Journal of Linguistic and Rhetorical Studies

Journal of Linguistic and Rhetorical Studies

Continuity of Ancient Iranian Structures in Semnani

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Hossein Razavian 1
Shahram Naghshbandi 2
1 Associate Professor, Linguistics, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran (Corresponding Author)
2 Associate Professor, Linguistics, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran
10.22075/jlrs.2026.41273.2883
Abstract
This study aims to identify and analyze the remnants of Ancient Iranian languages in Semnani across three levels: phonological, morphological, and syntactic. The research is descriptive-analytical in nature and adopts a historical-comparative approach. Data were collected through bibliographic sources (including historical and research texts related to Iranian languages) and fieldwork (semi-structured interviews with 20 native Semnani speakers aged 50–85). Data analysis was conducted using the comparative historical method within the framework of structural linguistics. Findings indicate that Semnani preserves a significant number of archaic Iranian features that have been lost in Standard Persian. At the phonological level, the retention of final vowels is notable. Morphologically, the preservation of grammatical gender, traces of a case system, and verb conjugation based on ancient roots are observed. Syntactically, ergative constructions in past tense sentences, SOV word order, and subject-verb agreement are among the most prominent retained features. These results demonstrate that Semnani, as a conservative dialect, plays a key role in reconstructing the intermediate stages of Iranian language evolution and can be regarded as a transitional link between the ancient and modern periods. Beyond enriching historical linguistic studies of Iranian languages, this research underscores the urgent need for documentation and preservation of this language as an endangered linguistic heritage.
Keywords
Semnani
Ancient Iranian languages
phonology
morphology
syntax
historical linguistics
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Journal of Linguistic and Rhetorical Studies
Volume 17, Issue 44
In progress
Summer 2026