Dēnkard III Language Variation and the Defence of Socio-Religious Identity in the Context of Early-Islamic Iran

Gianfilippo Terribili

doi:10.1515/opli-2017-0020

Abstract

AbstractThe aim of the present paper is to illustrate as a case study, the linguistic and stylistic peculiarities characterizing the third book of the Dēnkard, one of the most authoritative texts in Zoroastrian Pahlavi literature (9th-10th CE). The analysis will consider these features as part of a coherent system, styled to serve the dialectic strategies pursued by the Zoroastrian high priests in response to the pressures their own community was facing in the early Islamic period. In order to provide a more comprehensive overview on DkIII language distinctiveness, the research will underline the outward/inward dynamics, addressing both the relation of this theological dialectic with the surrounding socio-cultural environment and the leadingrole claims of a group within a politically subordinated community

Highlights

In tune with the present volume, seeking to integrate linguistic data concerning a specific text within the socio-cultural dynamics of the period in which a specific textual production flourished, may yield extremely interesting elements for scholars aiming to survey the development of broader acculturation processes
The aim of the present paper is to illustrate as a case study, the linguistic and stylistic peculiarities characterizing the third book of the Dēnkard, one of the most authoritative texts in Zoroastrian Pahlavi literature (9th-10th CE)
During the 9th-10th centuries CE the coexistence of several pressures spurred the DkIII theologians to exploit the multi-functionality of the linguistic instrument at their disposal, adopting a strategy that combined conservative and innovative trends. This effort aimed to implement the argumentative functions of Middle Persian language in the arena of interfaith controversies as well as strengthening an exegetic method applied to the sacred tradition

Summary

Introduction

In tune with the present volume, seeking to integrate linguistic data concerning a specific text within the socio-cultural dynamics of the period in which a specific textual production flourished, may yield extremely interesting elements for scholars aiming to survey the development of broader acculturation processes. Within Iranian history, the early Islamic period offers a very rich field of investigation for sociolinguistic studies; the abundance of sources in our possession is due to the activity of the multifaceted constituents of that society, while the presence of various and interacting agents offers a remarkable opportunity to adopt multiple point of views. In this epoch, subsequent to the political affirmation of Islam, different ethno-religious and confessional groups confronted dialectically in order to define their identity and doctrinal boundaries. Article note: this paper belongs to the Topical Issue on Historical Sociolinguistic Philology, ed. by Chiara Barbati and Christian Gastgeber

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Conclusions