Changing Personal Names and Titles in Written Farsi (1921-1978): A Sociolinguistic Study With Pedagogical Implications

This study investigates two processes of language change among Iranians over the years 1921 through 1978: the Persianization and simplification of first names (FNs), last names (LNs) and titles (Ts). Persianization refers to the replacement over time of Arabic Ns and Ts with Persian Ns and Ts. Simplifications refers to the substitution over time of mono-lexical Ns and Ts for Ns and Ts that are multi-, bi- or compound. Six specific hypotheses are addressed. They are: (1) first names, last names and titles in use among Iranians over time become more Persian and less Arabic; (2) compound and bi-FNs will change to mono-FNs; (3) systematic patterns can be identified in Iranian LN adoption behavior; (4) LN alteration is also systematic; (5) long honorific/tribal Ts will change to short, casual Ts; and (6) processes of simplification and Persianization can be identified occurring at the same time in some Iranian Ns and Ts. The following two propositions are also addressed. Sociolinguistic change follows from sociocultural and political changes. Changes toward modernization, Westernization and/or industrialization impact decisively on changes in Iranian Ns and Ts. Chapter One introduces the problem addressed, reviews the related literature, states research hypotheses, outlines procedures and defines terms used in the study. Chapter Two provides a discussion of the era under consideration. Chapter Three explores Iranian FNs in the written Farsi. Chapter Four investigates the origin and evolution of Iranian LNs. Chapter Five analyzes the evolution of Iranian Ts from 1928-1978. The sixth chapter presents conclusions and suggests educational implications. The hypotheses are generally supported by the findings of the analyses. ESL teachers and teacher educators may find in this material useful suggestions for classroom practice. An attempt is made throughout the study to relate the sociolinguistic changes in Ns and Ts to sociocultural events in Iran and to the influence of Westernization/modernization.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Education

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2014

Author dc:creator

• Memar-Sadeghi, Abdolmajid

• Education, Language and Literature

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

(UMI)AAI8026560

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/65961