Avestan

Part of speech: adjective, noun

Definitions

  1. Relating to the ancient language of the Zoroastrian scriptures, which is a member of the Iranian branch of the Indo-Iranian languages
  2. Describing the linguistic features or historical significance of the texts written in this language
  3. Pertaining to both the phonetics and grammar used in the sacred texts of Zoroastrianism published in this ancient tongue

Etymology: The adjective and noun relating to "Avestan" trace back to the ancient language and texts known as the Avesta, the sacred scriptures of Zoroastrianism. This term entered English in the 19th century alongside the scholarly study of ancient Iranian cultures and languages. The Avesta itself is a collection of religious hymns, prayers, and rituals, composed in a language that is one of the oldest attested Eastern Iranian languages. The name "Avestan" derives from "Avesta," which likely stems from the Old Iranian word "avaiti", meaning "text" or "verse." This Old Iranian term transitioned into Middle Persian as "abestāg," which referred broadly to sacred writings. European scholars, encountering these religious texts, adapted the name to "Avesta" and coined the adjective form to describe anything pertaining to that language or its literature. The language designated by this adjective is divided into two main dialects: Old Avestan and Younger Avestan. Old Avestan encompasses the oldest hymns, believed to have been composed between the 2nd millennium BCE and the early 1st millennium BCE, whereas Younger Avestan includes later texts with a more developed and standardized grammar. The study of this language illuminated connections to other Indo-Iranian tongues and helped scholars reconstruct aspects of early Iranian culture and religion. The term's journey into English scholarship reflects the 19th-century surge in Oriental studies when Western linguists and historians sought to understand the roots of Indo-European languages and ancient religions. Its use as both an adjective and noun highlights the dual nature of the word: it identifies the language itself as well as anything related to the Avesta’s cultural and religious heritage.

Synonyms: zend, avesta