Language Policy and the Status of the Persian Language in the Language Policies of the Islamic Republic of Iran

Ahmadvand, Shoja; Rajabi, Abolfazl

doi:10.22034/irpl.2024.207060

Language Policy and the Status of the Persian Language in the Language Policies of the Islamic Republic of Iran

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Shoja Ahmadvand ¹ ^¶

Abolfazl Rajabi ²

¹ Faculty od Law and Political Science, Allame Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran

² Faculty od Law and Political Science, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran

10.22034/irpl.2024.207060

Abstract

The Persian language is pivotal in connecting the Iranian nation's past, present, and future, highlighting its historical and political importance. However, it faces significant challenges that threaten national identity and the continuity of Iranian traditions. Preserving and promoting Persian has been emphasized in key documents of the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the Constitution, Vision 2025, and various development plans. Despite introducing policies to address these issues, implementation has been flawed, yielding unsatisfactory results. This article aims to identify factors behind the failure of these language policies, focusing on the Fifth Development Plan. It explores how the plan's approach and implementation led to suboptimal outcomes. Using thematic analysis and archival data, the study finds that the challenges facing Persian must be conceived as a wicked problem. Additionally, a directive approach to policy implementation has obstructed the success of national language policies.

Keywords

Persian Language

National Language

Wicked Issues

Public Policy

Iranian Identity

Subjects