Reflections of Sanai's Words and Phrases in Hezaregi

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Ph.D. Candidate, Department of Economics, Faculty of Management and Economics, University of Razi, Kermanshah, Iran

2 Associate Professor of Persian Language and Literature, Faculty of Literatutre and Humanities, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

3 Professor of Persian Language and Literature, Faculty of Literatutre and Humanities, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

4 Professo of Persian Language and Literature, Faculty of Literatutre and Humanities, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

Linguistic analysis and the resolution of lexical complexities are among the most critical elements in interpreting literary texts, particularly in classical Persian literature. A comprehensive understanding of the meanings and proper usage of words within a literary work significantly enhances its overall analysis. This article, based on a thesis examining the vocabulary used in Sanai Ghaznavi’s poetry, explores words and phrases that, despite their relative obscurity in contemporary Standard Persian, are still actively used in the Hazaragi dialect of Afghanistan. This study aims to enhance the understanding of Sanai’s poetry by identifying and interpreting the words and expressions that persist in Hazaragi. The research employs a mixed-method approach, combining a literature review with fieldwork to verify the meanings and contemporary usage of these lexical items. The findings reveal that several words present in Sanai’s poetry, although no longer in common use in modern Persian, are still widely understood and utilized in Hazaragi. This research underscores the significance of the Hazaragi dialect not only as a living repository of archaic Persian but also as a crucial tool for accessing and comprehending historical literary works. Furthermore, the study illustrates how certain obscure terms in Sanai’s poetry can be elucidated through their continued use in Hazaragi.
Introduction
Linguistic analysis is essential for understanding classical Persian texts, particularly the poetry of Sanai Ghaznavi. Many words and phrases used in his poetry have faded from contemporary Standard Persian but are still in use in the Hazaragi dialect spoken by the Hazara people of Afghanistan. This study examines how these elements persist in Hazaragi and their role in interpreting Sanai’s poetry. Given Ghazni’s historical connection to both Sanai and the Hazaragi dialect, this analysis offers valuable insights into Persian literary heritage. The study emphasizes the significance of dialectal preservation in literary analysis and highlights Hazaragi as a repository of classical Persian vocabulary.
Method
This research employs a mixed-methods approach that integrates literary analysis with fieldwork. It follows an observational research design to identify and interpret Sanai’s poetic vocabulary in Hazaragi. Selected poems from Sanai’s Divan were analyzed to extract words and phrases that are obsolete in Standard Persian but still in use in Hazaragi. Data collection included interviews with native Hazaragi speakers from diverse backgrounds to verify the meanings and usage of these words. Additionally, secondary sources, such as Persian linguistic dictionaries and studies on regional dialects, were consulted. Ethical considerations were strictly observed, ensuring participant anonymity and informed consent.
Results
Findings indicate that many words and expressions from Sanai’s poetry, although largely forgotten in modern Persian, remain actively used in Hazaragi. These linguistic elements can be categorized into four groups: (1) words preserved without alteration, (2) words with slight phonetic changes, (3) words with minor semantic shifts, and (4) structurally evolved compound expressions.
Conclusion
This research establishes Hazaragi as a crucial linguistic resource for interpreting classical Persian poetry, particularly the works of Sanai. The preservation of archaic words in Hazaragi highlights its significance as both a living dialect and a valuable tool for literary research. The findings suggest that incorporating dialectal studies into Persian literary analysis can enhance textual interpretation. Further research on other regional dialects could provide additional insights into Persian literary heritage. This study reinforces the importance of preserving regional dialects as cultural assets that maintain historical linguistic continuity.

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References

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Research of Literary Text in Iraqi Career
Volume 6, Issue 2
June 2025
Pages 23-51

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