Orientalistics: Podcast on Language, Religion and Culture

Farshid Delshad
  • 4.0 (4)
  • PHILOSOPHY
  • UPDATED DAILY
Orientalistics: Podcast on Language, Religion and Culture

I am a linguist and scholar of Middle Eastern studies by profession, and in this podcast I offer a wide range of topics with a particular focus and historical linguistics, culture, religion and languages of the Middle East and the world of Islam. However, you might find here also philological subjects on Indo-European linguistics and Caucasian studies.

  1. On Harari’s Nexus, Summary & Critique ‎

    FEB 16

    On Harari’s Nexus, Summary & Critique ‎

    On Harari’s Nexus, Summary & Critique ‎ In this episode, I delve into Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks from the ‎Stone Age to AI by Yuval Noah Harari. The book examines the intricate relationship ‎between information, power, and technology, revealing how these dynamics have ‎shaped human history and will continue to influence our future. Harari explores ‎how societies and political systems have leveraged information to achieve their goals ‎and how major information revolutions have sparked periods of remarkable human ‎flourishing. I also share my critique of his work, offering a balanced perspective on ‎its insights and limitations.‎

    31 min
  2. On Harari’s Homo Deus: A Summary & Critique

    FEB 9

    On Harari’s Homo Deus: A Summary & Critique

    ‎"Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow" explores humanity's future, tackling ‎themes like artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and the quest for immortality, ‎while questioning ethics, free will, and the meaning of human existence. In this ‎episode, I summarize the book and offer my critique.‎

    32 min
  3. On Yuval Harari’s Sapiens, Summary & Critique ‎

    FEB 3

    On Yuval Harari’s Sapiens, Summary & Critique ‎

    On Yuval Harari’s Sapiens, Summary & Critique ‎ In this session, we’ll be diving into the world of Yuval Noah Harari and his three ‎major works: Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind. Still, Sapiens offers a compelling, if flawed, journey through humanity’s past, ‎present, and potential future. Harari’s ability to distill complex ideas into digestible ‎narratives ensures that even readers who take issue with his conclusions will find ‎plenty to ponder.‎

    35 min
  4. Good Morning, Gandalf: A Linguistic Journey

    JAN 27

    Good Morning, Gandalf: A Linguistic Journey

    Good Morning, Gandalf: A Linguistic Journey In this episode, we ventured into a deceptively simple exchange between ‎Gandalf and Bilbo to unravel the profound linguistic, philosophical, and ‎interpretive questions it raises. We explored how Jacques Derrida’s ‎deconstruction unveils the inherent instability and multiplicity of ‎meaning in Bilbo’s good morning, while Michel Foucault’s analysis of ‎discourse and power dynamics reveals the subtle authority at play in ‎Gandalf’s response. Together, these perspectives challenge us to reconsider ‎the nature of language, its conventions, and the deeper forces shaping our ‎everyday interactions.‎ Keywords ‎# #Linguistics; #JacquesDerrida; #MichelFoucault; #Deconstruction; #Différance; ‎‎#Iterability; #Logocentrism; #PowerAndDiscourse; #LanguageGames; #Pragmatics; ‎‎#MeaningInLanguage; #PhilosophyOfLanguage; #Hermeneutics; ‎‎#TextInterpretation; #GenerativeGrammar; #RelevanceTheory; ‎‎#ConstructionGrammar‎

    39 min
  5. On The Etymology of the Name Moses

    JAN 20

    On The Etymology of the Name Moses

    On The Etymology of the Name Moses In this episode, I delve into the fascinating intersections of linguistics, history, and culture, exploring the ‎name "Moses" Cf. Hebrew, ‎משה‎ Greek: Μωυσής, Arabic‏ موسى ‏‎ through its linguistic and symbolic ‎dimensions. We examine the representation of Moses in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs *Mo-uses, ‎unravelling connections to religious discourse, monotheism, and Freud’s intriguing insights on the origins ‎of guilt and intolerance. ‎ This discussion highlights the profound cultural and intellectual legacies tied to one of history's most ‎enduring figures. ‎ I’d love to hear your thoughts—share your feedback and join the conversation in the comments below!‎ Keywords: ‎#Moses; #Hieroglyphs; #Linguistics; #EgyptianScript; #CulturalHistory; #AncientLanguages; ‎‎#FreudAndReligion; #Monotheism; #Etymology; ‎#משה #Μωυσής #موسی

