Language Maintenance or Shift in Gilan-e Gharb: Exploring Linguistic Attitudes of Kalhuri Kurdish Speakers

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 M.A. in Linguistics, Department of English Language and Linguistics, Faculty of Literature and Human Sciences, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran.

2 Assistant Professor in Linguistics, Department of English Language and Linguistics, Faculty of Literature and Human Sciences, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran.

Abstract

The present study aims to explore the current status of the Kalhuri Kurdish variety in Gilan-e Gharb and to determine the factors that contribute to its maintenance or shift. Adopting a qualitative research design, the study employed the focus group interview method. The participants consisted of 24 native speakers of Kalhuri Kurdish, aged 22 to 55 years, who were purposively selected from three age groups. Following the audio recording and transcription of the interviews, the data were examined using thematic analysis. The findings indicated that although Kalhuri Kurdish continued to be used in family interactions, everyday communication, and informal settings in Gilan-e Gharb, its use had declined among younger generations, particularly in educational, occupational, and formal communicative contexts, where it was increasingly being replaced by Persian. Moreover, factors such as the role of the family, the influence of educational institutions, and sociocultural pressures exerted by the dominant language played a significant role in the process of language shift. Based on these findings, strengthening linguistic identity, raising awareness through education and media, and providing institutional support for linguistic diversity are identified as effective strategies for the maintenance and revitalization of this linguistic variety. The study underscores the necessity of developing targeted and sustainable language policies to support indigenous languages in multilingual contexts.

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References

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Research in Western Iranian Languages and Dialects
Volume 14, Issue 2
July 2026
Pages 19-30

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