Strategic Studies of Culture

Strategic Studies of Culture

Identifying the Drivers for Transforming the Persian Language into a Global Scientific Language over a 40-Year Horizon

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Ghasem Babaei Natoor 1
Mohammad Yousefi 2
Mohammadreza Arab Bafrani 2
1 Master's Student in Department of Future Studies, Hazrat Wali Asr Faculty and Research Institute, Imam Hossein University (AS), Tehran, Iran
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Future Studies, Hazrat Wali Asr Faculty and Research Institute, Imam Hossein University (AS), Tehran, Iran
10.22083/scsj.2025.500859.1253
Abstract
Introduction: The accelerating process of globalization has profoundly reshaped scientific communication, positioning certain languages as dominant intermediaries in the exchange of knowledge across cultures and national borders. Among these, English has consolidated its status as the global language of science-a phenomenon driven by a confluence of historical, political, and socio-economic factors. This linguistic hegemony facilitates international collaboration and the diffusion of knowledge, yet it also raises concerns regarding linguistic diversity and the marginalization of other scholarly languages. The concept of intermediary or “bridge” languages highlights the role that specific languages play in connecting diverse intellectual traditions and scientific communities worldwide.
Given this global linguistic landscape, the present study addresses the strategic challenge of transforming Persian into a scientific language capable of functioning at the international level within the next four decades. By identifying critical drivers-ranging from institutional frameworks to technological advancements and diaspora engagement-this research seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of the conditions and mechanisms required to promote Persian in global scientific discourse. The findings aim to inform language policy, strategies for scholarly communication, and development plans that support linguistic pluralism and contribute to the cultural enrichment of global science.
Method: The implementation of this research is structured into five phases. In the first phase, a library-based review is conducted around three subsidiary objectives: examining how English emerged as the global language of science; analyzing the processes through which a scientific language achieves international status; and reviewing the treatment of the Persian language and literature in the speeches of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran as well as in high-level policy documents. The primary output of this phase is a set of foundational themes relevant to transforming Persian into a global scientific language; these themes constitute the initial dataset for the second phase. During this phase, thematic analysis refines the foundational themes into organizing themes, which are subsequently treated as the key drivers of Persian’s transformation. Finally, structural analysis-conducted with field experts through a structured questionnaire and implemented using MICMAC software-identifies the most influential drivers for advancing Persian as a global scientific language over a forty-year horizon and maps the structure of their interrelationships.
Results: Results of the MICMAC-based structural analysis reveal a clear hierarchy among the drivers shaping Persian’s evolution into a global scientific language over the next forty years. Four factors emerge as primary levers-internal institutionalization for the promotion of Persian, harnessing capacities in science and technology development, mobilizing the expertise of the Iranian diaspora, and the Persianization of artificial intelligence and cognitive technologies-all of which exhibit high driving power with minimal dependence on other variables. In parallel, five two-dimensional (linkage) drivers-international institutionalization for Persian promotion, active scientific diplomacy, expansion of Persian-language scholarly output, the scientific branding of Persian identity, and the global dissemination of elite literary works aligned with national and religious heritage-demonstrate both strong influence and high susceptibility to changes in related domains. No mid-level regulatory factors were identified, indicating a relative absence of stabilizing elements within the current driver ecosystem
Discussion: This configuration suggests a dual policy focus: first, consolidating the four high-power, low-dependence drivers through targeted investments in domestic governance structures, research infrastructure, diaspora networks, and AI localization initiatives; and second, orchestrating coordinated interventions across the five interdependent drivers to reinforce Persian’s scientific stature at the international level. The absence of intermediary regulatory drivers underscores the need to create or strengthen mediating mechanisms-such as cross-sectoral task forces or dynamic monitoring platforms-to ensure coherent interaction among high-impact and two-dimensional factors and to sustain momentum toward the long-term horizon.
Keywords
Persian language
Science language
globalization
Driving forces
Thematic analysis
Cross Impact analysis
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