THE EVOLUTION OF PERSIAN VOCABULARY: HISTORICAL INFLUENCES, AND MODERN ADAPTATIONS

Abstract

The article examines the evolution of Persian vocabulary, focusing on newly formed words and word combinations, as well as the historical development of the Persian language. It highlights the linguistic transformations of Persian over the past two centuries and provides insights into how these changes can guide contemporary language usage. Like all living and dynamic languages, Persian has continuously interacted with other languages, a process that has accelerated with increasing cultural and social exchanges. 

A key factor in Persian's linguistic development is its connection to the Indo-European language family, which accounts for many lexical similarities with other languages in the group. Additionally, thousands of words from various linguistic traditions have entered Persian, either directly or through gradual integration. Over the past fourteen centuries, significant historical events—such as the Arab conquest of Iran, the spread of Islam, and the rise of Arabic as a dominant language of science and literature—have influenced Persian vocabulary. While Arabic contributed a substantial number of loanwords, Persian has also influenced other languages through reciprocal linguistic exchange. 

Ultimately, the article underscores that language evolution is a natural and inevitable process. Rather than resisting foreign influences, Persian has historically embraced and adapted them, enhancing its richness and expressive capacity. Understanding this historical trajectory helps frame current discussions on language preservation and modernization in an increasingly interconnected world