Standard Language, Phonology and Alphabet

Year 2015, Volume: 1 Issue: 3, 53 - 74, 15.06.2015

Bakir O. Ali Abdulwahab Kh. Mosa

Abstract

Historical events played a big role in the fact that the Kurds still do not have an own

alphabet without obstacles. If those obstacles are known to researchers and if they

investigate in them and obtain cultural results, the latter can become a scientific

fundament so that step by step the formal Kurdish writing can be built on. Each of

both alphabets the Kurds have for writing, whether the Arabic or the Latin letters of

the alphabet are used, has its obstacles and shortcomings. It is possible to resolve

this issue with scientific measurements and understanding of the alphabet in order

to adjust and conform those with the unique needs of the Kurdish language.

This thesis called “Standard Language, Phonology and Alphabet” is about the stan-dardization of the language and its relation to phonology and writing. In addition,

the attempt to identify the number of phonemes by vowels and consonants is

made. There are some notes registered about writing, as well. The research is a

branch of phonology and has taken advantage of the other branches of linguistic

methods whenever needed. This thesis is a descriptive analysis and has not been

influenced by any historical events.

Kurdish language, standard language, standard alphabet, phonology.

Keywords

Kurdish language, standard language, standard alphabet, phonology

References

• Crystal, D. (2003). A Dictionary of Linguistics & Phonetics. Fifth edition.
• Roach, P. (2000). English Phonology and Phonetics. Third edition.
• Alkhuli, Muhammad Ali. (2002). English Phonology and Phonetics. Nine edition.
• Carr, P. (1993). Phonology. First published. London.
• MacKenzie, D.N. (1961). Kurdish Dialects Studies-1. Oxford Uni- Press. London