Do you want to learn about the different languages spoken in Iraq?
Iraq has many languages, and they are an important part of its history and culture. If you’re curious about how these languages tell the story of the country, you’re in the right place.
In this article, we’ll explore:
- The main languages, like Arabic and Kurdish
- Other key languages like Syriac-Aramaic and Gorani
- Languages spoken by smaller groups, like Armenian and Turkmen
By the end, you’ll understand how Iraq’s languages show its rich past. Let’s get started!
Official Languages Spoken in Iraq
These are the primary languages used in government, education, and daily communication. These languages in Iraq hold official status and are recognized by the Iraqi government.
1. Arabic
People in Iraq speak many different languages. The most common one is Mesopotamian Arabic, also called Iraqi Arabic.
In 2005, Iraq wrote a new Constitution. It says that Arabic and Kurdish are the two official languages of the country. The Constitution was first written in Arabic and later translated into English with help from the United Nations.
Standard Arabic is used in schools, offices, and by the government. But most people speak Mesopotamian Arabic at home and with friends. This version of Arabic has two main types: Gelet and Qeltu.
Over time, Iraqi Arabic has changed. It now includes words from other languages such as Turkish, Aramaic, Persian, and Akkadian. These changes happened because of Iraq’s long history and contact with other cultures.
Arabic has been the main language in Iraq for hundreds of years. This is because Islam has been the main religion in the country for a very long time. Arabic is used in prayers and religious events, so many people speak it every day.
Today, most people in Iraq speak Mesopotamian Arabic. Some people in Iran, Turkey, and Syria also speak this kind of Arabic.
2. Kurdish
In 2004, Iraq became the first country to officially recognize Kurdish as a national language. Kurdish is one of the two official languages of Iraq, along with Arabic. Kurds make up about 10 to 15 percent of the country’s population.
Kurdish has three main types, or dialects. The most common one is Northern Kurdish, mostly spoken in the northern part of the country. Southern Kurdish is often used in the Khanaqin area in the east. Central Kurdish, also known as Sorani, is another important dialect spoken in Iraq.
Sorani is also used in parts of Iran. It is written using Arabic letters. While it shares some spelling with Arabic, the way words sound is different.
Even though fewer than one-fourth of Kurds speak Sorani, it has more written material than other Kurdish dialects. This is because schools in places like Sulaymaniyah were allowed to teach in Sorani. Schools teach both, along with Arabic, helping to protect the languages of Iraq.
Regional Languages Spoken in Iraq
These languages in Iraq are spoken in specific regions of the country and may have official status in certain areas. They reflect the cultural and ethnic groups present in Iraq.
3. Syriac-Aramaic
Iraq officially accepts two regional languages. One of them is Syriac-Aramaic. It is spoken by Syrian Christians living in the northern part of the country. Syriac-Aramaic is a form of Middle Aramaic.
The language has a long history. It started in the 1st century AD. Between the 4th and 8th centuries, it became a common language for writing and religion in the Middle East.
Syriac-Aramaic played an important role in Christian life. Some churches still use it during prayers and services, such as the Syriac Orthodox Church. In a few public schools in Iraq, students can learn Syriac-Aramaic. This helps keep it as part of the languages spoken in Iraq today.
4. Feyli Lurish
Feyli Lurish is one of the languages spoken in Iraq. It is used by the Feyli people, also called Iraqi Lurs. Feyli Lurish is officially recognized as a minority language. It is part of the languages of Iraq.
The Feyli Kurds are part of this group. They have a long history living near the Zagros Mountains, on both sides of the Iraq-Iran border. Today, about 1.5 million Feyli Kurds live in Iraq. Many are found in Baghdad, and the eastern parts of Diyala, Wasit, Missan, and Basra. Some also live in the Kurdistan Region.
Their language is a form of Kurdish. It belongs to the Luri group of languages. It is different from the Kurdish spoken by most other Kurds. While many Kurds follow Sunni Islam, most Feyli Kurds are Shi’a Muslims. This difference has caused unfair treatment in the past, especially during the 1970s and 1980s.
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Minority Languages Spoken in Iraq
These languages in Iraq are spoken by smaller ethnic or cultural groups within the country. They are vital for preserving the identity and heritage of these communities.
5. Armenian
Armenian is one of the minority languages spoken in Iraq. Many Armenian families came to Iraq during the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, they still speak Armenian, especially in big cities like Baghdad.
Iraqi Armenians are people of Armenian background who live in the country. A large number moved to Iraq after the 1915 Armenian genocide. It is estimated that there are about 10,000 to 20,000 Armenians living in Iraq today.
They have communities in Baghdad, Mosul, Basra, Kirkuk, Baqubah, Dohuk, Zakho, and Avzrog. Armenian is still an important part of their culture. It continues to be one of the many languages of Iraq.
6. Turkmen
Iraq is home to the Iraqi Turkmens, who identify with Turkish culture and speak the Turkmen language. There are large communities of Turkmens in Baghdad, Nineveh, Erbil, and Saladin.
The Iraqi Turkmen dialects are part of the Western Oghuz branch of Turkic languages. These dialects are sometimes called “Iraqi Turkmen Turkish,” “Iraqi Turkish,” or “Iraqi Turkic.” While they have their features, they are influenced by Ottoman Turkish and Azerbaijani Turkic.
Ottoman Turkish was the official language in Iraq from 1534 to 1920. As a result, Iraqi Turkmen dialects also share some similarities with Cypriot Turkish and Balkan Turkish.
The written form of Iraqi Turkmen uses the modern Turkish alphabet based on Istanbul Turkish.
7. Persian
Iraq is home to some ethnic Persians. Many of them arrived after clear borders were set between Iraq and Iran. This group speaks Persian. Iranian Persian (also called Farsi, Western Persian, or just Persian) is the main language in Iran. It is also spoken by some people in Iraq and countries around the Persian Gulf.
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8. Gorani
Gorani is one of the minority languages spoken in Iraq. It is mainly used by the Zaza-Gorani communities living in the northern part of the country. This group speaks six related languages, and Gorani is the most common among them. It is mostly spoken in the Halabja area and regions between Khanaqin and Mosul.
Gorani, also called Hawrami after its main dialect, belongs to the Northwestern Iranian language group. It is spoken by ethnic Kurds in northeastern Iraq and northwestern Iran.
These languages, including Gorani, are part of the broader picture of languages of Iraq, which include both official and minority forms spoken across different regions.
9. Domari
Domari is among the lesser-known languages spoken in Iraq. It is used by the Doms, a nomadic group with Indian ancestry, who live around many of Iraq’s largest towns and cities. Despite their mobility, the Doms continue to use their language in daily life.
In addition to Domari, several Neo-Aramaic languages are spoken in Iraq, further reflecting the range of languages of Iraq present among different ethnic and cultural groups.
Languages Spoken in Iraq: A Recap
Languages spoken in Iraq reflect the country’s long history and cultural influences. Arabic, specifically Mesopotamian Arabic, and Kurdish are the official languages, used in government, education, and daily life by large portions of the population.
In addition to these, several regional and minority languages are spoken in Iraq, including Turkmen, Syriac-Aramaic, Armenian, Persian, Domari, and Gorani. These languages represent the traditions and identities of the communities that use them.
The languages of Iraq allow people to share their culture and heritage. From major cities to smaller towns, the many languages spoken in Iraq highlight the country’s rich mix of communities and ways of life.