Doctoral Dissertation at Uppsala University 2005

Abstract
Hashabeiky, F., 2005. Persian Orthography. Modification or Changeover? (1850-2000). Acta Universitatis Upsaliensis. Studia Iranica Upsaliensia 7. 250 pp. Uppsala. ISBN 91-554-6190-5

The present study provides a description of the standardization process of Persian orthography since the introduction of the Arabic alphabet, with a focus on this process in modern times (1850-2000). Using theories related to orthography standardization as its background, this work seeks an explanation for the prolonged standardization process of Persian orthography, and presents the frameworks within which this standardization has been carried out. The most recent state of Persian orthography is presented through an investigation of the current attitudes towards the problems of Persian orthography and possible frameworks for a potential reform, as well as through an investigation of the current tendencies in the manner of presenting different orthographic parameters within Persian contemporary texts. How and by whom the orthography of today’s Persian texts is governed is another aspect to be examined here.
The most important conclusion to be drawn from the present study is that there is a strong tendency towards approving reform proposals that can be integrated with the present orthography, and maintain the present appearance of Persian orthography as much as possible. One of the main reasons behind this tendency is the concern of an interruption in cultural continuity in the event of an alphabet reform or any other drastic change in the present appearance of the orthography. This concern takes into account the political, social, cultural, structural, and economic conditions in Iran, as well as the complexity of language planning projects.

Keywords: Persian, Persian orthography, Arabic alphabet, modification, changeover, romanization, orthographic conventions, bound and unbound writing.

Forogh Hashabeiky, Department of Linguistics and Philology, Uppsala University, Box 635, SE-751 26 Uppsala, Sweden.

© Forogh Hashabeiky 2005

ISSN 1100-326X
ISBN 91-554-6190-5
Printed in Sweden by Elanders Gotab, Stockholm 2005
Distributor: Uppsla University Library, Box 510, SE-751 20 Uppsala, Sweden