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Introduction&nbsp;The &nbsp;Kurdistan Region, with its mountainous landscapes and fertile grounds, hosts a diverse ecosystem that sustains both human and animal populations. However, due to global climate change, the region faces challenges in conserving the land's natural resources which livelihoods and economics rely upon. The region has a prolonged history of political conflicts extending to current Turkish bombardments in its mountains, aggravating these challenges due to the impact of military activities. This article posits that the confluence of ecocidal factors, climate change and military conflict, further degrades the habitat due to pollution and deforestation, contributing to significant public health issues.&nbsp; The following article incorporates insights from previous findings regarding the effect of climate change and military conflicts on the environment and public health in the Kurdistan Region. The crucial research question we aim to delve into is: "In what ways do climate change and military conflicts impact environmental degradation and public health concerns in the Kurdistan Region?" With the convergence of environmental and political obstacles in Kurdistan, tackling this inquiry is imperative in grasping the heightened risks confronting both its residents and the natural surroundings. By exploring this intersection between climate and conflict, we aim to bridge a significant gap in existing research on the topic.&nbsp; Literature Review&nbsp;The challenges set upon this region due to climate change are exacerbated due to ongoing military conflicts (Eklund et al., 2021). Previous studies underscore how climate change is reflected in the region through irregular rainfalls, rising temperatures, and prolonged droughts, which exacerbate issues such as water scarcity and agricultural decline (‌Escribano, P. &amp; D. Pons Ganddini, 2024). The strategies adopted to cope with this dire situation, such as water conservation and livelihood diversification, highlight the interconnectedness of climate change and political disputes in the region and the repercussions on public health and the environment (Sheikh &amp; Aziz, 2024).&nbsp; Although the environmental impact of climate change has been thoroughly researched, less focus has been devoted to how warfare can exacerbate these concerns. Military conflicts, notably the prevailing Turkish military operations, perpetuate environmental degradation through forest fires, soil erosion, and pollution. As a result of these detrimental factors on the environment, cases of respiratory illnesses in Kurdistan are on an incline due to the worsening of air quality and rise in temperatures. It has been reported that the rise in respiratory diseases, like asthma and bronchitis, are linked to increased dust storms and air pollution (Mamluk &amp; Karadaghy, 2024). Nevertheless, there has been little research into the overall effects of climate change and warfare on Kurdistan's environment and public health. This study aims to bridge this gap by examining how the combination of these factors exacerbates environmental and health concerns, with the objective of demonstrating the need for efficient policy solutions in the region. Methodology&nbsp;The presented research will adopt a qualitative approach by utilizing secondary data to investigate the intersection of climate change, warfare, and public health in the Kurdistan Region. The research draws on existing studies, including peer-reviewed articles, reports, and data analysis. The sources were chosen based on relevancy to the research fields of climate change, military-implicated environmental degradation, and public health repercussions. The sources are region-specific research, crucial to illuminate vital insights characteristic to the Kurdistan Region and provide a robust structure for understanding the interlinked variables affecting the area.&nbsp; DiscussionsEnvironmental Impact of Military Conflict&nbsp;The Kurdistan Region has a long history of interplay between political instabilities and environmental obstacles that jeopardize the welfare and sustenance of its population. The ongoing Turkish armed attacks in its mountains have led to damages that extend far beyond the targeted points. These attacks have caused extensive forest fires and deforestation, posing threats to the land's biodiversity and resilience against climate change (Eklund et al., 2021). Moreover, the destruction of forests halts the absorption of carbon dioxide and releases its storage back into the atmosphere: As a result, the region is more susceptible to environmental deterioration, such as soil erosion and desertification, due to the loss of forest cover which interferes with the ecosystems and contributes to the extinction of plant and animal species (Hawramy, 2018). Furthermore, soil erosion and loss of vegetation contribute to dust storms, which in turn worsen land degradation and reduce agriculture productivity by stripping away the nutrition-rich topsoil (Hama-Aziz, 2022; Sissakian et al., 2013). The ramifications of military operations include the destruction of natural water infrastructure, disturbance of river flow, and pollution of water sources (Schillinger et al., 2020). As an example, military-grade explosives cause long-term ecological damage due to the harmful residues: Such contamination contributes to airborne and waterborne diseases (Ahmed&amp; Hussein, 2024). The combined impacts of climate change and military related damage amplify water scarcity. Irregular rainfalls and extended drought periods in turn reduce water resources and increase pollutant concentration in available sources(Schillinger et al., 2020).. Air Quality and Respiratory Health Implications&nbsp;The dual impact of military conflict and climate change significantly worsens the air quality of the region. Particulate matter is tiny particles suspended in the air and can have various sources such as vehicle emissions, industrial and construction processes, and natural sources such as dust. PM 2.5, which are 2.5 micrometers in diameter, are of particular concern since they are small enough to be inhaled deep into the lungs and trigger health problems. The region has rising levels of PM 2.5 as a result of military activities aggravating dust storms and wildfires. Especially the recurrent bombings in the mountainous