Pashto literature between identity and contact – PLIC

This research project focuses on Pashto literature, intended as the monolingual literature produced in the whole territory of the Pashtuns (eastern Afghanistan, western Pakistan, as well as a large diaspora), in all its forms and at all times, proposing to study its internal and external dynamics, including the relationship between written and oral literature, between Pashto and Dari literature and literature in other Iranian languages, the relationship of Pashto literature with power, forms and genres according to social class and religious status, specific forms of women’s songs in a society of exclusive male hegemony, etc.
This research project aims, therefore, on the one hand, to contribute significantly to the enrichment of our knowledge of Pashto literature through general and specific studies, translations, the organisation of seminars and conferences, the publication of monographs and articles at the national and international level; on the other hand, to develop and test methodologies and investigative tools through the comparison and study of interactions with the literature of other Iranian languages, relying on the expertise of the researchers involved in this field at UMR CERMI. Another unique opportunity will be the creation of as complete a material library of Pashto literature as possible.
The expected result and added value of the project are therefore material, through publications and dissemination and safeguarding of the literary heritage through its collection, systematisation and description, but also to contribute to and feed the theoretical reflection.