Role of specialized pastoral vocabulary in the conservation and sustainable utilization of rangeland

Different cultures are reflected as collections of words in the language. The connotations of these words are undoubtedly related to the experience and career awareness of people in every region. Use of specialized terminology in native pastures accounts for a precious heritage, the role of which is of great importance for extension, maintenance and continuous exploitation of natural areas. In recent years, the approach of society to traditional knowledge of range users and dignity of their career, which not long ago was a pillar of strength and development of rural socio-economic structure, has been faded due to the oblivion of these words. This study aimed to identify, extend and define the specific herding terminology among pastoral nomads of Shahsavan tribe in summer pastures of the Sabalan mountain, Ardabil province.
The terms offered in this article are based on the results of a collaborative research conducted in the study area. Initially, some representatives were selected as informants and then, at the right moment, nonstructural dialogue was taken by communicating in a friendly way. Statements including words and sentences were recorded as keywords or detailed information and then conversations were analyzed at the appropriate time. This research started in June 2012 and ended in December of the same year. Overall, a number of 100 range beneficiaries in 13 groups (male and female) and 45 people were interviewed individually, in which deep and purposeful interviews were undertaken, and information and vocabulary related to the exploitation of rangelands in the themes such as types of rangelands and vegetation cover, type of livestock grazing on rangelands, herding sites and buildings, naming and of herds, words of herdingrelated career classes, and terms related to weather and climate information were collected and classified.
Concluding results of the respondents’ remarks showed that about one hundred applied words, which were common in their conversation concerning pasture and range management, could be identified among the users of Shahsavan nomads for the management, conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.
The results also showed that the connotation scope of this terminology is the product of observations accompanied by constant interest of the users during a long time that has been improved in a social regular structure. It not only affects the development of the vocabulary treasures but also influences the expansion of range science.