Language, Culture and Identity: Kurds and Kurdish Through the Lens of Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis

The Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, or linguistic relativity, has fascinated linguists, anthropologists, and psychologists for decades. It holds that the structure of a language influences the cognition, worldview, and even culture of its speakers. Although the underlying concept that language influences thought is controversial among scholars, it continues to provide an interesting framework for analyzing different languages. […]

Language, Culture and Identity: Kurds and Kurdish Through the Lens of Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis
Language, Culture and Identity: Kurds and Kurdish Through the Lens of Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis
  • Yayınlanma19 April 2023 09:24
  • Güncelleme20 April 2023 07:28

The Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, or linguistic relativity, has fascinated linguists, anthropologists, and psychologists for decades. It holds that the structure of a language influences the cognition, worldview, and even culture of its speakers. Although the underlying concept that language influences thought is controversial among scholars, it continues to provide an interesting framework for analyzing different languages. In this column, I will look at the Kurdish language through the lens of the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis and explore how the unique features of the Kurdish language might shape the thoughts and perceptions of its speakers.

The Kurdish people have long been subjected to oppression and discrimination in the countries in which they live. Their languages, cultures, and identities have been suppressed, resulting in a complex relationship with their linguistic heritage. The Kurdish language consists of several dialects, primarily Kurmancî, Zazakî, Soranî ve Goranî (Haig & Öpengin, 2014). The Sapir-Whorf hypothesis suggests that these dialects, each with its own structure and vocabulary, may influence the way Kurds perceive the world around them and their position in it.

Language and identity are inherently intertwined, and this is particularly evident among the Kurds. For many, speaking Kurdish is an act of resistance against the assimilation and erasure of their culture. It serves as a means of preserving a shared heritage and asserting distinct identities. Through the lens of the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis, we can see that the Kurdish language is more than just a medium of communication; it is a tool that shapes and reflects the collective consciousness and cultural identity of the Kurds.

For example, the Kurdish language uses a different grammatical structure for expressing possession than other languages (Duman, 2011). This different structure may influence the way Kurdish speakers perceive possessions, relationships, and connections with others. In addition, the use of proverbs and sayings specific to Kurdish culture, such as “Mêrikî li hespê xelkê timî peya ye” (A man who sits on someone else’s horse is always on foot.), reflects the values of the communit and shapes the way its members think about the world.

The Sapir-Whorf hypothesis also offers insights into the resilience and adaptability of the Kurds in the face of adversity. By maintaining their linguistic traditions in the face of pressure, the Kurds demonstrate the power of language to unite a community and foster a sense of belonging. The hypothesis emphasizes the importance of linguistic diversity and assumes that the loss of a language means not only the loss of words, but also the loss of unique perspectives and ways of thinking. Thus, the preservation of Kurdish is not only cultural protection, but also the protection of a particular worldview.

In recent years, the Kurdish people have made significant progress toward greater recognition and autonomy in the countries in which they live. There has been a resurgence of interest in the Kurdish language and culture, which has led to increased efforts to teach and promote the language. This resurgence has enabled the Kurdish people to recover their linguistic heritage and strengthen their sense of identity.

The works of well-known Kurdish poets and writers such as Sherko Bekas, Cegerxwin, and Bachtyar Ali provide insight into the rich cultural heritage and collective experiences of the Kurdish people. By using the Kurdish language as a means of expression, these artists contribute to the preservation of their language and culture and challenge the notion that their identity is secondary or less important than that of dominant societies.

Additionally, the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis sheds light on how the Kurdish language has evolved and adapted to the changing political and social landscape of the region. Kurds have often faced restrictions on the use of their language, resulting in the development of alternative forms of communication, such as code-switching and the use of secret languages (Sheyholislami, 2011). This adaptability highlights the resilience of the Kurdish people in preserving their linguistic identity and the power of language as a means of resistance.

In conclusion, the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis provides a valuable framework for understanding the complicated relationship between language, culture, and identity among the Kurds. By examining the unique characteristics of the Kurdish language and its potential impact on the thoughts and perceptions of its speakers, we can better appreciate the importance of linguistic diversity and the role of language in shaping the human experience. The Kurds’ unwavering efforts to preserve their language despite challenges are a testament to the power of language in shaping and strengthening a people’s worldview and collective identity. As research on the links between language and thought continues to evolve, the Kurdish people and their languages will undoubtedly remain a fascinating case study that underscores the profound impact of linguistic diversity on the human experience.

References:

Duman, S. (2011). The Kurdish language and linguistic rights in Turkey. International Journal on Multicultural Societies, 13(1), 71-91.

Haig, G., & Öpengin, E. (2014). Kurdish: A critical research overview. Kurdish Studies, 2(1), 99-122.

Sheyholislami, J. (2011). Kurdish identity, discourse, and new media. New York: Palgrave Macmillan.