areas release particulate matter and other harmful pollutants by igniting wildfires and destroying forested land. Consequently, leading to a rise in respiratory problems like asthma and bronchitis, as the fine particles penetrate deep into the lungs ‌ (Tripathi and Dhananjay, 2021; Hama-Aziz, 2022) Public Health Repercussions&nbsp;The detrimental effects of the dual crisis in the Kurdistan Region are progressively evident. Primarily, these effects are apparent in the rise in respiratory illnesses, heat-related issues, and waterborne diseases. The decline in air quality facilitated by an ensemble of dust storms and military-related pollution has culminated in a prevalence of respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)(Miri, et al., 2007). According to studies, concentrations of particulate matter (PM 2.5) are higher in conflict zones, enhancing these health hazards on the population. These tiny particles have the ability to bypass the blood-brain barrier and cause cognitive dysfunction. The exposure of the central nervous system to particulate matter has been linked to the development of neuropathological conditions such as stroke, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease (Dovbeshko&amp; Borisova, 2024). Additionally, the rise in temperatures increases the risk of cardiac ailments, particularly amongst susceptible groups such as the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions (Tripathi and Dhananjay, 2021).&nbsp; Conclusion&nbsp;The aftermath of the cumulative effects of climate change and military conflict in the Kurdistan Region have led to the public health crisis due to the degradation of the environment. The habit of this region is strained to sustain life as military operations further aggravate damage. The environmental damage not only endangers the quality of soil, air, and water but also acts as a catalyst for the public health crisis, contributing to an increase in respiratory, cardiac, waterborne diseases, and other complications. In order to address the aforementioned challenges, a comprehensive resolution addressing climate adaptation and conflict mitigation would resolve the intertwined issues prompted in the region. &nbsp;First, regional government and international organizations should collaborate to initiate environmental restoration initiatives with a focus on forest restoration and soil conservation. Second, stronger parameters on emissions and pollution management in conflict zones could mitigate the health implications of particulate matter. Furthermore, implementing water conservation measures and establishing alternative water sources will help to alleviate water shortages, while improving healthcare facilities to manage climate and pollution-related illnesses ReferencesAhmed, Sanarya &amp; Hussein, Rabar. (2024). ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTIONS RELATED TO CONFLICTS IN IRAQ AND PEOPLE'S HEALTH OUTCOMES. 8. 3-14.&nbsp; Dovbeshko, Galyna, and Tatiana Borisova. "War-Derived Air Pollution Nanohybrids and Their Membrane-Active Properties." Low Temperature Physics, vol. 50, no. 3, 1 Mar. 2024, pp. 191-195. https://doi.org/10.1063/10.0024966. Accessed 30 Apr. 2024. Eklund, Lina, et al. “On the Geopolitics of Fire, Conflict and Land in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.” Remote Sensing, vol. 13, no. 8, 19 Apr. 2021, p. 1575, https://doi.org/10.3390/rs13081575. ‌Escribano, P. and D. Pons Ganddini (2024). Climate change, food insecurity and human mobility: Interlinkages, evidence and action. In: World Migration Report 2024 (M. McAuliffe and L.A. Oucho, eds.). International Organization for Migration (IOM), GenFloral HAMA-AZIZ, ZANIST. “ASSESSMENT of AIR POLLUTION in KURDISTAN REGION of IRAQ.” Pollution Research, 30 June 2022, pp. 457–466, https://doi.org/10.53550/pr.2022.v41i02.011. Accessed 12 Dec. 2022. Hawramy, F. Fires and Armed Conflict Take Toll on Kurdish Flora, Fauna. Al-Monitor. 5 July 2018. Available online: https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2018/07/kurdish-forests-under-threat-of-wildfires.html (accessed on 1 February 2021). Ibraheem, Fakhri H, et al. “Environmental Issues and Concerns in Iraq and Kurdistan Region due to Various Pollutants.” the Handbook of Environmental Chemistry, 1 Jan. 2024, www.researchgate.net/publication/383258861_Environmental_Issues_and_Concerns_in_Iraq_and_Kurdistan_Region_Due_to_Various_Pollutants, https://doi.org/10.1007/698_2024_1110. Accessed 2 Nov. 2024. Maryiam Salem Mamluk, and Kamaran Amin Karadakhy. “Aggravating Factors of Asthma among Patients Visited Respiratory Center at Shar Hospital Outpatient in Sulaymaniyah-Kurdistan-Iraq.” Advanced Medical Journal, vol. 9, no. 2, 4 June 2024, pp. 19–26, https://doi.org/10.56056/amj.2024.253. Accessed 13 Sept. 2024. Miri, Abbas, et al. Dust Storms Impacts on Air Pollution and Public Health under Hot and Dry Climate. Vol. 2(1), no. 1, 1 Jan. 2007, www.researchgate.net/publication/238086966_Dust_Storms_Impacts_on_Air_Pollution_and_Public_Health_under_Hot_and_Dry_Climate/citations. Othman, Nasih, et al. Environmental Health Assessment in Sulaymaniyah City and Vicinity. 10 Apr. 2017, www.researchgate.net/publication/319493592_Environmental_Health_Assessment_in_Sulaymaniyah_City_and_Vicinity. Schillinger, Juliane, et al. “Water in War: Understanding the Impacts of Armed Conflict on Water Resources and Their Management.” WIREs Water, vol. 7, no. 6, 27 Aug. 2020, wires.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/wat2.1480, https://doi.org/10.1002/wat2.1480. Sheikh, Mohammed, and Shuokr Qarani Aziz. “Issues of Water and Climate Change in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq. A Review Study.” ResearchGate, unknown, 29 Aug. 2024, www.researchgate.net/publication/384051753_Issues_of_Water_and_Climate_Change_in_the_Kurdistan_Region_and_Iraq_A_Review_Study. Accessed 2 Nov. 2024. Sissakian, Varoujan K., et al. “Sand and Dust Storm Events in Iraq.” Natural Science, vol. 05, no. 10, 2013, pp. 1084–1094, https://doi.org/10.4236/ns.2013.510133. Accessed 1 May 2019. ‌Tripathi, Dhananjay. (2021). Particulate Matter and Human Health. 10.5772/intechopen.100550.&nbsp;

The Impact of Climate Change and Military Conflict on the Environment and Public Health in the Kurdistan Region

