Course Overview
• The script, grammar, and significance of Avestan, the language of the Zoroastrian scriptures.
• How the Old Persian inscriptions of the Achaemenid kings were deciphered.
• The rich Zoroastrian literary traditions in Middle Persian (Pahlavi) and New Persian.
• The importance of the Shahnameh.
• The endangered status of Dari, the secret language of Irani Zoroastrians.
• The use of Sanskrit and Old Gujarati in Zoroastrian priestly manuscripts.
• The unique linguistic features and literary heritage of Parsi Gujarati.

Key Takeaways
• Identify the major languages and scripts of the Zoroastrian tradition.
• Understand the historical development and chronology of these languages.
• Recognise the distinctive characteristics of their scripts and literary traditions.
• Appreciate the importance of preserving endangered linguistic heritage, including Dari and
Parsi Gujarati.