Author: H G Raverty
Publisher: Asian Educational Services
Year: 1995
Language: English
Pages: 1115
ISBN/UPC (if available): 8120602862
Description
The first of this kind, this dictionary was first published in 1860. Its compiler and editor spent over 12 years researching into lexicographical works existing on the Pushto language, which was often regarded as a colloquial language. Merit of this publication lies in that Pushto words have been romanised with meanings in English.
The Pushto, or language of the Afghans, is written in the 'maskh' character of Arabic, which is of the same general use amongst the Arabs as the Roman in Europe. It succeeded the Kufik in which the Kor'an was first written; and is considered to have been invented in the third century of the Hijrah by Ibn Koklah, who was minister to the Khalifs of Baghdad.
The peculiarities of the Pushto verbs and pronouns together with some other characteristics, would seem to indicate that it is a peculiar and very ancient original language, different from any other known tongue. Captain Raverty has thrown considerable light upon this ancient and unique language which had not received the attention it deserved from Oriental scholars, and also greatly neglected by the Afghans themselves.