Learn Persian with Chai and Conversation Culture | Ferdowsi's Shahnameh, Part 1
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Aug 18, 2025 Dr. Sahba Shayani, a scholar of classical Persian epic poetry, dives deep into Ferdowsi's Shahnameh, a cornerstone of Persian identity. The discussion reveals how this masterpiece preserved the Persian language during Arabic dominance. They explore the rich mythology and language of the Shahnameh, focusing on the character of Zal and the interplay of beauty and shame in cultural narratives. Shayani highlights the vital roles women play in these stories, connecting historical themes to contemporary societal expectations.
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Shahnameh Preserved Persian
- The Shahnameh is Ferdowsi's magnum opus completed in 1010 CE that helped preserve New Persian.
- It functions as a cultural repository sustaining Persian language and pre-Islamic lore.
Language Choice Revived Old Persian
- Ferdowsi used predominantly Persian-origin words, minimizing Arabic loanwords to revive older Persian forms.
- His language choice made the Shahnameh a lexical source for restoring pre-Arabic Persian vocabulary.
Language Mixing Enriches Persian
- Persian naturally absorbed Arabic and other influences, which can enrich rather than weaken the language.
- Language mixing increases versatility and expressive range according to Sahba Shayani.
