"The Iranian Languages is divided into 15 chapters. The introductory chapters by the editor present a general overview and a detailed discussion of the linguistic typology of Iranian. The individual chapters which follow are written by leading experts in the field. These provide the reader with concise, non-technical descriptions of a range of Iranian languages. Each chapter follows the same pattern and sequence of topics, taking the reader through the significant features not only of phonology and morphology but also of syntax; from phrase level to complex sentences and pragmatics. Ample examples on all levels are provided with detailed annotation for the non-specialist reader. In addition, each chapter covers lexis, sociolinguistic and typological issues, and concludes with annotated sample texts." "This unique resource is the ideal companion for undergraduate and postgraduate students of linguistics and language. It will also be of interest to researchers or anyone with an interest in historical linguistics, linguistics anthropology and language development." --Book Jacket.

Introduction to The Iranian languages / Gernot Windfuhr -- Dialectology and topics / Gernot Windfuhr -- Old Iranian / Prods Oktor Skjœrvø -- Middle West Iranian / Prods Oktor Skjœrvø -- Sogdian / Yutaka Yoshida -- Khwarezmian / Desmond Durkin-Meisterernst -- Khotanese and Tumshuqese / Ronald E. Emmerick -- Persian and Tajik / Gernot Windfuhr and John R. Perry -- Zazaki / Ludwig Paul -- Kurdish / Ernest N. McCarus -- Balochi / Carina Jahani and Agnes Korn -- Parachi / Charles M. Kieffer -- Pashto / Barbara Robson and Habibullah Tegey -- The Pamir languages / D. (Joy) I. Edelman and Leila R. Dodykhudoeva -- Shughni / D. (Joy) I. Edelman and Leila Dodykhudoeva -- Wakhi / Elena Bashir.