Introduction: The environment and its issues have become an active part of state policies, and even everyday people's conversations. This is rooted in the reality that the environment regulates the lives of humans and other living beings, as it provides their needs and the foundations for their existence and development. Therefore, &nbsp;all attempts and plans made to protect the environment from any developments, are parallel to the survival of humans and other creatures. (1)&nbsp; "The environment, in its broad sense, refers to the geography that organizes the life of living beings and provides the foundation for their existence, development, and the fulfillment of their needs. The living beings interact with nature and attempt to adapt to it” (2).&nbsp; While living creatures have the ability to adapt to the conditions brought on by new events, some scientists and cosmologists believe and state that the destruction to the environment, caused by pollution, has reached an irreversible stage, and our existence in these environments is heading towards an inevitable natural end (3).&nbsp; The selfish attitudes, short-sightedness and greed of individuals, companies and governments, and the sacrifice of public interests for their own private ones is the main cause of environmental pollution and global warming (4).&nbsp;<blockquote> “Plastic waste is one of the most dangerous environmental issues, &nbsp;threatening life on land and marine life. While natural ecosystems already suffer from major issues like acid rain, agricultural degradation caused by pesticides, and chemical pollution. Countries have largely attempted to reduce their plastic production"&nbsp;</blockquote>Environmental pollution refers to those ecological changes and disruptions that take place in natural ecosystems. As a result, threats emerge that directly and indirectly harms all facets of life on earth (5).&nbsp; Types of Plastics used in Food Packaging Industry: The components of plastic used in the production of food and medicine containers vary. These components can be used alone or mixed with other ones. The most important of these components are:1. Low-density polyethylene: Used in making most containers for hot food. It sticks together when heated and is commonly referred to as plastic containers. (Figure 2) 2. High-density polyethylene: Used in household items, water pipes, and probes. It can also be used for storing sterilized foods. This component is distinguishable as it can prevent moisture and remain soft when frozen at temperatures below -5°C. 3. Polyethylene terephthalate: This type can withstand high temperatures up to 300°C, is impermeable to moisture and gasses, is transparent, and highly resistant to organic solvents. It's used for storing potable water, frozen meats, and other foods. Some water bottling plants prefer this type and use it instead of polyvinyl chloride.4. Polyvinyl chloride: This type of plastic is unaffected by grease and is used in food container production. It has high moisture resistance, and its rigid type is used in making containers for edible oils, drinking water, concentrated fruit juices, fermented foods, olives, and many other items due to its high resistance to moisture, fats, and gasses. 5. Polycarbonate: This is a type of plastic made from bisphenol. It has strong resistance to breakage, chemicals, and weather. It's transparent and rigid, used in making household items, baby pacifiers and bottles. However, doubts about its suitability have recently emerged (6).&nbsp; Plastic pollution in United Nations data: According to data from the United Nations and environmental organizations:- About one million water bottles are bought every minute worldwide.- The use of plastic bags reaches 5 trillion annually.- Half of the plastic products are made for single use.Currently, 300 million tons of plastic waste are produced annually (this amount equals the weight of humans on Earth). Scientists believe that since the 1950s, humans have produced about 8.3 billion tons of plastic, 60% of which has been discarded into nature. 99% of produced plastic is made from chemicals derived from oil, natural gas, and coal. If this continues, by 2050, plastic production will account for 20% of oil-dependent industries (7). &nbsp;Marine plastic pollution affects 800 species of animals through ingestion, starvation, suffocation, entanglement, and drowning. Plastic waste kills about one million seabirds and 100,000 fish and other animals annually.&nbsp; Waste from cities amounts to thousands or millions of tons of waste, and effectively getting rid of this waste is still a very complex problem. Often, residents burn their waste, producing gasses with several harmful components that affect the population, plants, and animals. Particularly, city waste contains several new types that didn't exist before, and the most dangerous of all is plastic and its emissions when burned (8).&nbsp;In the 1990s, plastic waste reached three times that of twenty years earlier, but at the beginning of the twenty-first century, plastic production increased compared to forty years before.&nbsp; Main sources of environmental pollution by plastic in Kurdistan Firstly, In the Kurdistan Region, the culture of picnicking and traveling to nature is common, especially during springs and summers. During these trips, disposable eating utensils such as plates, cutlery, glasses, tablecloths, water bottles, and drinking straws are discarded in nature in very large quantities, polluting the environment. Disposing of this waste becomes a great danger to the lives of animals and the environment. Secondly, Homes are a major source of this plastic waste. A family of four members throws away a large bag of empty water bottles and disposable tablecloths daily, in addition to shampoo bottles, cosmetics and cleaning products, children's toys, and even various household appliances. Thirdly, Second-hand markets in Kurdistan can be seen as a source of plastic, as many of the old plastic items in large bales are useless. Pishtiwan, one of the household goods shopkeepers in the Langa market, doesn't hide that one of the reasons for the high prices of these goods is that most of them are discarded and useless. "Every shipment we receive, if it's 80 kilos, about 20 to 25 kilos are for disposal." (9).&nbsp; Conclusion: Plastic is:- Cheap- Long-lasting- Easy to produce- Lightweight All these characteristics that are known as plastic attributes are both its strengths and weaknesses. Plastic has direct and indirect effects on marine and terrestrial ecosystems, and at the same time, the microplastics consumed by fish and animals end up on human tables (10).