Sogdian

[ sog-dee-uhn ]

noun

1. a native or inhabitant of Sogdiana.
2. the extinct Iranian language of Sogdiana.

ˈSogdian

/ ˈsɒɡdɪən /

noun

1. a member of the people who lived in Sogdiana
2. the language of this people, now almost extinct, belonging to the East Iranian branch of the Indo-European family

adjective

1. of or relating to Sogdiana, its people, or their language

Word History and Origins

Origin of Sogdian¹

From the Greek word Sogdianós, dating back to 1770–80. See Sogdiana, -ian

Example Sentences

I thought maybe he didn’t speak the common Sogdian tongue.

From Literature

Still nothing from the monks. “...that is, if I were a Hindustani, which, as a Sogdian, I am not. Though, I have been to the mango groves. We could use one of their monsoons in this infernal desert heat, couldn’t we?”

From Literature

I am pausing my testimony here to say that if you’re looking for a humble servant who can read and write in common Sogdian and takes orders in a half dozen other languages—and who can pray for your soul and for your career—who will never steal from your house or menace your children, then you could do far worse than to look kindly on your friend, Monkey.

From Literature

She said the Sogdian blessing that the food be of good nourishment, the way an older sister might have done, and added, “I think it might have been love.”

From Literature

Korla theater had come into style in the nearby capital of Turfan, and the resulting income had brought other arts—Sogdian inlay, Chinese zither players, Kuchean dancers.

From Literature