PROBLEMS OF CLASSIFYING PARTS OF SPEECH IN PERSIAN AND DARI LANGUAGES

Abstract

Persian and Dari languages incorporate autonomous words into various parts of speech, including noun, adjective, noun-adjective, numeral, pronoun, verb and adverb. This article explores the primary methods used for classifying the parts of speech in these languages, as well as the reasons for their emergence, the challenges involved in classification and the criteria for assigning parts of speech.

The classification of parts of speech in the Persian language dates back to the mid-20th century. The works of A. Gharib, M. Bahar, B. Forouzanfar, J. Khomai, R. Yasemi, A. Homayoun Farrokh, A. Khayampour, P.N. Khanlari, A. Mawlawi, N. Ahmad-Givi and H. Anwari show inconsistent criteria for categorising parts of speech, leading to varying quantities of them. In the Dari language, the categorisation of word types is impacted by research conducted on Persian language. Nonetheless, the works of M.N. Saidi, M.R. Ilkhom, M.H. Yamin, R. Farhadi, A. Yasin and A. Majid reveal differing methods of identifying parts of speech.

Distinguishing between nouns and adjectives that can function as both, and identifying adverbs as a distinct part of speech, is a current issue in linguistics. Specialists have proposed various criteria for differentiation.

Pronouns and numerals are also considered noun parts of speech. Some Iranian linguists do not separate Persian numerals as a distinct part of speech, unlike in Arabic. In the majority of Persian grammar literature, numerals, regardless of whether they are ordinal or quantitative, are classified as quantitative adjectives that pertain to counting or numerical value.

Syntactic words, which are unable to nominative functions, demonstrate relationships between words through prepositions and postpositions, or between words and sentences with conjunctions. They can also alter the meaning of individual words and sentences as particles. Interjections expressing emotions and desires, as well as modal words that convey the speaker’s subjective assessment of their statement in relation to objective reality, occupy significant positions among the parts of speech.