&nbsp; Recommendations:&nbsp; If it's believed that big changes start with individuals (11), there are a set of guidelines that can reduce the likelihood of increasing plastic waste and environmental pollution: - Reducing or eliminating the use of plastic bags and replacing them with cloth or paper bags.- Using reusable water bottles in the water bottling industry.&nbsp;- Not using plastic straws, which may seem simple but straws are one of the items that cannot be recycled. There is currently a campaign to reduce straws, and big companies like Starbucks and McDonald's are among the leading companies of this campaign.&nbsp;- Kitchen utensils should not be plastic; this can be achieved by using plastic alternatives such as glass and other materials.- Carefully selecting clothes and personal hygiene items, including toothpaste and cosmetics in general. References1. Naqshbandi, Azad Muhammad Amin Naqshbandi, Environmental Geography, 2017, p. 31 2. Naqshbandi, Azad Muhammad Amin, Ibid, p. 13 3. Barzanji, Siddiq Sheikh Mahmoud, Human Impact on Environmental Pollution, First Edition, 2001, p. 7 4. Naqshbandi, Azad Muhammad Amin, Global Warming and Its Impact on the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, Roshnbiri Press, Erbil, 2008, p. 4 5. Barzanji, Siddiq Sheikh Mahmoud, Same previous source, p. 52 6. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/332514012_alblastyk_wdrjt_tlwythh_alaghdhyt 7. (1) Plastic Pollution | United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (unesco.org)&nbsp; &nbsp;(2) Plastic Pollution: A Global Danger Killing One Person Every Half Minute? (annabaa.org) 8. Abdul-Munim Balba', Environmental Pollution is a Global Problem Threatening Humans, Narin Press, 2013, p. 123 9. Researcher's interview with a second-hand market seller 10. Five Things You Can Do to End Plastic Pollution (worldbank.org)

The Growing Threat of Plastic Pollution: Impact, Challenges, and Sustainable Solutions

Introduction&nbsp; &nbsp;The law, on the one hand, is a tool for implementing and enforcing justice, both at the national and the international level. On the other hand, language is an instrument for establishing, expressing, explaining, and enforcing law, and as a result, it is an instrument for achieving justice, both at the societal and the international levels. One very important aspect of the law is that it should be understood by the general public. Hence, if the general public does not understand the text, terms, and the legal decisions, violation of the law and punishment do not have meaning. Therefore, the subject of law and the understanding of all the legal texts and terminology by the public is essential to establish justice in society.&nbsp; In Iraq, Arabic is seen as the language of the law, and all legal texts are written in Arabic. The Kurdish language on the other hand is seen as a local language and it has been neglected. This is due to a few factors: one is the dominance of Arabic ever since the creation of the modern state of Iraq which favored Arabic as the language of the majority. And the fact that the Arabic language is the language of Islam (which is the religion of the majority of the citizens in the KRI). However, the establishment of the Kurdistan Region in 1992, and the recognition of the Kurdish language as an official language in Iraq according to article 4 of the 2005 constitution, marked the beginning of a new era regarding the status of the Kurdish language in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.&nbsp; One of the reasons for the existence of multiple official languages rather than a single official language is that with the evidence of each country’s linguistic diversity, societies have reached the conclusion that a common language is not a factor of national unity. Therefore, in order to lessen national conflicts, states have implemented the Policy of “Peaceful Linguistic Coexistence”. This is a policy based on three principles, which are: Equality of Official Languages, Freedom of Implementation of Languages, and the granting of more executive power to regions based on the principle of primacy. In the meantime, 55 states in the world have more than one official languages.&nbsp; The Kurdish language in the Courts in the KRIIn this section, we will focus on the following topics: the importance and need to protect the Kurdish language, the use of the Kurdish language in the courts of the Kurdistan region, and the challenges facing the development of the Kurdish language in courts. The importance and need to protect the Kurdish language&nbsp;The language of any individual and nation, in addition to being a means of communication, is also a means to express the identity of said nation. Even if an individual is able to speak other languages, he constantly acquires his individual and social identity through his mother tongue. It is the language that reflects the historical events and experiences that the people have witnessed throughout history. It is clear that the preservation and development of this language will preserve the cultural and historical boundaries of this nation and will strengthen the political identity of this nation. Furthermore, language is more than a means of communication and is in fact a part of the nation’s identity and culture. When a language dies, the culture that it covers dies with it. Undoubtedly, on the individual level, language is very important for shaping an individual’s identity, and on the social level it is important for social unification. Historically, the usage of language to serve political goals started with the modern era. The major European states did not have a single unified language from the start. When Italy achieved political unity only 2% of the population spoke Italian, in Germany during the process of German unification, only 17% of the population spoke German. In France in 1790, only 10% of the population spoke standard French, and in 1873 more than a quarter of the French population could not understand standard French.&nbsp;When the language, culture and history of an oppressed group of people are suppressed and neglected, members of that group feel inferior, and come to believe that they have nothing to be proud of, and thus this sense of inferiority gradually becomes the norm. As a result, member members of that group resort to cultural suicide, abandoning their native culture and language, losing their identity and history, and turn to the culture and language of the dominant group.