Language and Speech Style in Oral Narratives
Fazel Shirzad
2025-10-07
Recording oral narratives from the wartime period is not merely the documentation of a series of events, but rather the safeguarding of a living and precious heritage—a heritage woven with the memories, experiences, culture, and beliefs of men who, amidst the chaos of events, devoted their spirit and soul to their homeland. These narratives go beyond accounts of military operations and events; they serve as a comprehensive mirror reflecting the attitudes, values, individual and collective identity, and spiritual culture of the combatants. However, for this treasure to be transmitted authentically and intact to future generations, a deep understanding of the linguistic features and speech style of the fighters is essential; for language is not merely a tool of expression but also a bridge connecting lived experiences and the historical memory of a nation.
1. Language: A Mirror of Individual and Cultural Identity
Every combatant possesses a language that emerges from their land and birthplace. Dialects, regional expressions, local terminology, and individual idioms all form a part of their linguistic identity. For example, fighters from the northern regions of the country used words and expressions unfamiliar to others. Terms such as “line-breaking,” “preparatory fire,” “demolition guys,” or “ambush” are not merely technical terms but carry deep meanings and firsthand field experiences. Eliminating or replacing these words is akin to erasing a layer of the narrative’s identity—like erasing the intricate patterns of a hand-woven carpet whose authenticity and beauty lie in its details. When narratives are recorded in their native and authentic language, the audience not only becomes aware of the events but also experiences the atmosphere of the front, the spirit of the fighters, and the essence of life during that period.
2. Language: Carrier of Emotional and Spiritual Weight
The words of the fighters are not merely tools to describe the scenes of war; they carry immense human emotions. At times, a simple sentence can reveal longing, courage, or profound fear. If the researcher or interviewer is not sensitive to the subtleties of this speech style, a significant portion of the narrative’s emotional weight is lost, leaving behind a dry and lifeless account.
3. Technical Terms: The Key to Understanding Narratives
Within every war narrative lies a wealth of specialized and military terminology: “reconnaissance,” “logistics,” “ready fire,” or the names of operations such as “Dawn.” These words not only refer to technical aspects of operations but also carry unique spiritual and emotional weight. Ignorance of these terms can distort the narrative or lead to misinterpretation; similarly, simplifying or omitting them diminishes the historical value of the account and creates a gap between today’s generations and the realities of the past.
4. Language: Connecting Culture and Spirituality at the Front
In wartime narratives, words often carry a spiritual dimension. Many fighters referenced Quran verses, prayers, pilgrimages, and mystical concepts in their speech. Their language reflected their faith and beliefs, portraying the front not only as a battlefield but also as a school of love and sacrifice. Accurately recording these aspects ensures that the narratives remain more than historical documents; they live on as cultural and spiritual artifacts for future generations.
5. Preserving Authenticity: Preventing Historical Distortion
One of the greatest risks in recording oral narratives is the distortion or simplification of language. If local terms and the authentic speech style of the fighters are removed in the name of fluency, the narratives become monotonous and lifeless; regional and individual differences fade, and part of the historical truth disappears. Familiarity with the language and speech style of the combatants ensures that each narrative, like a living and authentic document, preserves all its cultural and historical details.
6. Literary, Cultural, and Educational Value of the Fighters’ Language
The language and speech style of the fighters constitute a treasure trove of creativity and human depth. Analyzing this language can contribute to literary, cultural, and even psychological studies. The chosen words, modes of expression, and sentence structures all reflect the collective identity, spiritual resilience, and cultural depth of the men who lived through the battlefield. Research in this field paves the way for interdisciplinary studies and enhances understanding of the front’s culture and the spirit of the combatants.
7. Language: A Bridge between Past and Future
When wartime narratives are recorded in the genuine and unadorned language of the fighters, history is not only remembered but the sense and spirit of that era are kept alive. Such narratives build a bridge between past and present generations—a bridge that conveys values such as courage, faith, sacrifice, and human solidarity to future generations, connecting them to their roots and identity.
Thus, understanding the language and speech style of the combatants is the key to recording living, authentic, and impactful narratives. Such knowledge ensures that the memories and experiences of the Sacred Defense reach future generations with all their emotional, spiritual, and cultural depth. Every narrative conveyed in the fighter’s real language is not only a historical document but also a window into the soul and spirit of the men who, through their sacrifice, inscribed an enduring chapter in the history of this land.
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