Elementary Kurmanji Grammar
This sketch of elementary Kurmanji is intended primarily for the use of officers and others whose duties leads them to the southern districts of Kurdistan. The dialect here treated is that of Sulaimaniyah and district and is current with slight variations,' as far north as about latitude 36°.
PRONUNCIATION AND ALPHABET
To speak simple Kurmanji with a poor accent is not difficult, but its fine gradations of vocals from simple vowel sounds through numerous diphthongs and semi-vocals to other simple vowel sounds makes it very difficult to pronounce accurately. It also possesses a large store of semi consonants, the results of erosions and metamorphic labials and palatals. The student, however, will have to sharpen his ear considerably before he can hope to pronounce these. For practical purposes the following are the letters which suffice for the simple alphabet.
PRONUNCIATION AND ALPHABET
To speak simple Kurmanji with a poor accent is not difficult, but its fine gradations of vocals from simple vowel sounds through numerous diphthongs and semi-vocals to other simple vowel sounds makes it very difficult to pronounce accurately. It also possesses a large store of semi consonants, the results of erosions and metamorphic labials and palatals. The student, however, will have to sharpen his ear considerably before he can hope to pronounce these. For practical purposes the following are the letters which suffice for the simple alphabet.
VOWELS
a / as / a in father / Ex. Hat / he came
a / ,, / a „ bate / ,, rrash / black.
e / „ / e „ bête /,, bêt / let him come
e / „ / e „ bet / ,, yek / one
î / „ / ee „ beet / ,, îsh / work
i / „ / i „ bit / ,, mimk / a breast
o / „ / o „ hole / ,, kokha / a coughû
ū /,, / oo „ boot / „ dūān / two
u / „ / u „ put / ,, amust / a finger
ü / ,, / u „ Fr. Rendu / ,, khün / blood
y / „ / y „ by+ / ,, dyk / mother.
These are the simplest to which the vowels can be reduced. Strictly speaking they should be sub-divided. The earnest student may divert himself by attempting to distinguish...
* Never pronounced as u in but.
+ Pronounced broad and full, not in a mincing manner.
Elementary Kurmanji Grammar
Major E. B. Soane, 0.B.E.
Political Department
Baghdad
Printed at the Government Press
1919
