When you hear the terms “allusion” and “symbols,” the first questions that occur to you are probably, “Why should we learn about literary devices while learning Persian?” and “Are we back to high school literature classes where we understood almost nothing?” But do not worry. We are not talking about literature here. We aim to introduce you to Persian proverbs enriched with allusions and symbols.

Iranians enjoy using poetry, metaphors, anecdotes, and sayings in daily conversations. So, if you’d like to understand Persian native speakers fully, you need to learn these different aspects of the Persian language.

Allusions and symbols are essential linguistic devices that enable speakers to convey complex ideas more effectively. Speakers can communicate rich layers of meaning without lengthy explanations by referencing well-known stories, historical events, or cultural symbols. For instance, instead of explaining that “I needed urgent help, I asked for it but you deliberately postponed helping me and when you finally helped, it was too late” we can easily say “Nušdâru b’ad az marg-e Sohrâb.” Or we shorten the concept that “an old and ill relative is on deathbed awaiting their demise, and we will soon need to attend their funeral ceremony” to “buy-e al-rahmâneš boland-eh.” Of course, the audience should know the story of “Sohrâb” and “al-rahmân” to decipher the meaning of these allusions.

Allusions mostly refer to stories from Shahnameh, lamenting for Ashura, sayings from the Quran, or some verses of classic poems mostly by Hafiz or Sa’di.

Additionally, the Persian language offers speakers a rich array of wordplay, symbolism, and metaphors. Learning all these nuances at once may seem frustrating. That’s why the FarsiMonde team attempts to cover various aspects of the Persian language on the website and in the teaching materials.

Learning allusions and symbols in Persian helps you communicate profound concepts. But this is not the only advantage. Allusions, deeply rooted in cultural heritage, reveal the underlying beliefs and philosophies of a nation. Understanding them enhances language skills by immersing you in the culture and history.

Let’s start the fascinating journey to old Persia through stories and sayings. If reading these stories piques your interest in learning more about Iran and Persian, do not hesitate to contact FarsiMonde for Persian online courses.