kurmanc

== Northern Kurdish == === Etymology === Disputed. The initial -kur- is obviously Kurd, but theories vary on the -manc- part. Chyet considers it to be a modern Kurdish equivalent of Mede, this falls in line with Kurdish sound changes as in *Mād ("Mede") > *mānd (n-extension before d/t/č/c sounds; as in tanc, derence, fersend...) > mānc (as in gazind > dialectal gazinc, elend > elenc); Kurd-Mede. However in Zand-i Wahman yasn, a Middle Persian text, the word /karmān/ is used together and synonymously with /kurd/, apparently connected to Kurmanc, Kerman and Kermanshah. Might originally be the name of a tribe, compare Kirmal and Kirmancekiman (subdialect of Leki). === Pronunciation === IPA(key): /kʊɾˈmɑːnd͡ʒ/ === Noun === kurmanc ? Sedentary non-tribal Kurds who speak Northern Kurdish. Northern Kurds. ==== Usage notes ==== While it is now used by most Kurds in Turkey, Syria and Caucasia (=Kurds of Northern Euphrates) "Kurd" was used for the pastoral, nomadic nobility; or used by surrounding groups to differentiate themselves from them (Zazaki Kird, Kirdkî and Kirdas, Kirdaskî). This falls in line with the theory that "Kurd" originally or at some point meant "nomad". 19th century Kurdish rebel leaders often expressed annoyance to the Ottomans lumping them in the same group as the Kurmanj, and often considered them sedentary Kurds to be gawir (pagan) and referred to them as Goran (*gawran;, pagans). Kurds of the historical Soran tribe and principality referred to themselves as کوردەکان ("the Kurds"), the sedentary or peasant Kurds under them as کرمانج or رەعیەت and Hewrami speakers as گۆران (hence Gorani). Melayê Cizîrî uses Mîr û Kurmanc ("king and Kurmanj") to refer to the noblemen and their warriors having taken a battle position which demonstrates that Kurmanj isn't considered to be a nobleman but a lower class of which the tribal forces are gathered from for battle. The usage changed after the 19th century when Kurdish nobility (mirs, begs, etc.) was eradicated after the Ottomans ended Kurdish principalities. Some Southern Kurdish speakers have preserved the title of Kurmanj while others have not. it only disappeared after the 70s in the rest of Kurdistan. ==== Derived terms ==== kurmancî === References ===