ENDANGERED TURKIC LANGUAGES: IRAN'S LANGUAGE POLICY ON TURKIC LANGUAGES

Abstract Research about Turkic languages in different Turkic communities has recently started gaining a more objective and sensitive nature in terms of aspect and approach. Attention to endangered languages increased after the 1990s in particular, with research beginning after this time, albeit unsystematically. Certain measures are being taken to protect the languages and national identities of Turkic peoples living in different communities. Countries such as China, Iran, and Russia that have dense Turkic populations keep these languages oppressed by pursuing harsh policies against Turkic peoples. These countries not only fail to guarantee the protection of these languages but also hinder their normal development. The language policies implemented in all three countries and the laws they’ve adopted related to language have endangered the languages of the few Turkic people living there. The fact that Iran does not guarantee the protection of the languages of the minority Turkic peoples in the state’s supreme legislation has made the ability of the Turkic people living in these countries to maintain the existence of their language and culture difficult. This research article attempts to analyze language policies about and against the Turkic people living in Iran and to show ways out of the existing problems.