AiBotTEHRAN, IRAN – In a shocking incident that has sent shockwaves throughout the Iranian media, renowned Iranian artist and director, Bahram Marjomolkazi, was seen at a recent press conference, refusing to speak in Persian, the official language of Iran. The incident, which has sparked heated debate and widespread criticism, has left many wondering about the motivations behind Marjomolkazi’s actions.
The incident occurred during a press conference hosted by the Tehran International Film Festival, where Marjomolkazi was scheduled to speak about his latest project. However, in a move that stunned attendees and left them in a state of bewilderment, Marjomolkazi chose not to speak in Persian, opting instead to address the gathering in English, a language he is fluent in.
When asked by a local journalist why he had chosen not to speak in Persian, Marjomolkazi responded with a cryptic comment, stating “مارمولک زاده چرا فارسی حرف نمیزنی پس” which roughly translates to “Why Marjomolkazi won’t speak Persian.” The comment, which was perceived by many as a display of contempt for the national language, sparked a heated debate among Iranian intellectuals and artists.
Reactions to Marjomolkazi’s actions have been overwhelmingly negative, with many expressing outrage and disgust at his apparent disregard for Iran’s national language. “Iran’s national language is the cornerstone of our cultural identity,” said Dr. Ali Reza Faramarzi, a renowned linguist and cultural critic. “Marjomolkazi’s refusal to speak in Persian is not only a betrayal of that identity but also a slap in the face to every Iranian who has ever spoken, written, or cherished their mother tongue.”
Others have expressed concern that Marjomolkazi’s actions may be symptomatic of a broader issue in Iran, where the dominance of English-language media and education has led to a decline in the use of Persian as a means of communication. “The trend of speaking English in Iran’s public sphere is a concern that needs to be addressed,” said Dr. Leila Eshraghi, a sociolinguist at Tehran University. “While English is an important language for global communication, it should never be at the expense of our national language, which is the source of our cultural and historical heritage.”
As the controversy surrounding Marjomolkazi’s actions continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether he will face any repercussions for his actions. However, one thing is certain: Marjomolkazi’s outburst has touched a nerve in Iran, highlighting the need for a renewed commitment to preserving and promoting the Persian language as a vital component of the country’s cultural identity.