    40 min
  6. Antisemitism Revisited ‎

    JAN 15

    Antisemitism Revisited ‎

    Antisemitism Revisited ‎ Summary: In this episode, we dive deep into the ongoing and evolving nature of antisemitism, drawing from historical figures and movements that have shaped modern attitudes. We explore the role of Haj Amin al-Husseini, his collaboration with Nazi forces, and how this legacy continues to influence contemporary Palestinian nationalism. The episode also examines how movements like Hamas and the Iranian regime, with their roots in radical ideologies, continue to perpetuate harmful narratives, such as Holocaust denial and conspiracy theories, that fuel antisemitism. These issues remain alarmingly relevant today, with widespread political and social ramifications. Tune in for a thorough exploration of how these ideologies intersect with global politics, and how they have found traction in various regions. Keywords ‎#Antisemitism #PalestinianNationalism #HajAminAlHusseini #NaziCollaboration ‎‎#HolocaustDenial #MiddleEastPolitics #IslamicAntiSemitism #IranianRegime ‎‎#ProtocolsOfTheEldersOfZion #Hamas #ShiaIslam #ArabNationalism #AntiZionism ‎‎#ModernAntisemitism #HolocaustMemory #RadicalIslam #MuslimBrotherhood ‎‎#IranianPropaganda #JewishConspiracy #IslamicRepublic #PoliticalExtremism‎

    1h 2m
  7. The Invention of Palestine: A Historical and Linguistic Narrative

    JAN 8

    The Invention of Palestine: A Historical and Linguistic Narrative

    The Invention of Palestine: A Historical and Linguistic Narrative In this episode, we explore the historical and linguistic roots of the term "Palestine," ‎tracing its origins to the Roman designation "Syria Palaestina," given to the land of Israel by ‎Emperor Hadrian following the Bar Kokhba revolt. The name "Palaestina" was derived from ‎the ancient Philistines, with the term "Philistia" in Greek (Φυλιστίη) reflecting their ‎presence along the coastal regions of ancient Israel. We also examine the Hebrew ‎perspective: the word "Paleshtim" (‎פְּלִשְׁתִּים‎) in the Hebrew Bible refers to the Philistines, a ‎distinct people in the ancient land of Israel. The modern term "Palestine" in Hebrew, ‎‎"Filistin" (‎פְּלִשְׁתִּין‎), continues to evoke this connection. By looking at 19th-century travelers ‎like Mark Twain and Arthur Penrhyn Stanley, we show how the region was observed before ‎the Jewish return, challenging the notion that Palestine was ever solely an Arab land. The ‎episode highlights the enduring connection between the Jewish people and this land, both ‎historically and linguistically. Keywords: #PalestineHistory; #RomanEmpire; #JewsInIsrael; #AncientIsrael; ‎‎#HistoricalNarrative; #BiblicalZionism; #MarkTwain; #ArthurPenrhynStanley; ‎‎#PalestinianIdentity; #Zionism; #HistoricalFacts; #MiddleEastConflict; ‎‎#JewishClaimToLand; #JewishHistoryInIsrael‎

    40 min
  8. Problems of Linguistics, Part III: Generative Grammar & Prague School ‎

    JAN 1

    Problems of Linguistics, Part III: Generative Grammar & Prague School ‎

    Problems of Linguistics, Part III: Generative Grammar & Prague School ‎ Summary: In the past two episodes, we examined the evolution of linguistic theories, ‎covering everything from structuralism to Bloomfieldian and post-‎Bloomfieldian linguistics. We also touched on the transformative impact of ‎what’s often called the “š.” Today, we shift our focus to another ‎monumental influence in the field: the Prague School of Linguistics.‎ Keywords ‎#PragueSchool; #MorrisHalle; #RobertLees; #Linguistcs; #GenerativeGrammer; ‎‎#Chomsky; #RomanJakobson; #Sinoloy; #MIT; #Formalism #ComparativeLinguistics; ‎‎#TransformationalGrammar ‎; #ChomskyanRevolution; #Syntax; #HubertMatthews ‎; ‎‎#FrantišekDaneš‎; # Czechoslovakia; #JosefVachek ; #JosefVachek; #FrantišekDaneš ‎

    50 min
See All (102)

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

4
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

I am a linguist and scholar of Middle Eastern studies by profession, and in this podcast I offer a wide range of topics with a particular focus and historical linguistics, culture, religion and languages of the Middle East and the world of Islam. However, you might find here also philological subjects on Indo-European linguistics and Caucasian studies.

Information

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada