5 Questions
What was Ottoman Turkish?
Ottoman Turkish was the standardized register of the Turkish language used by the citizens of the Ottoman Empire.
What were the main influences on Ottoman Turkish?
Ottoman Turkish borrowed extensively from Arabic and Persian in all aspects.
What percentage of the Ottoman vocabulary in some texts was accounted for by Arabic and Persian vocabulary during the peak of Ottoman power?
Up to 88% of the Ottoman vocabulary in some texts was accounted for by Arabic and Persian vocabulary.
What is kaba Türkçe and its significance?
Kaba Türkçe, meaning 'raw/vulgar Turkish', used far fewer foreign loanwords and is the basis of the modern standard. It was largely unintelligible to the less-educated lower class and rural Turks.
When did the Tanzimât era take place?
The Tanzimât era took place from 1839 to 1876.
Study Notes
Ottoman Turkish
- Ottoman Turkish was the variant of the Turkish language that was used as the administrative language of the Ottoman Empire.
- It was the language of the court, government, and literature from the 13th to the 20th century.
Influences on Ottoman Turkish
- The main influences on Ottoman Turkish were Arabic and Persian, which were the languages of Islam and the Persian Empire, respectively.
- Arabic was the language of the Islamic faith and had a significant impact on the language, particularly in terms of vocabulary.
- Persian was the language of the neighboring Persian Empire and had an influence on Ottoman Turkish literature and vocabulary.
Arabic and Persian Vocabulary
- During the peak of Ottoman power, Arabic and Persian vocabulary accounted for approximately 30% of the Ottoman vocabulary in some texts.
- This influence was due to the language's administrative and literary uses, as well as the cultural exchange between the Ottoman Empire and its neighbors.
Kaba Türkçe
- Kaba Türkçe, also known as "Simple Turkish", was a simplified form of Ottoman Turkish that emerged in the 19th century.
- Its significance lies in its attempt to create a more accessible and simplified Turkish language, moving away from the heavy influence of Arabic and Persian.
Tanzimât Era
- The Tanzimât era, also known as the Tanzimât period, took place from 1839 to 1876.
- It was a period of modernization and reform in the Ottoman Empire, characterized by the introduction of new laws, institutions, and cultural practices.
Test your knowledge of Ottoman Turkish language and history with this quiz. Explore the unique features of Ottoman Turkish, its alphabet, and its influence from Arabic and Persian. Dive into the linguistic and cultural heritage of the Ottoman Empire.
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