Middle Persian

Middle_Persian

Middle Persian (also known as Pahlavi) is the Middle Iranian language or ethnolect of southwestern Iran that during Sassanian times (224–654 CE) became a prestige dialect and so came to be spoken in other regions of the Sassanian Empire. It is the linguistic ancestor of Modern Persian and a variety of other Iranian languages and dialects.

History[edit | edit source]

Middle Persian evolved from Old Persian, the language of the Achaemenid Empire. The transition from Old Persian to Middle Persian is marked by significant phonological, morphological, and syntactic changes. Middle Persian was the official language of the Sassanian Empire and was used in official inscriptions, Zoroastrian religious texts, and literature.

Script[edit | edit source]

Middle Persian was written in the Pahlavi script, which is derived from the Aramaic alphabet. The script is characterized by its use of logograms, which are symbols that represent words or morphemes rather than individual sounds. The Pahlavi script was used primarily for religious and official texts.

Literature[edit | edit source]

The literature of Middle Persian includes a variety of texts, such as religious scriptures, historical chronicles, and epic poetry. The most significant religious texts are the Zoroastrian scriptures, including parts of the Avesta and the Bundahishn. Secular literature includes works like the Kārnāmag-ī Ardashīr-ī Pāpakān, a semi-historical account of the founder of the Sassanian dynasty.

Phonology[edit | edit source]

Middle Persian phonology underwent significant changes from Old Persian. Notable changes include the loss of certain consonant clusters, the simplification of vowel systems, and the introduction of new phonemes. These changes contributed to the distinct sound system of Middle Persian compared to its predecessor.

Grammar[edit | edit source]

Middle Persian grammar is characterized by a reduction in the complexity of the inflectional system found in Old Persian. The language features a more simplified system of noun declensions and verb conjugations. Middle Persian also exhibits a greater reliance on prepositions and auxiliary verbs.

Influence and Legacy[edit | edit source]

Middle Persian had a profound influence on the development of Modern Persian and other Iranian languages. It served as a bridge between Old Persian and Modern Persian, preserving many features of the former while introducing innovations that would characterize the latter. Middle Persian also influenced the vocabulary and grammar of neighboring languages through cultural and political interactions.