Comparing the Standardization of Persian Language in Pre and Post Constitution Periods

Standardization of Language has two general forms: Sometimes a language comes to be standard language and maintains its standard status without direct and conscious involvement, influenced by various linguistic, cultural, social and political factors, and sometimes this process is fulfilled with some kind of planning and previous preparation. Usually these two forms of standardization are at work simultaneously. These forms, therefore, can be seen as different modes of standardization not types of it.
In this paper, we attempt to explain various aspects of planned standardization of Persian in contemporary period, comparing the standardization of Persian in pre and post Constitution periods. The main objective is to clarify conscious aspects of the standardization of Persian language in contemporary period in light of comparative study of pre and post Constitution periods, and to provide the ground for criticizing planning for standardization of Persian language in contemporary period. The comparison of these two periods is accompanied with an overview of the historical, social and cultural background, and is based on Haugen’s theory of language standardization and language planning phases.
The standardization of Persian language in pre-Mashrute period, although sometimes has planned aspects, and some related activities accompany with linguistic, social and cultural insights, in general is considered natural standardization; therefore the process is not ruled by planned mode of standardization.
Post Constitution period is the period of planned standardization; although some planned activities were failed, and some natural processes maintain Persian language in standard status.
This paper has adopted a macro view and is based upon the theories of sociolinguistics and sociology of language.