Usage of Dialectic and Linguistic Varieties of Iranian Ethnicity in Tehran based on Cognitive- Socio Linguistic Study

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Linguistics, North Tehran Branch , Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

2 Associate Professor of Linguistics, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran

3 Professor of French Language and Literature, Tarbiat Modarres University, Tehran, Iran

4 Professor of Linguistics, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

This study investigates the social status of the varieties of Iranian languages and dialects towards the use of lectals from the perspective of the hidden cognitive realities of real language use within the framework of lectal variation theory. A researcher-constructed survey questionnaire and interview were used in this study. Linguistic data were collected from 314 participants selected semi-randomly from among the language community of immigrants living in Tehran with ten different varieties of Persian languages. Participants had the apportunity to choose one of the varieties of languages (standard or non-standard) in two areas of home invoirement (having conversation with parents, siblings, spouses and children) and out of home invoirement (having conversation with colleagues, professors, classmates and people in the society). The Likert scale was used to measure the questionnaire items. Cronbach’s alpha was used to measure the reliability. Besides, the Chi-square test was used to receive statistical results. According to the results, Due to the power component, the greater validation of the standard language, Escape from their audience’s negative judgments towards their language varieties and ultimately to gain social prestige, 84.71% of speakers of language varieties in Tehran prefer to use the standard variety of Persian language in their daily conversation. In terms of language identity, speakers of languages especially Laki and Kurdish speakers have more powerful sense of real identity toward their non-standard variety of Persian language.

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