Diglossia: A Mixed-Mode Survey Analysis on the Use of Formal and Informal Speech among Sorani Kurdish Speakers

Abstract

The article covers both the original and expanded definitions of diglossia. The main point of discussion is the concept itself including its features and several examples paired with a relevant survey conducted to determine the existence of diglossia among Sorani Kurdish speakers in Erbil. The survey has investigated the occurrence of diglossia in terms of the use of high and low variety of Sorani Kurdish based on different social situations. The article concludes that Sorani Kurdish speakers use formal Sorani for formal settings and informal Sorani for informal situations.

Keywords

• diglossia
• high variety
• low variety
• kurdish language
• sorani kurdish
• kurdi peti
• mixed-mode survey