Enter a player name to begin or load your saved progress.
Dari is recognized as a variety of the Persian language, predominantly spoken within Afghanistan.
Answer: True
Explanation: Dari is recognized as a variety of the Persian language, predominantly spoken within Afghanistan.
Dari is one of the two official languages of Afghanistan, alongside Pashto.
Answer: True
Explanation: Dari holds official status as one of the two official languages of Afghanistan, alongside Pashto, as stipulated by the 2004 Constitution of Afghanistan.
Approximately 78% of Afghanistan's population understands Dari Persian, serving as its lingua franca.
Answer: True
Explanation: Dari serves as the nation's lingua franca, understood by up to 78% of Afghanistan's population.
The World Factbook estimates that about 80% of the Afghan population speaks Dari Persian.
Answer: True
Explanation: The World Factbook estimates that about 80% of the Afghan population speaks Dari Persian.
What is Dari, according to the provided text?
Answer: A variety of the Persian language spoken in Afghanistan.
Explanation: Dari constitutes a variety of the Persian language, primarily spoken in Afghanistan. It is also referred to as Afghan Persian or Eastern Persian in various Western scholarly contexts and is the official designation employed by the Afghan government for the Persian language within its borders.
What is the official status of Dari in Afghanistan?
Answer: It is one of the two official languages, alongside Pashto.
Explanation: Dari holds official status as one of the two official languages of Afghanistan, alongside Pashto, as stipulated by the 2004 Constitution of Afghanistan.
What percentage of the Afghan population is estimated to understand Dari Persian, making it the country's lingua franca?
Answer: Up to 78%
Explanation: Dari serves as the nation's lingua franca, understood by up to 78% of Afghanistan's population.
Dari Persian is a direct continuation of Middle Persian, which itself evolved from Old Persian.
Answer: True
Explanation: Dari Persian evolved from Middle Persian, which itself is a continuation of Old Persian, representing a progression through the Old, Middle, and New periods of Iranian languages.
Historically, the term 'Dari' referred to the language spoken by priests and scholars in the Fars province.
Answer: False
Explanation: Historically, the term "Dari" referred to the Middle Persian court language used during the Sassanid dynasty, not the language of priests and scholars in Fars.
Ibn al-Muqaffa' described 'Dari' as the language associated with the king's court.
Answer: True
Explanation: According to Ibn al-Muqaffa', "Dari" was the language spoken by those at the king's court and was associated with court presence.
Thomas Hyde was potentially one of the first Europeans to use the term 'Deri' for Dari, in his 1700 work.
Answer: True
Explanation: Thomas Hyde is credited as potentially being one of the first Europeans to use the term "Deri" for Dari in his work *Historia religionis veterum Persarum*, published in 1700.
What is the linguistic lineage of Dari Persian?
Answer: It is a continuation of Middle Persian, which evolved from Old Persian.
Explanation: Dari Persian evolved from Middle Persian, which itself is a continuation of Old Persian, representing a progression through the Old, Middle, and New periods of Iranian languages.
According to Ibn al-Muqaffa', how was 'Dari' distinguished from 'Pārsi'?
Answer: Dari was the court language, Pārsi the language of priests and scholars.
Explanation: According to Ibn al-Muqaffa', "Dari" was the language spoken by those at the king's court, while "Pārsi" was the language of priests and scholars from Fars province.
What is the most widely accepted scholarly origin of the word "Dari"?
Answer: From the Persian word *dar* or *darbār*, meaning 'court'.
Explanation: The majority of scholars believe that "Dari" originates from the Persian word *dar* or *darbār*, meaning "court," reflecting its historical use as the formal language of the Sassanid court.
Historically, what did the term 'Dari' refer to?
Answer: The language used at the court during the Sasanian dynasty.
Explanation: Historically, the term "Dari" referred to the Middle Persian court language used during the Sassanid dynasty.
Which of the following is NOT listed as a historical stage or writing system related to Persian in the provided navbox information?
Answer: Cyrillic script
Explanation: The navbox lists Proto-Iranian, Old Persian cuneiform, and Middle Persian as historical stages, and Pahlavi scripts and the Persian alphabet (derived from Arabic) as writing systems. Cyrillic script is not mentioned in this context.
The written form of Dari Persian and Iranian Persian is mutually unintelligible due to significant vocabulary differences.
