Pashto literature between identity and contact - PLIC

Abstract

This research project focuses on Pashto literature, in this case, monolingual literature produced throughout the Pashtun territory (eastern Afghanistan, western Pakistan, as well as a large diaspora), in all its forms and at all times, proposing to study its internal and external dynamics, and in particular: relations between written and oral literature, between Pashto and Dari literature and literature in other Iranian languages, Pashto literature's relations with power, forms and genres according to social class and religious status, specific forms of women's song in a society of exclusive male hegemony, etc.
This research project therefore aims, on the one hand, to make a significant contribution to enriching our knowledge of Pashto literature through general and specific studies, translations, the organization of seminars and conferences, and the publication of monographs and articles at national and international level ; secondly, to develop and test investigative methodologies and tools by comparing and studying interactions with the literature of other Iranian languages, drawing on the expertise of researchers involved in this field at UMR CERMI. Another unique opportunity will be the creation of as complete a material library of Pashto literature as possible.
The expected result and added value of the project are therefore material, through publications and dissemination and safeguarding of the literary heritage through its collection, systematization, description, but also to contribute and feed theoretical reflection.

Dates and duration

10/2023 - 09/2028 (60 months)

Scientific coordination and team

Matteo DE CHIARA (Inalco), scientific coordinator
Justine LANDAU (Sorbonne Nouvelle University)
Amr AHMED (Inalco)
Poupak RAFII-NEJAD (CNRS)
Nadjib MANALAI (Inalco)
Muhammad Ali DINAKHEL (Inalco)

Objectives

  • Systematically broaden our knowledge of Pashto literature
  • Study its links with literary productions in other Iranian languages of the region
  • analyze its modes and types of production using more modern and up-to-date research criteria

Methodology

  • work in the direction of Iranian literary and philological studies in a descriptive way
  • focus on the parameters of territory, interactions in a situation of multilingualism and literary polysystem

Expected results

This research project focuses on Pashto literature, in this case monolingual literature produced throughout the territory described here, in all its forms and at all times, proposing to study its internal and external dynamics, and in particular : relations between written and oral literature, between Pashto literature and literature in other Iranian languages, Pashto literature's relations with power, forms and genres according to social class and religious status, specific forms of women's song in a society of exclusive male hegemony, etc. This project aims to fill certain gaps in knowledge while initiating theoretical reflection on the subject.

Deliverables

- general and specific studies on Pashto literature
- translations
- organization of seminars and conferences
- publication of monographs and articles at national and international level 
- creation of as complete a material library of Pashto literature as possible

Key words

Afghanistan, Pakistan, Pashto literature, orality

References

De Chiara, M., "Tale types and narrative motifs of the Khotanese Sudhanāvadāna", in G. Barbera et al, eds, Siddham. Studies in Iranian philology in honour of Mauro Maggi, Wiesbaden, 2024, pp. 91-107.

De Chiara, M. and N. Manalai "Pashto, langue et littérature", in A. Castaing et al, eds, Dictionnaire Encyclopédique des Langues de l'Inde et de l'Asie du Sud, Paris, 2025. pp. 671-673.

Pelevin, M., Love, Honour and God. Pashto Writings of Early Modern Times, Leiden-Boston 2025.

Funding agency

Agence nationale de la recherche (ANR) - Appel à projets générique - AAPG 2023

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