An analysis of grammatical structures in the Shiraz book series based on processability theory

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of linguistics, Faculty of literature and foreign languages, Allameh Tabatabaei University, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of linguistics, Faculty of Literature and Foreign Languages, Allameh Tabataba'i University

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the degree to which the order of presentation of grammatical structures in the Shiraz Persian language textbooks (introductory, pre-intermediate, and intermediate levels) is consistent with the processability hierarchy. The theoretical framework of the study is the processability theory, which predicts the order in which linguistic structures are learned based on the learners’ processing ability. Using a qualitative method of content analysis, the grammatical structures of all three volumes of the textbooks were identified and their corresponding processing stages were determined. The findings showed that the order of presentation of grammatical structures in the Shiraz textbooks is relatively consistent with the processability hierarchy, although not completely consistent with it. Specifically, at the elementary levels (Shiraz 1), simpler structures (stages 1 to 3 of the hierarchy) are dominant, while at higher levels (Shiraz 2 and 3), more complex structures are given more attention. However, some high-level processing structures (such as verb-subject agreement) are presented from the introductory level because they are mandatory in Persian for all persons and tenses. Finally, this study emphasizes the importance of analyzing grammatical structures in Persian language textbooks with regard to the processing capacity of language learners, as this study can lead to the identification of possible gaps between the natural learning order and the teaching order, and consequently, help optimize educational content.

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References

منابع
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Persian Language International Teaching Studies
Volume 11, Issue 20 - Serial Number 1
September 2025
Pages 177-198

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History

  • Receive Date: 10 May 2025
  • Revise Date: 01 July 2025
  • Accept Date: 01 August 2025

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