Cognitive Semantics of the Preposition na in Gurani Kurdish Based on Almaskhan Kandolaei's Shahnameh

This study examines the preposition na, one of the most frequently used relational markers in Gurani literary texts, which is not common in other Kurdish dialects and Iranian languages. Using the systematic polysemy model proposed by Tyler and Evans (2003), the research aims to show the radial structure of the semantic network of this preposition. The present study employs a descriptive-analytical method and conducts a cognitive analysis of na by examining its occurrences in the verses related to the story of Bijan and Manijeh in the Kurdish Shahnameh of Almas Khan, as well as the types of prepositions in Kurdish grammar books. The findings show that na functions as a locative suffix whose various meanings in the analyzed verses form a coherent and systematic semantic network. In the Shahnameh of Almas Khan Kandoleh, the meanings associated with this morpheme are organized in the form of a radial semantic network, structured around semantic clusters such as "capacity," "connection and attachment," "beginning and origin," and "transcendence" all revolving around a central conceptual core.
Introduction
Although written literary and folkloric Kurdish texts have been composed in the standard literary Gurani dialect—and Kurdish poets, especially those in the Zagros region, have written poetry in this dialect for nearly eight centuries—the linguistic and semantic features of this dialect have not been studied as thoroughly as they should be. Examining the semantics of the preposition na—a unique Gurani preposition not used in any of the common Kurdish dialects—can contribute to a deeper understanding of the Gurani language and pave the way for further research. The importance of understanding Gurani lies in the fact that a large portion of Kurdish epic literature has been composed in the standard Gurani dialect. Therefore, any stylistic examination of these works depends on understanding the characteristics of this dialect, including its prepositions.
This article addresses the following questions:

Is the preposition na in Gurani Kurdish a spatial preposition?
Is the cognitive semantics approach, along with Tyler and Evans's (2003) systematic semantic network hypothesis, an appropriate method for examining the meanings and uses of the preposition na?
Using this hypothesis, what are the secondary or radial meanings of this preposition, and how are they related to the central meaning?

Method
To develop a semantic network of preposition na—an exclusive marker of Gurani Kurdish—we examined its usage in the story of Bijan and Manijeh from Almas Khan Kandulei's Kurdish Shahnameh. We then analyzed its radial semantic network based on Tyler and Evans's (2003) systematic polysemy model. For this purpose, we first reviewed the research background and theoretical framework. We also described the use of prepositions in Kurdish, with a specific focus on Gurani Kurdish. After that, we analyzed the data and constructed the semantic network of na. Finally, we created a frequency diagram to show the distribution of its meanings.
Results
The most frequent semantic use of the prefix na in the Shahnameh of Almas Khan Kandoleh is its predicate meaning. This indicates the dominance of the focal or predicate meaning of the prefix na over its other meanings. Other radial meanings, which stem directly from the predicate meaning, are linked to it, and each possesses its own spatial composition. The data analysis includes reporting effect sizes, confidence intervals, and levels of statistical significance.
Conclusion
In total, 210 occurrences of na were identified in the story of Bijan and Manijeh, where the concept of place—either real or abstract—is evident in all cases. The radial meanings that branch directly from the focal meaning include: the concept of "capacity" (especially spatial capacity), "attachment and connection," "beginning and origin," and "transcendence." All of these meanings have spatial dimensions, and in later stages, less frequent sub-meanings emanate from them.
Ethical Considerations
Not applicable
Funding
Not applicable
Conflict of interest
The authors declare no conflict of interest.