Jiw Mukriyani (1903–1977): His Life and Role in Kurdish Lexicography

Abstract

Jiw Mukriyani (1903–1977) is a prominent figure in twentieth-century Kurdish intellectual life, particularly in lexicography and journalism. He played a pivotal role in the history of Kurdish dictionary compilation. His contributions to lexicography became evident from the mid-twentieth century onward, alongside his work in journalism and publishing. He achieved notable success in establishing the foundations of Kurdish dictionary writing, including form, style, arrangement methods, and the collection of words from various Kurdish dialects.

This study highlights Mukriyani’s role in lexicography. From his early youth, he focused his efforts on gathering Kurdish vocabulary from diverse regions of Kurdistan, employing diverse methods such as travel, inquiries, interviews, and conversations with experts and ordinary people. Through these endeavors, he produced several dictionaries to serve speakers of his language, with his Raber dictionary in 1950 marking the first of his lexicographic works.

The research reveals Mukriyani’s influence in expanding the principles and foundations of dictionary compilation, while clearly delineating his stature and importance in this field. It consists of an introduction and two chapters: the introduction provides a comprehensive overview of his life, career, and achievements; Chapter One, titled “Early Interest in Lexicography,” examines his initial efforts in dictionary writing; and the final Chapter Two focuses on “Mukriyani’s Contributions to Lexicography.”