Answer: False
Explanation: Apart from minor vocabulary differences, formal written Persian in Afghanistan and Iran is mutually intelligible, meaning speakers of both varieties can understand each other.
The 'Dari' or 'Gabri' language found in some Iranian Zoroastrian communities is a dialect of the Persian language spoken in Afghanistan.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Dari spoken in Afghanistan is a variety of the Persian language, whereas the "Dari" or "Gabri" language found in some Iranian Zoroastrian communities is a separate language belonging to the Central Iranian subgroup.
The English loanwords 'dopiaza' and 'pyjama' demonstrate pronunciation similarities between Dari and Iranian Persian.
Answer: False
Explanation: Certain English loanwords, such as "dopiaza" and "pyjama," reflect Dari Persian pronunciation that differs from their Iranian Persian counterparts.
The primary differences between Afghan Persian (Dari) and Iranian Persian are found in their script and orthography.
Answer: False
Explanation: The primary differences between Afghan Persian (Dari) and Iranian Persian are found in their phonology (sound systems), lexicon (vocabulary), and morphology (word structure).
The phonology of Dari Persian, particularly the Kabul dialect, is generally less conservative than standard Iranian Persian.
Answer: False
Explanation: The phonology of Dari Persian, particularly the Kabul dialect, is generally more conservative than the standard Iranian Persian, preserving distinctions in certain "majhul" vowels.
In Iranian Persian, the words for 'lion' and 'milk' are pronounced identically, whereas Dari Persian distinguishes them.
Answer: True
Explanation: In Iranian Persian, the words for 'lion' and 'milk' are pronounced identically as /ʃir/. In contrast, Afghan Persian distinguishes these as /ʃer/ for 'lion' and /ʃir/ for 'milk'.
Standard Iranian Persian pronounces the letter 'w' (و) as a bilabial fricative [w], while Dari Persian uses a labiodental [v].
Answer: False
Explanation: In standard Iranian Persian, the letter 'w' (و) is pronounced as a voiced labiodental fricative [v]. In contrast, Dari Persian retains the classical bilabial pronunciation [w].
Dari Persian maintains a distinction between the uvular stops /q/ and /ɣ/, unlike some Iranian dialects that have merged them.
Answer: True
Explanation: While some Iranian Persian dialects have merged the sounds /q/ (voiced uvular stop) and /ɣ/ (voiced velar fricative), Dari Persian maintains a distinction between these two sounds.
The glottal stop /ʔ/ in Dari Persian is noted to appear exclusively in words borrowed from Arabic.
Answer: True
Explanation: The glottal stop /ʔ/, a sound made by briefly closing the vocal cords, appears in Dari Persian exclusively in words borrowed from Arabic.
Which statement best describes the relationship between Dari Persian and Iranian Persian?
Answer: They are closely related, and their formal written forms are mutually intelligible.
Explanation: Dari Persian and Iranian Persian are closely related, and their formal written forms are mutually intelligible, despite minor vocabulary differences.
Which of the following is a key difference between Afghan Dari and the 'Dari' or 'Gabri' of Iranian Zoroastrian communities?
Answer: Afghan Dari is a variety of Persian; Iranian Dari/Gabri is a separate Central Iranian language.
Explanation: The Dari spoken in Afghanistan is a variety of the Persian language, whereas the "Dari" or "Gabri" language found in some Iranian Zoroastrian communities is a separate language belonging to the Central Iranian subgroup.
How does the pronunciation of the English loanword 'pyjama' in Dari Persian typically differ from Iranian Persian?
Answer: The source indicates Dari uses 'pyjama' while Iranian Persian uses 'pey-jāmeh'.
Explanation: Certain English loanwords, such as "pyjama," reflect Dari Persian pronunciation that differs from their Iranian Persian counterparts, which are pronounced "pey-jāmeh."
What is a primary category of difference between Afghan Persian (Dari) and Iranian Persian?
Answer: Phonology, lexicon, and morphology
Explanation: The primary differences between Afghan Persian (Dari) and Iranian Persian are found in their phonology (sound systems), lexicon (vocabulary), and morphology (word structure).
How does the Kabul dialect of Dari Persian generally compare to standard Iranian Persian regarding certain vowel distinctions?
Answer: It is more conservative, preserving distinctions like those in 'majhul' vowels.
Explanation: The phonology of Dari Persian, particularly the Kabul dialect, is generally more conservative than the standard Iranian Persian. It preserves distinctions in certain "majhul" vowels (long vowels that were historically pronounced differently) which have merged in Iranian Persian.
