x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

PODCAST

Orientalistics: Podcast on Language, Religion and Culture

Farshid Delshad

I am a linguist and scholar of Middle Eastern studies by profession, and in this podcast I offer a wide range of topics with a particular focus and historical linguistics, culture, religion and languages of the Middle East and the world of Islam. However, you might find here also philological subjects on Indo-European linguistics and Caucasian studies.

society & culture philosophy

All Episodes

00:33:10

Identity in Times of Crisis, Part III: Identity and...

Orientalistics: Podcast on Language, Religion and... ·

2024/10/05

Identity in Times of Crisis, Part III: Identity and Language 2: The Quest of ‘Self’Summary In this episode, I explore the concept of the self and how it has evolved across cultures ‎and philosophies. Drawing from the framework proposed by psychologist Ulrich Neisser, ‎I break down the term 'self' into five categories: Ecological, Interpersonal, Remembered, ‎Private, and Conceptual. I also touch on the history of the self in linguistic ‎anthropology, from its fusion with the clan in rituals to its

en

00:34:44

Identity in Times of Crisis, Part III: Identity and...

Orientalistics: Podcast on Language, Religion and... ·

2024/10/04

Identity in Times of Crisis, Part III: Identity and Language Summary In this episode, I explore the complex relationship between language and identity, ‎diving into how we express who we are and how language shapes that expression. From ‎the personal question of *Who am I?* to the broader social forces that mold our ‎identities, we touch on everything from cultural diversity in America to the impact of ‎self-discovery and authenticity in shaping modern identity. I also raise questions about ‎how

en

00:26:32

Identity in Times of Crisis, Part II: Identity and Race

Orientalistics: Podcast on Language, Religion and... ·

2024/09/30

Identity in Times of Crisis, Part II: Identity and Race Summary In this episode, I explore how Enlightenment ideas of natural law and human progress ‎evolved into dangerous ideologies in the 19th and early 20th centuries. We trace the shift ‎from rationalism to Romantic nationalism, particularly in Germany, where thinkers like ‎Herder and Fichte laid the groundwork for racial and national ideologies. The concept of ‎the Aryan race, as developed by figures such as Gobineau, Chamberlain, and

en

00:45:06

گفتگو با منشه امیر: یهودستیزی در درازنای تاریخ...

Orientalistics: Podcast on Language, Religion and... ·

2024/09/25

Antisemitism: Shadows and Coexistence Conversation with Menashe AmirIn this second series of conversations with the esteemed Israeli journalist of Persian descent, Menashe ‎Amir, we address the deeply uncomfortable yet pervasive issue of antisemitism. While this topic has ‎been thoroughly examined throughout history, it remains an enduring and regrettably influential force in ‎shaping contemporary thought and society. As you will observe in my dialogue with Menashe Amir, the ‎complexity and

en

00:35:35

Identity in Times of Crisis, Part I: Beyond the...

Orientalistics: Podcast on Language, Religion and... ·

2024/09/24

Identity in Times of Crisis, Part I: Beyond the Melting PotSummary:‎ In this episode, we explore the evolving concept of cultural identity in times of crisis. As individuals and ‎communities across the globe—from Native Americans to Middle Eastern migrants—reconnect with ‎their linguistic, cultural, and religious roots, the process of self-identification has taken on new ‎importance. We dive into how cultural identity is no longer about simple assimilation or fitting into the ‎melting pot, but

en

00:40:35

Iranian Languages and Dialects, Part XIV: Zaza |...

Orientalistics: Podcast on Language, Religion and... ·

2024/09/21

Iranian Languages and Dialects, Part XIV: Zaza | Zazaki or DimlīSummaryIn this episode, we explore the linguistic position and historical evolution of Dimlī (also known as ‎Zaza), a language from the Northwest Iranian group. Dimlī is part of a larger set of Caspian ‎dialects, including Ṭālešī, Gūrānī, Gīlakī, and Māzandarānī, which share numerous isoglosses—‎common linguistic features—across phonetic, morphological, and lexical structures. The episode ‎delves into how Dimlī, despite its speakers’

en

00:54:24

Bridging Divides: Einat Wilf on the...

