Solutions to Barriers to the Use of Local Languages and the Formation of Ethnic Identitiesin IRIB Provincial Branches

Ethnic identities and their relation to national identity are one of the main issues in multi-ethnic countries that can affect Solidarity and National Coherencen in these countries. Maintaining and promoting the local languages and cultures has been one of the main goals of establishing IRIB provincial networks. Never the less, these networks have confronted obstacles in using local languages and dialects in their programs. Increasing the knowledge of the program- makers and employing linguistic advices would act as effective solutions to the problem. The present research aims at collecting useful viewpoints and linguistic advices of selected experts (Professional linguists) by employing qualitative survey methods and purposive sampling. According to the findings, in a holistic perspective, the main solution to the problem is establishing an institution responsible for the linguistic planning and determining the standard Mazandarani language and the respective written form. The local media can also take practical steps by educating the program makers, professional usage of the unique potentials of Mazandarani language in creating irony and comedy and respecting/reflecting the linguistic varieties while using the standard language.