Linguistic Map of Tajikistan

Tajikistan is home to several ‘remnant’ Iranian languages, which are designated after the geographical zones where the speakers of these languages live. One of the major groups is that Badakhshani, or commonly known as Pamiri languages and are divided into the Shughni-Rushni language group consisting of closely related languages: Shughnani, Rushani, Bartangi, Roshorvi, Khufi, and Sarikoli.

The focus of this lecture is to introduce the linguistic diversity of Tajikistan from geographical perspective. Within this frame it will address the following themes: benefits of linguistic diversity, linguistic diversity and its role in social production and ethnography of languages and its importance in globalised world.

At the end of the lecture participants will know about different languages spoken in Tajikistan and the importance of persevering minority languages

Barakatullo Ašurov is a visiting scholar at Harvard University in the Near Eastern Languages and Civiliazations Department. His research is best categorized as cultural history, with an interdisciplinary focus between history and culture broadly conceived, including languages and religions of Central Asia with emphasis on ancient Sogdiana in its Iranian and Chinese geopolitical settings.

In collaboration with Prospect Park Alliance, Brooklyn Public Library presents University Open Air, a free, three-week series of classes beginning Tuesday, June 11th in Prospect Park’s former Rose Garden.

To access the Rose Garden, follow signs through Prospect Park’s Grand Army Plaza enterance.