Comparative Linguistic Research

Comparative Linguistic Research

The Role of the Iranian Language and Script in Strengthening Iranian Identity in the Ancient World

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Author
hamid kavyanipooya
Department of Iranology, Faculty of Humanities, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan,Iran.
10.22084/rjhll.2026.31448.2403
Abstract
The ancient use of the Persian language, its widespread adoption during the reigns of iranian empires, and the efforts of these governments to promote and cultivate it are significant issues that this research aims to address. By utilizing library resources and examining historical, geographical texts, , the results obtained through descriptive and analytical methods indicate that Persian has been used as a common language among Iranian peoples since the Median period, . The Iranian states recognized the importance of the Iranian language and script in fostering connections among the inhabitants of Iran and enhancing a sense of convergence and Iranian identity. They did so by marginalizing or diminishing the prominence of foreign languages, focusing on the Iranian language, inventing scripts specific to Iranians, and mandating the translation of texts into Persian. This even led to its adoption among non-Iranian peoples and its use as the official language in inscriptions.
Keywords
Ancient Iran
language
Achaemenid
Sasanian
Iranian identity
Subjects