&nbsp; Today, policies for linguistic preservation have emerged, and they are being implemented in some countries around the world, as the situation in the world today is that if such policies don’t come about, many languages will disappear. The Kurdish language is not far from the danger of disappearing, hence policies to protect the language are essential. It is clear that this is not an individual task, but the powers that be must work to preserve the language and protect it with a short-term and a long-term program. Linguistic Policy is basically a design for the development of one or more languages and, as such, determines the use of languages in various fields such as teaching, administration, media, etc. Language policy is the examination of all linguistic behaviors such as assumptions, cultural patterns, popular beliefs, and attitudes towards language, etc. The usage of the Kurdish language in the courts of KRILegal language is a tool for establishing communication in the field of law and ensuring the enforcement of law. Legal language is difficult to understand by people without legal expertise, to the extent that European linguists have coined the term “Legal Language”. One of the reasons for this problem is that legal language, unlike other languages, is a static language and it does not change. It is the people's right to understand legal decisions and to know whether a decision that has been made in the court is against them or in their favor. In countries that have more than one official and legal language, linguistic policies flourish more.&nbsp;Creating equal status for all the official languages in a state is one of the legal issues of language policy. For example, the Canadian constitution recognizes both English and French as the country’s official languages and gives them equal rights and privileges in all government institutions.&nbsp;Language is the identity of nations, and the Kurdish nation has a legitimate right to protect their language, especially the language of the law, which is the language of communication between the legislation, judiciary and executive powers with the people. The law is the highest expression of the will of the people, and the most prominent symbol of the sovereignty of the state over its territory. Therefore, the language of the law must be the language of the nation itself. Iraqi jurist and academic, Ismaat Abdul Majid says : “The proper condition of a legal officer is that the officers have the ability to understand the law. For this reason, the law should be written in the language of the country which it is enforced, so that the citizens can understand the law”.&nbsp;As mentioned earlier. The judiciary Law No. 14 of 1992 in its fifth article states that the Kurdish language is the language of the courts of the Kurdistan Region and supporting this law, the Ministry of Justice by Ministerial Order No. 343 dated 3/6/2000 decided that from this date onwards, all legal affairs of the courts, from complaints to requests, minutes, judgements, and court decisions, should be translated into Kurdish. For this purpose, a committee was formed in the Ministry of Justice.Also, Article 6 of the Judiciary Law in the Kurdistan Region No. 23 of 200, again emphasizes that Kurdish is the language of the courts. In addition, Law No. 6 of 2014 on the official languages in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq states in its 6th article that all judicial procedures will be conducted and written in the Kurdish language.In addition, Law No. 7 of 2014 on the official languages in Iraq in Article 3 clearly states that both Arabic and Kurdish are official languages in Iraq, and the Kurdistan Region is a part of Iraq which means that no legal loopholes exist in this regard.The Kurdish language according to the Iraqi constitution is an official language in Iraq. If Arabic is the first language in the Arab-majority regions, then Kurdish is the first language of the Kurdistan Region and should be the language of administration and governance in the region. But this constitutional right has not yet been implemented completely.&nbsp;According to our investigation on the usage of Kurdish in the courts we found out that the attempt to make Kurdish the language of the courts in the provinces of Erbil, Silemani, Halabja and the administration of Garmyan and Raparrin has been moderately successful, and all petitions, writing, notices, and court transcripts are in Kurdish in all courts, only court decisions are in Arabic in most courts. However, in the province of Duhok, until now Arabic is the most used language in the courts and not much progress has been made. Regarding the decisions of the Kurdistan region's Court of Appeals, so far they are mostly in Arabic, which is contrary to Article 6 of the judiciary No. 23 of 2007 and Article 6 of the Law of official languages of the Kurdistan Region No. 6 of 2014. &nbsp;In their most recent attempt to make Kurdish a legal language, the Judicial Council in the Kurdistan Region according to decision No. 67 on 26/9/2022 in order to unite the language of the courts in the Kurdistan Region decided that court decisions and all judicial proceedings in the Kurdistan Region should be written in Kurdish and only in Arabic when necessary. However, despite this decision, many court procedures and decisions especially in the province of Duhok are still in Arabic, so the judicial council should seriously investigate the results of the decision issues.&nbsp; Challenges facing the development of the Kurdish language in Courts&nbsp;in this section we will mention the challenges facing the Kurdish language that have prevented it from being fully established as an official language within Iraq and the Kurdistan Region:&nbsp;The absence of a language policy, and the absence of strong political will from the Iraqi government and Kurdistan regional government to make Kurdish a functioning official language throughout Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region.&nbsp; The lack of a standard Kurdish language due to the dominance of regional dialects, has prevented the establishment of a standard language.