Phonological Changes of Arabic Loanwords in Persian Language

Arabic loanwords are subjected to changes including phonological changes, in Persian language. Are changes of Arabic loanwords in Persian rule-governed? Are these changes subject to phonological rules? In the present article, types of phonological changes in Arabic loanwords are studied according to Generative Phonological Theory of Chomsky and Hale known as SPE which has revised constantly by generative linguists. Generative phonology is a part of Generative Grammar that assigns appropriate phonological representations to speeches in a way as if they are reflections of embedded grammar of vernacular speakers. The most important constituents of this theory are: layers of phonological representation; phonological rules; derivations; distinctive and linear features. The article follows an analytic-descriptive method. In the first place looks, as a necessary background, to phonological structure of Arabic and Persian. Then, studies types of phonological changes in Arabic loanwords: assimilation, dissimilation, deletion, metathesis, compensatory lengthening together with examples in each case. Consequently, this study shows that Persian speakers as speakers of other languages, make mostly phonological changes in Arabic loanwords in order to become consistent to Persian phonological system.