The kurdish language - Research Paper Example

However, the Kurdish language is independent since it has its distinct grammatical system, continuity, rich vocabulary and an independent historical development. The language is based on an ancient language known as Proto Kurdish or Median. Despite the diversity of the Kurdish language, its dialects are classified into three key dialects - Southern Kurdish dialects, Central Kurdish and Northern Kurdish dialects also known as Kurmanji or Badinadi. The Southern dialect is referred by some groups as Pahlawnik or Pehlewanni while the Central version is also known as Sorani.

Additionally, there are two other core branches of the Kurdish language known as Hewrami or Gorani and Dimili or Zaza. Different sources cite different names for these groups of the Kurdish language. The two groups of the Kurdish language are then further subdivided into more groups of other different dialects. The Kurdish language classification is not standard as there are many other languages that have been connected to the Kurdish group of dialects such as the Lurri group, which according to certain linguistic sources, cites the Lurri group as being part of the Indo Iranic languages from the South West.

However, even though Lurri/Luri is comprised of numerous Kurdish words, the link between the other Kurdish language and the Lurri group remains contentious. According to Boulden, there is no one form of classifying the groups of the Kurdish dialects since native linguistics have agreed that the dialects are founded on the way the dialect sounds when spoken in relation to another dialect. That is why for example, Sorani speakers call Gorans, who speak Gorani as Mecu Mecu and call the Badinadi speakers Ji Babu.

The Gorans in turn call Sorani either Wawa or Kurkure. The Dimili dialect is referred to by the Badinani speakers as Zaza unlike the Dimili speakers who refer to it as (Dimili), which is mainly due to the use of the Z sounds in the pronunciation of the