Dialect comparison

Kurmanji vs Zaza

Compare two dialects of Kurdish side by side — where they're spoken, what they're called, and how they relate.

Kurmanji

The most widely spoken Kurdish variety, used across southeast Turkey, northern Syria, and parts of Iraq and Iran.

Speakers (approx.)
15,000,000
Approximate centre
37.50°, 41.50°
Zaza

Spoken in eastern Turkey. Closely related to Kurdish varieties, with its own grammar and vocabulary.

Spoken in
Approximate centre
38.70°, 39.50°

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Read the full picture of Kurdish and the dialects within it.

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