&nbsp; The historical dominance of Arabic as the language of the Islamic religion and then as the language of the state, has caused the Arabic language to dominate and marginalize the other languages.&nbsp; The outdated understanding of the Iraqi authorities who believe that the development of the Kurdish language encourages separatist movements and may be used by external forces. Therefore, they constantly try to enforce one official language, the language of the majority.&nbsp; The logistical obstacles that hinder the establishment of multilingual systems in education and administration.&nbsp; Globalization and the development of a global market makes it difficult for local languages to keep up with the pace of developments, which prevents speakers of these languages from using their languages to convey meanings and concepts, which in turn gradually weaken local languages. The understanding among some jurists that Arabic is the language of the law and Kurdish cannot become the language of the law.&nbsp; The small number of legal and judicial resources in Kurdish has led to lawyers to rely on Arabic sources for any legal work and research, which in turn has resulted in the gradual marginalization of the Kurdish language in the field of law in the past thirty years.&nbsp; The lack of attention given by higher education institutions to conducting academic research in Kurdish has marginalized the language in this regard.&nbsp; Results:Minorities have the right to benefit from their own culture and to use their own language freely , openly, and privately, without any interference or discrimination and states have the duty to assist and support minorities in this regard and to provide them with the necessary opportunities and facilities.&nbsp; The Kurdish language in Iraq and the Kurdistan region has constitutional and legal recognition, and as showcased in this paper there are no legal problems, but both governments are slow and indifferent in implementing the content of the laws.&nbsp; Regarding the status of the Kurdish language in the context of the judiciary and courts of the region, according to the applicable judiciary law, Kurdish is the official language of the courts, but this text has not been fully implemented.&nbsp; The Kurdistan Regional Government does not have a language policy or a clear roadmap regarding the status of the Kurdish language, and throughout its three decades of rule, has not been able to establish a standard Kurdish language throughout the Kurdistan Region.&nbsp;Recommendations:The judicial council should draw a roadmap and strategy to make all judicial procedures and decisions Kurdish in all courts and throughout the Kurdistan Region.&nbsp; The Kurdistan Regional Government should formulate a language policy and a national strategy for the creation and consolidation of a standard Kurdish language. Efforts should be made to consolidate the Kurdish language in the federal institutions of Iraq and solve the problems facing this issue.&nbsp; Since Kurdish is an official language in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, knowledge of Kurdish must be a prerequisite for the employment of those working in the judicial institutions in the Kurdistan Region.&nbsp; Education in Kurdish should be promoted at all levels, without neglecting and ignoring the importance of learning other languages. Establishment of a commission on official languages to follow up the official languages act and monitor its implementation.&nbsp; The judicial council of the Kurdistan Region and the Kurdish Language Academy should coordinate to develop and unify legal terms and issue a dictionary of legal terms that will serve as a resource for the courts.&nbsp; Enrichment of the Kurdish library in all fields, especially the legal field by promoting and encouraging writing, research, as well as translation of legal sources in Kurdish, so it becomes a support for researchers and scientific centers and to reward scientific writing, so it motivates and encourages more writing in Kurdish.&nbsp; ReferencesMaster’s in Public Law and a Judicial Investigator at the Erbil Court of Investigation رسمیت چند زبان و تنوع زبانی دراروپا، در سایت زیر قابل مشاهدە است: http://eyitimhaqqi.blogspot.com/ last visited:2021/3/3. رەزا شەجیعی، ئەڵقەی زمانیی ١٩٤٦ (ئاوڕدانەوەیەک لە بەرنامەڕێژییە زمانییەکانی کۆماری کوردستان)، گۆڤاری زمانەوان، ئەنستیتۆی فەرهەنگی کوردستان- تاران، ژمارە ٣، ٢٠٠٧، ل ١٢٠. Crow Samuel, comparatively speaking: language rights in the United States and Canada, 2012, Canada-United states law Journal, volum37, issue 1, p.209. اومود.آ (اورمولو)، آموزش بە زبان مادری، بدون محل نشر، ١٣٩٤، صص ١٥-١٧ د.رفیق سابیر، بە ستانداردکردنی زمان و ئەلفوبێی کوردی، چاپی دووەم، ناوەندی غەزەلنووس بۆ چاپ و بڵاوکردنەوە، سلێمانی، ٢٠١٤، ل ٢٠-٢١. معاذ عبداللهی و د.جوانمیر عبداللهی، نسل زدایی فرهنگی ، چاپ اول، انتشارات مجد، تهران، ١٣٩٣، صص ١٧٤-١٧٥. د.هۆگر مەحموود فەرەج، ڕۆژی زمانی زگماک زمانی کوردی لەبەردەم هەڕەشە مێژوویی و سەردەمییەکاندا، گۆڤاری ئاکادیمیای کوردی، ژمارە ٣٢، هەولێر، ساڵی ٢٠١٥، ل ٦٠-٦١. Naheed Saba, Linguistic Heterogeneity and Multilinguality in India: A Linguistic Assessment of Indian Language Policies, Submitted for the award of the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy, Department of Linguistics Aligarh Muslim University (India), 2011, &nbsp;p.77. فردوس آقاگل زاده و دیگران، تحليل زبان شناختي آرای قضايي براساس الگوی خلاق: رويكرد حوزە زبان شناسی حقوقی، فصلنامە پژوهش های زبان و ادبيات تطبيقی، دورە اول، شمارە اول، بهار ١٣٨٩، ص ١٢. روح الدین کردعلیوند، زبانشناسی حقوقی، انسان و فرهنگ، ویژه نامه «زبان و متن»، سال دوم خرداد ۱۳۹۲، شماره ۳، ص ١٤ هیوا ئیبراهیم حەیدەری، بەرەو بە کوردی کردنی زمانی یاسا چەند تێبینی و پێشنیارێک، گۆڤاری تەرازوو، یەکێتیی مافپەروەرانی کوردستان، ژمارە ١٤، ساڵی ٢٠٠٢، ل ١٠٢. د.أحمد عبدالظاهر، اللغة العربية والقانون، الطبعة الاولی، دار وجوە للنشر والتوزیع، الریاض، ٢٠١٨، ص ١٦. قاسم محەممەد مستەفا، بە کوردی نووسینی یاسا و یاسایی زاراوە یاساییە کوردییەکان، گۆڤاری تەرازوو، یەکێتیی مافپەروەرانی کوردستان، ژمارە ١٤، ساڵی ٢٠٠٢، ل ١١٤. د.نووری تاڵەبانی، فەرهەنگی قانوونی، چاپی پێنجەم، وەزارەتی داد و وەزارەتی ڕؤشنبیری و لاوان، هەولێر، ٢٠١٠، ل ١٣. امیر کلان، چە کسی از آموزش چند زبانە می هراسد، ترجمە د.هیوا ویسی، Channel View Publications Ltd. / Multilingual Matters، ٢٠١٨، ص ١٩. امیر ناظمی، سیاست زبان در جمهوری اسلامی ایران: پیشنهادهای سیاستی درخصوص زبان و زبان آموزی، فصلنامۀ مطالعات راهبردی سیاستگذاری عمومی، دورۀ ٨ ، شمارۀ ٢٦، بهار١٣٩٧، ص ٢٤٦.

