THE IMPACT OF GEOPOLITICAL FACTORS ON THE SPREAD AND DIMENSIONS OF LANGUAGES IN NORTHERN IRAQ

Povzetek

The geography of language addresses one of the geopolitical pillars in the region, given its significance as a source of strength for the state in promoting national identity and fostering interaction among the population in the northern region. Language affects the strength of the state in terms of social cohesion, promoting cultural awareness, and instilling a sense of belonging and identity in order to strengthen international relations. It also leads to economic development within the state's borders and is not merely a means of communication from a geopolitical perspective. where linguistic expansion represents a geopolitical calendar that strengthens social bonds and political and economic ties between nationalities and religions alike. We recognize the reality of the diverse social and cultural fabric in the study area. This study aims to highlight the research problem in the geographical factor of language spread and its dimensions in the Kurdistan Region and the provinces of Kirkuk and Mosul, focusing on understanding how geographical factors such as terrain, location, administrative and natural boundaries, and population distribution on the spread and use of languages in these areas, which are characterized by clear linguistic and ethnic diversity. The study aims to identify patterns of language spread in northern Iraq and determine the factors influencing this spread, while examining the dimensions of coexistence and stability among the components. The study reached a number of conclusions, most notably that the linguistic diversity of the population in the northern region is consistent with geographical diversity, such as terrain, and that language in this case is a reflection of the prevailing geographical region. Furthermore, proximity to regional borders has reinforced linguistic diversity in the northern region near Turkey, Iran, and Syria, leading to linguistic and cultural overlap. The most important proposals are to treat the geographical factor not as an obstacle to communication between the components, but as a unique opportunity to promote linguistic diversity and cultural integration while preserving the local identity of each linguistic group in northern Iraq. It also proposes adopting a system of linguistic decentralization in the administration of cultural and linguistic affairs locally, according to the needs of each region.