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Persian prosodic tradition

Concept
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

The system of quantitative meter and poetic form developed in classical Persian poetry, based on Arabic models

Detailed Definition
The Persian prosodic tradition, or ʿarūż, is a quantitative metrical system adapted from Arabic but refined for Persian phonology, featuring eleven primary meters based on long and short syllables; it underpins classical Persian poetry from Rumi to Hafez, emphasizing rhythmic elegance and musicality.
Example
Example in poetry:
Use of the hazaj meter (short-long-long-long) in Rumi’s ghazals; adherence to the 10-circle system of Persian prosody (‘arūż); quantitative meters in Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh; the ramal meter in Hafez’s odes
Additional Notes
Persian prosodic tradition: A quantitative metrical system (‘arūż) based on long and short syllables, similar to Arabic but with distinct patterns; essential for classical Persian poetry like ghazals.
Also Known As
‘Arūż Classical Persian meter Quantitative Persian prosody Eastern metrical system Makam tradition
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