The Kurdish language in the courts of the Kurdistan Region: between Law and Reality

The Decline of Children's Kurdish Traditional Games and Their Impact on Cultural Identity

Introduction&nbsp;The different languages of the world, just as they reflect their peoples’ belief systems, ways of thinking and material culture, also reflect the different roles and the relations between men and women in any given society. These linguistic differences either highlight the distinctions between genders or reinforce them. Indeed, language among men and women is often not neutral in terms of structure, vocabulary or usage, it carries gendered messages or biases. That is why sociolinguistics is one of those disciplines that can provide important information and insights into the sociology of gender; enabling us to look at the differences from a linguistic perspective while considering the dual role of language in representation and reinforcement, as gendered language can reinforce social differences between men and women. Therefore, this research looks at the different languages of the world, in particular, how they reflect the roles, expectations and statuses of women. The aim of this research is to identify the underlying causes of the linguistic differences between men and women, and to analyze the impacts of gendered language biases by relying on empirical data and theoretical perspectives.&nbsp; Linguistic Differences between Men and WomenLinguistic studies show that in many societies, the speech of men and women differs. In some cases, the differences are small and subtle, barely noticeable for the majority of people or accepted as natural, just like variations in facial expressions. In some instances, gender differences between males and females are noticed. In some languages, differences do not lie only in the frequency of usage, but pair words, one male and one female, are used to convey the same meaning. To illustrate, in the Caribbean Islands of the West Indies, women use the word ‘Koyo’ to refer to rain, while men use the term ‘Konobo’. Many other similar word pairs are found in this language (Hickerson, 1980: 90). In Koasati, an indigenous language used in southwestern Louisiana, differences are found in specific and conditional verb forms that vary depending on the gender of the speaker. Koasati-speaking men use the term ‘Lakahoz’ when they want to say ‘Lift it’ while the women say ‘Lakahol’ (Haas, 1964: 228). In this case, grammatical forms are employed, not to refer to the listener, but are chosen to align with the speaker’s gender (Pi Ferraro, 2000: 100).&nbsp;According to Sapir (1929,a), Similar to the Djabugay natives in Queensland, Australia, there are individuals who use a specific language variant which explicitly distinguishes between male and female (Dixon, 1971). This dialect shares the same phonemes and approximately the same grammatical system as the main language, but it has a completely distinct vocabulary. However, both genders can use both types of terms. &nbsp;Another indigenous language of Australia, Yanewa, has some 90 to 150 speakers. Yanewa features variants which distinguish between genders. These variants use the same core vocabulary but different class-indicative prefixes are added to nouns, verbs, and pronouns. According to Bradley (1998), the men use a dialect among themselves while the women use a different one among each other. The children are raised using their mothers’ variant, and boys must switch to the men’s dialect as they reach puberty (Wardhaugh, 2013: 508-509).In some languages, the difference is so significant that men and women actually use different vocabulary, pronunciations and grammatical forms. This issue is observed in the Japanese language, where there exist different words for men and women (Lawrence Tresk, 2001: 120). Rarely, there are cases where men and women use two completely different languages, such as the Chinese language Nüshu. Nüshu was used until recently and spoken only by women.&nbsp;According to a report by JamJam Online: The last Chinese woman who spoke Nüshu (The only language spoken exclusively by women) passed away. Nüshu, a century-old script, became extinct with the woman’s death. According to Canal 3, a French TV channel, “Yang Huanyi”, the only woman who still used Nüshu passed away at the age of 98. Her death signifies the end of Nüshu, a scripted language used for centuries by women in remote areas of Central and Southern China. Nüshu is the only language in the world specific to women. Manuscripts in Nüshu are very rare; they were traditionally burned or buried with the dead.&nbsp;Additionally, gender differences can be observed in the intricacies of most languages, such as in the rhythm of speech, pitch and tonality, emphasis and manners of expression. For example, according to Kramer &nbsp;(1974), in America, compared to men, women speak with less emphasis and use more qualifiers after making a statement &nbsp;(ie: This might just be my opinion, but…) or forming questions (ie: ‘Isn’t that so?’ or ‘Don’t you agree?’). Moreover, women use less inappropriate and impolite words and tend to use evocative expressions like ‘as far as i know’ and emphatic phrases such as ‘very’ and ‘so’ (ie: I was so happy to see you). Compared to men, women are more keen on speaking precisely and thoughtfully (P. Ferraro, 1379: 101). To add, women are more prone to using expressive or emotive terms such as ‘divine, cute, thrilling etc’ whereas men rarely use them. Moreover, distinctions made by women in certain domains are more precise than men’s. For example, in the domain of colors, women are more likely to use specific terms such as neon green, ecru, chartreuse, and lavender (Lawrence Tressk, 2001: 121).&nbsp; Research Questions:This research attempts to answer the following questions<ul><li>Are languages gender neutral? Or is there a clear and observable difference in the usage of language between men and women?</li><li>Does the language of men and women differ in content and structure?&nbsp;</li><li>Which factors contribute to differences in the language of men and women?</li><li>What is the impact of linguistic differences between men and women? In other words, what is the gender of languages?&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</li></ul>Theoretical Framework:Colonial Theory&nbsp;“Many words are unique to men, women understand these terms but never use them. Conversely, certain words and phrases that are unique to women are never used by men, or that men are mocked for using. Frequently in their conversations it appears that women have a different language from men” (Trudgill, 1997: 105). How can we explain these differences? The West Indians have their own generally accepted explanation for this condition. The report cited continues on this topic. "The natives of Dominica say that when the Caribs came to occupy these islands, the Arawak tribe settled. The Caribs annihilated everyone besides the women, whom they married to increase the population. The presence of similarities between the speech of the Arawaks of the American continent and the speech of Caribbean women was confirmed" (Tradgill, 1996: 105). This suggests that they attributed these differences to the mingling of the Carib and Arawak linguistic groups, which were divided by gender following the occupation of these islands.