Which statement accurately describes the pronunciation of the consonant 'w' (و) between Dari and Iranian Persian?
Answer: Dari uses the classical bilabial [w], while Iranian Persian uses [v].
Explanation: In standard Iranian Persian, the letter 'w' (و) is pronounced as a voiced labiodental fricative [v]. In contrast, Dari Persian retains the classical bilabial pronunciation [w].
The glottal stop /ʔ/ in Dari Persian is noted to appear:
Answer: Only in words borrowed from Arabic.
Explanation: The glottal stop /ʔ/, a sound made by briefly closing the vocal cords, appears in Dari Persian exclusively in words borrowed from Arabic.
How does the nasal consonant /n/ typically vary phonetically in Dari Persian?
Answer: It becomes [m] before bilabial stops (/p/, /b/) and [ŋ] before velar stops (/k/, /g/).
Explanation: The pronunciation of the nasal consonant /n/ in Dari Persian adapts based on surrounding sounds. It is realized as a bilabial nasal [m] before bilabial stops (like /p/ or /b/) and as a velar nasal [ŋ] before velar stops (like /k/ or /g/).
The distinction between the vowels [ɪ] (as in 'bit') and [ɛ] (as in 'bet') in Dari Persian is generally considered:
Answer: To be in free variation, not distinguishing meaning.
Explanation: In Dari Persian, the vowels represented by [ɪ] (as in English 'bit') and [ɛ] (as in English 'bet') are not typically distinguished as separate phonemes by native speakers and are often considered to be in free variation.
Dari Persian is predominantly spoken in the northern, western, and central regions of Afghanistan.
Answer: True
Explanation: Dari Persian is predominantly spoken in the northern, western, and central regions of Afghanistan, including major urban centers like Kabul and Herat.
Dari Persian-speaking communities are exclusively found in the northern and western parts of Afghanistan.
Answer: False
Explanation: Dari Persian-speaking communities are also present in southwestern and eastern areas of Afghanistan, which are predominantly Pashtun-speaking.
Approximately 2.5 million Afghans residing in Iran and Pakistan speak Dari Persian.
Answer: True
Explanation: Approximately 2.5 million Afghans residing in Iran and Pakistan speak Dari Persian as one of their primary languages.
The Sistani dialect of Dari Persian is noted for significant influences from the Balochi language.
Answer: True
Explanation: Encyclopaedia Iranica identifies the Sistani dialect as a distinct group within Afghan Persian, noting significant influences from the Balochi language.
The Kabuli dialect has become the standard model for Dari Persian in Afghanistan, promoted through Radio Afghanistan broadcasts.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Kabuli dialect has become the standard model for Dari Persian in Afghanistan, its prominence solidified through broadcasts on Radio Afghanistan starting in the 1940s.
Hazaragi varieties are classified as a separate language from Persian due to their unique vocabulary and retroflex consonants.
Answer: False
Explanation: Hazaragi varieties are primarily distinguished by the presence of retroflex consonants and unique vocabulary, but linguistic analysis suggests they are more accurately classified as a sub-dialect of Dari rather than a separate variety of Persian.
In which regions of Afghanistan is Dari Persian predominantly spoken?
Answer: Primarily in the northern, western, and central regions.
Explanation: Dari Persian is predominantly spoken in the northern, western, and central regions of Afghanistan, including major urban centers like Kabul and Herat.
The dialect spoken in Western Afghanistan, particularly in Herat, is described as:
Answer: A bridge between Afghan and Iranian Persian.
Explanation: The Dari dialect spoken in Western Afghanistan, particularly in Herat, acts as a linguistic bridge between Afghan and Iranian Persian, sharing features with both.
Which of the following is identified as a main dialect group of Dari Persian in Afghanistan?
Answer: Southeastern, Western, and Hazaragi
Explanation: According to a 2018 study by Takhar University and the Ministry of Education, Dari Persian in Afghanistan is categorized into three main dialect groups: Southeastern, Western, and Hazaragi.
What is a distinctive characteristic of Hazaragi varieties of Dari Persian?
Answer: They feature retroflex consonants and unique vocabulary.
Explanation: Hazaragi varieties are primarily distinguished by the presence of retroflex consonants and unique vocabulary, though linguistic analysis suggests they are a sub-dialect of Dari.
