Tajikistan Language

Mongolian Language | Korean Language

The Tajikistan Language is known as Tajik, Tajiki, Persian, Tajik language, or at times Tadzhik is a modern variation of the Persian language spoken in Central Asia.

Referred to as an Indo-European language evolving from the  Iranian language group. Most speakers of the Tajik language as one would expect do live in Tajikistan. However, due to the border reorganisation under the soviet union, many Tajiki speakers also reside in Uzbekistan. 

Tajikistan language speakers are also to located in areas of Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, and some other countries in the region. 

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Tajikistan Language Grammar

The Tajik language shares practically the same grammar, vocabulary, and delightful pronunciation as the traditional Persian language. The forerunner of the modern Tajiki language was once spoken throughout central Asia, concentrated in Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and northern Turkmenistan, this is because at that time Persian people and their culture dominated the region.  A change occurred as Turkic peoples began to permeate throughout these countries, often called Turkification the language and culture were to go through a process of change. The Tajik language adapted and formed in its way due to the isolated region sealed off from other influences on many sides by mountain ranges and the geopolitical stage. 

During the Soviet period; millions of Tajiks were to be located in Uzbekistan when the new borders were drawn. When visiting Uzbekistan Tajiki can be predominantly heard in the cities of Bukhara, Samarkand, and even Khiva. Many Tajiks remained trapped outside of the new Tajik Republic. The influence of the Soviet Union did in some ways help to protect the Tajik language the Tajik Soviet Socialist Republic was created in 1929 as part of the Soviet Union. Tajik, as well as Russian, was made the official language of this fledgeling republic.

For many years Russan was taught as the primary tongue as happened throughout the Soviet Union.  After the unions' collapse and Tajikistan's eventual independence in 1991, the Tajiki government began to promote the use of Tajik once again. Article 2 of the 1994 constitution clearly states "the Language of Tajikistan is Tajik. The Russian language is a language of communication between nationalities." 

The use of Tajik has increased, even the once-Russified upper classes have embraced its use. With many media outlets, newspapers, magazines all offering Tajik publications TV stations and music all provide Tajik language options. Its all made a little easier as the country strives to embrace its history. Under the Soviet Union, the country may have been somewhat isolated from its Persian speaking neighbours, but now there is increasing contact from Iran and Afghanistan. 

 

 

 

 

Tajiki Script:

Written Tajiki today still uses the Cyrillic alphabet from the former Soviet Union. In the past, Tajik was penned in both Latin and Persian alphabets the Persian, of course, is the traditional form. The Persian alphabet is still used in Afghanistan and has been set to make a return to Tajikistan.

Talk Like a Tajiki:

For the traveller to Tajikistan, it can be both challenging and accessible as there is a lot more English spoken across the country than one would think. However, English is not always available, and people in Tajikistan do appreciate it even if you manage a couple of words. Tajiks will not make fun of you if you make mistakes, although they may laugh. Do remember that Tajilstan is an amazingly friendly country and the humour runs two ways. For many visitors, you may realise that there are at many times three different languages in use the Tajikk as detailed above, Russian as taught during the Soviet Union. It is also important to remember that as an Islamic country, Arabic greetings will also be used as well as a couple of expressions.

Like all languages, there are some essentials to get you on the way? 

The most commonly asked question is, how do I say hello? The primary way to say hello by using  the traditional Arabic greeting: 

Formal Hello 

Peace be unto you as-salām 'alaykum

Formal reply

Upon you be peace wa 'alaykum as-salām

Hello. (informal) - Salamm

How are you - Shumo chi khel? 

Casual Reply,  Fine, thank you - Naghz, rah-mat 

Goodbye - Khayr!

Thank you is always a nice word to use in any language and Tajiks do use it a fair amount being a polite people. 

Thank you. - Rah-mat/tasha-koor

Tajikistan is not a country where you will be view as odd if you apologise. 

Excuse me (sorry) Sorry - Bubahshed

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