Let’s not ridicule Persian words; yielding to an army of foreign words

In a discussion regarding the increasing use of foreign words in Persian, it was emphasized that ridiculing Persian equivalents to foreign words is a cultural betrayal. The Academy of Persian Language and Literature has been working for years to replace foreign terms with Persian ones, and these efforts should be respected and supported.

Hojjatoleslam Seyyed Javad Mirghafari, a cultural activist, stated in an interview with Mehr News Agency that the influx of foreign words, especially through virtual spaces and foreign media, is undermining the national and religious identity. He highlighted that language is a vital element of identity, and its corruption leads to cultural decay.

Mirghafari added that some individuals consciously or unconsciously use foreign words to appear more educated or modern. He criticized the tendency to mock newly coined Persian words by the Academy, arguing that such behavior stems from a lack of self-confidence and an unfamiliarity with the richness of the Persian language.

He pointed out that historical figures like Ferdowsi dedicated their lives to preserving the Persian language by purifying it from foreign influences. He urged a return to this linguistic vigilance to counter cultural invasion. Mirghafari also stressed the importance of education, advising parents and educators to instill a love for pure Persian in children from an early age. He concluded by calling on media, institutions, and the public to take a firm stand against the proliferation of foreign words and uphold the dignity of the Persian language.