The Kabuli dialect became the standard model for Dari Persian in Afghanistan primarily due to:
Answer: Its promotion through broadcasts on Radio Afghanistan starting in the 1940s.
Explanation: The Kabuli dialect became the standard model for Dari Persian in Afghanistan, its prominence solidified through broadcasts on Radio Afghanistan starting in the 1940s.
For centuries, Dari Persian was primarily used as a literary language by native Persian speakers.
Answer: False
Explanation: For centuries, Dari Persian served as the preferred literary and administrative language for non-native speakers, including various Turco-Mongol peoples such as the Mughals.
Dari Persian spread into Central Asia by replacing Eastern Iranic languages like Bactrian.
Answer: True
Explanation: Persian languages, including Dari, spread into Central Asia by replacing Eastern Iranic languages such as Bactrian.
Persian was established as a prestigious language in Central Asia mainly by the Achaemenid Empire.
Answer: False
Explanation: Persian was established as a prestigious language in Central Asia by various dynasties, notably the Samanids, after the arrival of Islam.
Dari Persian has been the source of most Persian loanwords found in Indo-Aryan languages like Urdu and Hindi.
Answer: True
Explanation: Dari Persian has been the source of most Persian loanwords found in Indo-Aryan languages like Urdu and Hindi, due to its historical role in the Mughal Empire.
For centuries, which group used Dari Persian as a preferred literary and administrative language for non-native speakers?
Answer: Turco-Mongol peoples like the Mughals
Explanation: For centuries, Dari Persian served as the preferred literary and administrative language for non-native speakers, including various Turco-Mongol peoples such as the Mughals.
How did Persian languages like Dari spread into Central Asia?
Answer: By gradually replacing existing Eastern Iranic languages.
Explanation: Persian languages, including Dari, spread into Central Asia by gradually replacing existing Eastern Iranic languages.
Which dynasty is noted for establishing Persian as a prestigious language in Central Asia?
Answer: The Samanid dynasty
Explanation: Persian was established as a prestigious language in Central Asia by various dynasties, notably the Samanids.
The Mughal Empire played a significant role in the spread of Persian language into South Asia primarily because:
Answer: It adopted Persian as its administrative and cultural lingua franca.
Explanation: The Mughal Empire adopted Persian as its administrative and cultural lingua franca, which facilitated its spread into South Asia.
Which historical empire is mentioned as having promoted New Persian as an official language, contributing to Dari's lineage?
Answer: The Delhi Sultanate
Explanation: Afghan governments have historically promoted New Persian as an official language since the Delhi Sultanate era, contributing to Dari's lineage.
The local variety of Persian in Afghanistan was officially renamed Dari in 1964 to emphasize its distinct linguistic features from Iranian Persian.
Answer: False
Explanation: The local variety of Persian in Afghanistan was officially renamed Dari in 1964. This change was primarily political, intended to support an Afghan state narrative rather than being based on linguistic differences.
The Arabic script was adopted for writing Persian in Khorasan during the 9th century under the Tahirid dynasty.
Answer: True
Explanation: In the 9th century in Khorasan, the Tahirid dynasty adopted the Arabic script for writing the Persian language, replacing the earlier Pahlavi script.
The term 'Farsi' is preferred by those who wish to emphasize Dari's distinct Afghan identity and historical roots.
Answer: False
Explanation: Proponents of "Dari" emphasize its distinct Afghan identity and historical roots, while those favoring "Farsi" view the language as a shared cultural heritage.
Why was the local variety of Persian in Afghanistan officially renamed Dari in 1964?
Answer: As a political move to support an Afghan state narrative.
Explanation: The local variety of Persian in Afghanistan was officially renamed Dari in 1964. This change was primarily political, intended to support an Afghan state narrative rather than being based on linguistic differences.
What script change occurred in 9th-century Khorasan related to the Persian language?
Answer: The Pahlavi script was replaced by the Arabic script.
Explanation: In the 9th century in Khorasan, the Tahirid dynasty adopted the Arabic script for writing the Persian language, replacing the earlier Pahlavi script.
What is the core issue in the linguistic dispute in Afghanistan regarding "Dari" and "Farsi"?
Answer: Whether to use the official term 'Dari' or the traditional name 'Farsi'.
Explanation: The linguistic dispute centers on whether to use the official term "Dari" or the more traditional name "Farsi." Proponents of "Dari" emphasize its distinct Afghan identity and historical roots.