nature of language is a tool for communication with others, and the more limited a language is, the heavier its cultural burden becomes in addition to its role as a means of communication. For instance, when we speak of the Persian language in the international community, since only a few countries speak it, it carries a cultural and social meaning. For example, someone who speaks Persian is likely to be Iranian, with a certain historical background, in a particular geographical region, and so on. Therefore, someone who is ashamed of speaking their mother tongue may indicate that they are dissatisfied with the culture prevailing in their homeland and, in other words, experiencing a kind of cultural confusion. Denying one’s mother tongue is seen as the first and most significant step toward concealing one's historical and cultural background. Mehdi - Tehran
The modern world is moving toward a single, universal language. I have two children, and even though my wife and I speak Luri, the children speak Persian because the environment requires it. Abed Beharvand - Tehran (from Khoramabad)
I am a Turk from Tabriz, Iran. I write poetry in both Persian and Turkish, I know some Arabic, and I am fluent in spoken and written English. Language is a tool for communication, not an excuse for pride. Learning other languages, in addition to one’s mother tongue, expands our communication opportunities. Preventing people from speaking their mother tongue is contrary to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In the Turkic-speaking provinces of Iran, Turkish should be taught alongside Persian in schools, while Iranian Muslims may optionally learn Arabic. Iranian youth also show great interest in learning English as a global and academic language. Teaching Armenian in Armenian schools in Iran has not exacerbated separatist tendencies among Armenians but has actually increased their love for Iran. The development of non-Persian languages in Iran plays a key role in strengthening national unity among Iranians. Asghar Abdi - Birmingham (England)
I live in a working-class neighborhood in the U.S., and because of my Persian accent, I have often been mocked and harassed. Because of these issues, when I speak English, I subconsciously speak slowly, afraid that people might recognize my accent. However, this has made me even more interested in my mother tongue, and now I read and write Persian much more than before. Ali - Washington
I am Kurdish. My education in Iran was full of humiliation, mockery, and psychological problems that I will never forget, and their effects will remain with me forever. This story is familiar to any non-Persian speaker who only knows their mother tongue and enters the educational system. These impacts are so profound on the psyche and soul that they cause regression in life at every stage. Perhaps it is hard for an ordinary person to believe, but it should be very clear to psychologists. Why should such an injustice be done to millions of non-Persian children in Iran? Why should their talents be stifled from the age of six? I am sure the education officials are well aware of the negative effects of this educational system, but they must be so ruthless and unjust, whether they are kings or clerics, that they allow such oppression and do not listen to the complaints of non-Persian children. They still ride on the horse of power and justify this oppression with every excuse, but it is obvious that this desire for self-glorification, power-seeking, and chauvinism prevents them from seeing other nations alongside them with equal rights. I hold every Persian speaker in Iran responsible for this injustice and believe that throughout history, with the support of the Persian people, kings and clerics have inflicted this oppression on non-Persian nations. They have never brought foreign armies to suppress non-Persian nations. I wish the various nations of Iran had six months to campaign and organize, and then a referendum under the supervision of the United Nations would be held, asking the people how they would like to be Iranian. Yasin - Oslo (Norway)
Education and speaking in one’s mother tongue is a natural right for every person. It is unfortunate that, for political reasons, this right is denied or ridiculed. Whether in the past or present, languages and even the names of people from Baluchistan have faced this fate. Our mother tongue is Baluchi, and it is by no means a dialect or variant of Persian. Supporting and encouraging languages like Baluchi, Kurdish, Turkmen, Turkish, Arabic, etc., alongside Persian, enriches the cultural heritage of Iran. Shostouni - Saravan (Baluchistan)
I believe that aside from Turkish and Arabic, other languages rooted in Persian should be allowed. Concerning Turkish, it should be noted that this was not the original language of the people of Azerbaijan but became their language due to Turkish domination. Now, Azerbaijanis should try to speak Persian. As for Arabic, due to the misuse by Arabs in the region, it would be better to move Arabs toward speaking Persian. Ahmad - Tehran
My language is Azerbaijani (Turkish), and I am proud of it. The Persian language and literature are unparalleled, and it can even be easily proven that Western literature still has a long way to go compared to the works of Hafez, Saadi, Shahriyar, and Rumi. This is a topic that deserves further discussion, but it is not the place for it here. Sina - San Diego (California - USA)
In Iran, no one says, "Why do you speak your mother tongue?" If that were the case, like in Turkey, Kurds would be called mountain Turks. So, if there is oppression, why is it that now everyone can speak their mother tongue or father’s language? Like me, my mother is Persian and my father is Turkish, and I speak both languages, and no one objects. I urge Iranians to look at the bigger picture. What you hear from the UN, BBC, or others is nothing but a plot because they know that if they don’t divide the people of Iran, they cannot send dictatorial regimes to rule over Iran. I urge all my compatriots to look further ahead. I live in Austria, where they claim democracy, yet they do not allow people living in the province of Carinthia, who are not even immigrants and have been there for a long time, to speak Slovenian. So, we Iranians must prevent this democracy that they want to impose on us because others are making our problem worse, not better. Anushiravan Soltani - Austria
Dear compatriots, it is better to focus on this point instead of engaging in issues that cause division, which is the British strategy. The language of our country is a combination of all the dialects spoken in our land, which is wrongly called Persian, while its correct name is Parsi. Please, before making any historical comments, first study the history of Iran. Dear compatriots, please do not repeat the mistake of the constitutionalists who protested in the British Embassy. Barbad - Isfahan