&nbsp; Differences in gender roles and the socialization process as an explanatory factor in linguistic differences between men and womenThis viewpoint propagates that men and women are social creatures who have learned to behave in different manners. Linguistic behavior is primarily learned behavior. Linguistically, men learn how to become men while women learn to become women. Society makes it so that they experience life differently. As we have seen, the reason behind gendered linguistic variations is that language, as a social phenomenon,is closely tied to social perceptions. From a social perspective, men and women differ as society assigns them different roles and expectations, and language merely reflects this reality (Trudgill, 1997: 116). The differences in verbal abilities between men and women can be largely explained by taking into account the different socialization of men and women (Wardhaugh, 2013: 520).Taboo Theory&nbsp;Taboos could have a strong impact on the development of gender-differentiated vocabulary in general. In case of taboos being &nbsp;associated with certain things or activities, for example if women are barred from using certain authentic words, they may begin replacing them with new ones and this causes gender differences in vocabulary.&nbsp; Relationships of Dominance and the Linguistic differences between men and women&nbsp;For some advocates of gender equality, like Robin Lakoff, sexism in language is merely a reflection of sexism in society. In reality, this phenomenon is a symptom, not a cause (Robin Lakoff, 1975). They believe that only through changes that effectively combat sexism can any linguistic changes be achieved. Sara Schultz summarizes this point by stating: People combat sexism through their actions, not merely through ‘speech’ or by exchanging one dialect for another (Schultz, 1981: 25) (Ibid: 170).Research Methods:This research is a theoretical, in-depth qualitative study that relies on current studies in the fields of sociolinguistics, sociology of language and sociology of gender. &nbsp;Data used in this research is based on various languages of the world. This research examines the essential differences in the usage of a language between men and women. The comparative method is used to examine the differences in grammar, vocabulary and semantic load between men and women. These differences are explained using theories from sociolinguistics, sociology of language and sociology of gender.&nbsp;Research FindingsIn researching the different languages of the world, we observe differences in the language of men and women. This difference exists in various regions of the world; these differences vary from men and women speaking completely different languages, to differences in vocabulary, grammatical structure or emphasis and tonality of expression and word choice. These differences can occur due to different reasons, including historical events, the existence of beliefs such as taboos, gender roles and different expectations imposed on men and women during the process of socialization, social norms and standards regarding the family and women, and unequal power dynamics between men and women in society.&nbsp;The difference can be summarized as follows:&nbsp;<ul><li>The usage of language differs among men and women</li><li>Women, in contrast with men, focus more on emotional responsibilities in social relations.</li><li>Women are more inclined than men to use linguistic tools that emphasize solidarity/agreement. </li><li>Women tend to communicate in ways that preserve and foster solidarity/agreement, whereas men tend to communicate in ways that increase their power and prestige (especially in formal contexts)</li><li>In most languages, the nature of words, linguistic content and meaning reinforces the dominance and higher status of men over women.&nbsp;</li></ul>According to the findings of this study, linguistic differences between men and women exist in many languages. This aligns with the theory of linguistic relativity, which suggests that such differences have objective and social impacts and outcomes.&nbsp;Whorf believed that people do not only inhabit their material environment and social life, but they live in the world of their mother tongue as well. The world around us is built on the foundations of the ‘world of language’. Dialects notwithstanding, each language has its own distinct perspective and a background that distinguishes it from other languages (Konratov, 1984: 70).We model the world through philosophy and science and the arts. But one of the most important modeling systems is the language used in daily life. Language is the primary tool for disseminating information in human societies; but language transcends this function. Language can model the world or filter the world through its prism. Contrary to those who simplify it, language is not only an ordered list of different experiences that can be discussed. Rather, it is a symbolic and independent and innovative organization that outlines to us the limits and gaps of experience, on the basis of its own formal wholeness. (Ibid 77). In this way, the biases and directives embedded in language can identify and reinforce gender differences and inequalities in the real world. Therefore, discussing how our language impacts our understanding of the external world is of interest to those who advocate gender equality, for multiple reasons. In this regard, several critical studies on English vocabulary have been conducted by gender equality advocates (Nielsen et al., 1977; Schultz, 1990; John Mills, 1989), which reveal that in many cases, the labels used in the English language are gendered in nature and inherited.&nbsp;Other gender equality advocates have written on issues of vocabulary in the English language, referring to those experiences of women that are difficult to express in English because English lacks the necessary expressions to articulate them (Spender, 1980). Moreover, these linguistic findings show to what extent society relies on gendered language. Some gender theorists believe that fundamentally reforming language is of no use, because as long as society is sexist, sexism would manifest itself in language. Changing language is a struggle with the symptoms not the root causes, but those gender equality advocates that accept the linguistic relativity theory, tend to advocate linguistic reform, as they believe the dissemination of those meanings produces more and reinforces gender inequality and sexism in &nbsp;society (Paknezhad Jabrouti, 1971: 40-48). References- Paknehad Jabrouti, M. (2002). *Superiority and Inferiority in Language*. Tehran: Gam No. First Edition.- Pey Fararo, G. (2000). *Cultural Anthropology: The Cultural Dimension of Global Trade*. Translated by Gh. A. Shamlu. Tehran: SAMT Publications. First Edition.- Trudgill, P. (1997). *Sociolinguistics*. Translated by M. Tabatabaei. Tehran: Agah Publishing. First Edition.- Hyde, J. S. (2005). *Psychology of Women*. Translated by A. Khamseh. Tehran: Arjmand Publishing, Agah Publishing. First Edition.- Kondratov, A. (1984). *Language and Linguistics*. Translated by A. Solhjoo. Tehran: Center for Publications, Allameh Tabataba'i University. First Edition.- Lawrence Trask, R. (2001). *Introduction to Linguistics*. Translated by F. Akhlaghi. Tehran: Ney Publications. First Edition.- Wardhaugh, R. (2014). *An Introduction to Sociolinguistics*. Translated by R. Amini. Tehran: Paper Scent Publishing. First Edition.- Haas, Mary. (1964). "Men's and Women's Speech in Koasati." In *Language in Culture and Society*, pp. 228-233, edited by Dell Hymes. New York: Harper &amp; Row.- Hickerson, Nancy P. (1980). *Linguistic Anthropology*. New York: Holt, Rinehart &amp; Winston.

A Sociological Analysis of the Linguistic Differences between Men and Women

The Impact of Self-efficacy on Dialect Diffusion: Evidence from Jaffi Variety

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