Orientalistics: Podcast on Language, Religion and... ·

2024/09/13

Dr. Einat Wilf on Israeli-Palestinian Conflict‎ (Interview)In this episode, I had the privilege of engaging in a profound conversation with Dr. Einat Wilf on the intricate dynamics of ‎the Israeli-Palestinian and Jewish-Arab conflict. Despite her demanding itinerary between Tel Aviv and Los Angeles, Dr. ‎Wilf, a distinguished expert in Middle Eastern affairs, generously took the time to join me at the Four Seasons Hotel in Los ‎Angeles for a 45-minute discussion. Our conversation explored the

en

00:47:59

Iranian Languages and Dialects, Part XIII: Ossetian |...

Orientalistics: Podcast on Language, Religion and... ·

2024/09/11

Iranian Languages and Dialects, Part XIII: Ossetian | ИРОН ӔВЗАГThis episode is a special tribute to my late professor and mentor, Professor Dr. Roland Bielmeier (1943-2013) Summary In this comprehensive episode, we journey through the rich tapestry of Ossetic cultural history, ‎literature, and language. Starting with the linguistic isolation of Ossetic from its Central Asian ‎relatives, we explore how this language developed unique traits influenced by neighboring Turkic ‎and Caucasian

en

00:26:15

Bonus Episode: Persophony & Persography (in Persian)...

Orientalistics: Podcast on Language, Religion and... ·

2024/09/08

Persophony and Persography as Symbols of Iranian Unity and the Reza-Khani OrderIn this presentation, delivered in Persian at the First International Symposium on Iranian Ancient ‎Languages and Scripts - From Turpan to Ctesiphon - on May 15th, 2022, in Dushanbe, the capital of ‎Tajikistan, I explore how the use of Persian, both in writing and speech over the past millennium, has ‎contributed to the concept of Iranian unity and the national identity of the Iranian people. This idea is ‎linked to the

en

00:33:37

Iranian Languages and Dialects, Part XII: LORI |...

Orientalistics: Podcast on Language, Religion and... ·

2024/09/07

Iranian Languages and Dialects, Part XII: LORI | LURI‎‏ لُری ‏In this episode, I dive into the fascinating world of the Lori language, spoken by ‎about five million people along the Zagros mountain range. We explore the linguistic ‎bridge Lori forms between Kurdish and Persian, and touch on the dialect split ‎between Northern and Southern Lori, marked by the Āb-e Dez River. I also discuss ‎why Lori may be under-researched, partly due to its close ties to Persian. ‎Additionally, we take a look at

en

00:32:24

Iranian Languages and Dialects, Part XI: BALUCHI ‎|...

Orientalistics: Podcast on Language, Religion and... ·

2024/09/06

Iranian Languages and Dialects, Part XI: BALUCHI ‎| BALOCHISummary In this episode, we delved into the captivating world of the Balochi language, exploring its ‎phonology, grammar, and syntax. We examined how Balochi differentiates itself and connects ‎with other Iranian languages like Parthian and Middle Persian. We discussed its unique syntax ‎features, including its word order and how neighboring languages influence its vocabulary and ‎structure.‎ We also touched on the challenges posed by the

en

00:20:03

Iranian Languages and Dialects, Part X: KHWAREZMIAN ‎

Orientalistics: Podcast on Language, Religion and... ·

2024/09/04

Iranian Languages and Dialects, Part X: KHWAREZMIAN ‎Summary In this episode, I journey into the intriguing world of Khwarezmian | Chorasmian, a Middle Iranian ‎language that reveals a rich linguistic and historical background. Despite Khwarezmian being a ‎dormant language with limited exploration, its historical and linguistic significance is noteworthy. ‎We address the challenges in transcribing and interpreting Khwarezmian texts due to incomplete ‎sources and a less developed writing system. We

en

00:31:45

Iranian Languages and Dialects, Part IX: KURDISH

Orientalistics: Podcast on Language, Religion and... ·

2024/09/04

Iranian Languages and Dialects, Part IX: KURDISHSummary In this episode, I explored the rich tapestry of Kurdish languages and their historical evolution. I ‎delved into how Kurdish literary expression was once predominantly poetic, reflecting a broader ‎trend among Iranian languages, such as Pashto and various Iranian dialects. As we moved into the ‎‎20th century, a more diverse range of Kurdish literature began to emerge, with Kurmanji and ‎Sorani becoming the principal written dialects. Sorani,

