Lexical Transitions Between Turkish and Kurdish: A Historical and Linguistic Analysis

Kawar Maasom Abdulqader

Abstract


This study examines the lexical transitions between Turkish and Kurdish from a historical and linguistic perspective, highlighting the reciprocal contributions these two languages have made to each other over time. It analyzes how the mutual borrowing of words has been shaped by the ongoing political, commercial, and cultural interactions throughout history. Focusing on the Ottoman and Republican periods, the research reveals how lexical transitions, particularly in areas such as daily life, trade, religion, and art, have influenced both languages through processes of phonetic adaptation and semantic shifts. Despite belonging to different language families, Turkish and Kurdish have preserved the lasting traces of centuries of cohabitation. Everyday terms borrowed from Turkish into Kurdish, such as bardak (cup) and dolma (stuffed grape leaves), as well as words like ÅŸalvar (trousers) and ÅŸivan (shepherd) transitioning from Kurdish to Turkish, illustrate the cultural and social bonds between the two communities. Additionally, the research observed various phonetic changes and semantic extensions or restrictions in these borrowed words over time. The findings emphasize that the linguistic interaction between Turkish and Kurdish is not only a lexical exchange but also a cultural bridge that facilitates the transfer of shared values. This study underscores how language interplay contributes to the enrichment of social and cultural heritage in both languages.


Keywords


lexical transitions, phonetic change, semantic shift, Turkish-Kurdish interaction, cultural reflections, historical linguistic interaction.

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