The course will enable students to have a comprehensive understanding of the texts written in Middle Iranian languages by analysing the main linguistic, graphic, material and cultural-historical features. Methodologically speaking, the course combines material philogy and linguistics. Material philology allows for an in-depth analysis that links the text to material aspects while offering insights into the processes of knowledge circulation.
Historical linguistics, intrensically linked to the discipline of Iranian Philology itself, will continue to play an important role, but instances of areal and contact linguistics will be introduced. This approach takes into consideration the widespread multilingualism and multigraphism that has always played a fundamental role within the Iranian linguistic area, from the Iranian plateau to Central Asia, from Antiquity to the present day.
