On Synchronic and Diachronic Phonological Metathesis in Persian Language

Metathesis as a phonological phenomenon is the focus of many studies. According to the range of application, Metathesis can be sporadic or regular. It links synchronic studies of language to diachronic ones and thereby has some consequences for phonological theory. The main aim of this article is to elucidate the conditions under which metathesis occurs synchronically and diachronically in Persian. In this paper, metathesis is viewed from diferent aspects especially historical one. And particular attention is paid to its causes and contexts. Then, metathesis in Persian and Pahlavi (A Middle Iranian language) is examined; finally its patterns and involvd sounds in optimality Theory are illustrated.