en

00:16:26

Iranian Languages and Dialects, Part VIII: Sogdian

Orientalistics: Podcast on Language, Religion and... ·

2024/08/31

SummaryIn this episode, I explored the rich history and linguistic features of the Sogdian language, a key ‎player in the cultural tapestry of the ancient Silk Roads. I delved into the unique aspects of ‎Sogdian script, including its evolution and adaptation into other languages like Uighur, ‎Mongolian, and Manchu. ‎ I also discussed the complexities of Sogdian phonology, the influence of the rhythmic law on ‎vowel retention, and the intriguing historical spellings that give us a glimpse into the

en

00:28:33

Iranian Languages and Dialects, Part VII: Pashto ‎

Orientalistics: Podcast on Language, Religion and... ·

2024/08/31

Iranian Languages and Dialects, Part VII: Pashto ‎ Summary In this episode, we delve into Pashto, an Iranic language spoken across Afghanistan, Pakistan, and ‎parts of Iran. We explore its significance, dialectal variations, and its deep connection with ‎Pashtun identity. By examining the historical roots and the spread of the language, we uncover ‎how Pashto has shaped and been shaped by the cultural and social dynamics of the region. If you ‎haven't already, I highly recommend listening to my

en

00:22:09

Antisemitism, Part VIII: The Myth of Anti-Zionism ‎

Orientalistics: Podcast on Language, Religion and... ·

2024/08/30

Antisemitism, Part VIII: The Myth of Anti-Zionism ‎ In this final episode of our series, I explore the intricate relationships between ‎antisemitism and anti-Zionism, tracing their historical and ideological evolution. I ‎delve into how anti-Zionism has transformed from a critique of Israeli policies into a ‎broader ideological weapon often used to perpetuate antisemitic views. We cover the ‎concept of fictive anti-Zionism, marked by exaggerated and unfounded claims, and ‎examine how this rhetoric

en

00:34:55

Antisemitism, Part VII: The New Fissionable Old ‎

Orientalistics: Podcast on Language, Religion and... ·

2024/08/28

Antisemitism, Part VII: The New Fissionable Old ‎In this episode, we delve into the complex and nuanced world of antisemitism and ‎its various dimensions. We explore how current opposition to Zionism often stems ‎not from an understanding of what Zionism truly represents but from accusations ‎and misrepresentations. We discuss how historical and political contexts, such as the ‎influence of Soviet politics and the shifting ideological landscapes, have shaped ‎views on Zionism. Additionally, we

en

00:36:14

Antisemitism VI: Modern Arab Antisemitism and Its...

Orientalistics: Podcast on Language, Religion and... ·

2024/08/27

Antisemitism VI: Modern Arab Antisemitism and Its Islamo-Iranian Roots In this episode, we explored the evolution of antisemitism from its historical roots to ‎its modern manifestations. We discussed how the Iranian Revolution of 1979 and ‎subsequent geopolitical shifts have shaped antisemitic narratives in the Middle East, ‎highlighting Iran's influence in Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, and Iraq. We examined how ‎fundamentalist groups and political movements have used antisemitism to further ‎their

en

00:44:16

Antisemitism, Part V: Jews of Islam: Dhimmis

Orientalistics: Podcast on Language, Religion and... ·

2024/08/24

Antisemitism, Part V: Jews of Islam: Dhimmis Summary:‎ In this episode, I explored the intricate history of Jews living in lands dominated by ‎Islam. Beginning with the support of Nazi ideology by the grand mufti of Jerusalem ‎in the early 20th century, I examined how this alignment led to a toxic blend of ‎antisemitism fueled by both Nazi propaganda and radical Islamic interpretations. We ‎delved into Sayyid Qutb's ideological foundation for modern Islamic ‎fundamentalism and its enduring

en

00:34:28

Part IV: Arab Antisemitism vs. Christian...

Orientalistics: Podcast on Language, Religion and... ·

2024/08/23

Antisemitism: Part IV: Arab Antisemitism vs. Christian Antisemitism: IntroSummary:‎In today's episode, we explored the relationship between Jews and Muslims ‎throughout history, particularly under traditional Islamic rule. We discussed how ‎Jews, while being second-class citizens, were granted certain rights and protections ‎that allowed them to coexist with their Muslim neighbors. We also touched on the ‎fact that, unlike Christianity, Islam didn't see Judaism as a significant rival, which ‎shaped

en

143 results

Similar Podcasts

Voices of Life

APG Mannheim

Promo Estereo Podcast

Promo Estereo

Talking Timelines Podcast

Talkingtimelines

גיקונומי

ראם שרמן ודורון ניר

Drømmefanger

Drømmefanger