Language, status and power in Iran

Beeman, William O.

Book

Language, status and power in Iran

Indiana University Press • Bloomington • Published In 1986 • Pages: xx, 255

By: Beeman, William O..

Abstract
This is a sociolinguistic study of Iranian interpersonal behavior. Beeman analyzes sociolinguistic behavior according to what he labels as the internal vs. external and hierarchy vs. equality. The internal vs. external dimension is a psychological, philosophical, and social space. The internal (BATEN) is the seat of family intimacy and and space of freest personal expression. It is also the seat of passion, a person's strongest feelings, which in Iran has a postive and moral connotation. The external (ZAHER) is the realm of corruption and worldly influences; the realm of controlled expression and politeness, where one wears one's public face. In detailed discussion, Beeman shows how the vocabulary, phonology and grammar of language changes according two where interlocutors situate themselves in this matrix of high and low, and inside and outside. The elaborate language of ritual courtesy (TA'AROF) mediates between outsiders and people of different status. Beeman discusses the performative use of such language to obtain favors, rewards, service, tribute, etc. The ability to manipulate this discourse in order to position oneself in a lower status while having a third party acknowledge one's superiority is a common strategy used to gain power. Such cleverness (ZERANGI) is esteemed in Iran.

Status, role, and prestige

Manipulative mobility

HRAF PubDate