1. Georgia and the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages
- Author:
- Jonathan Wheatley
- Publication Date:
- 06-2009
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- European Centre for Minority Issues
- Abstract:
- Georgia is a multilingual and multi-ethnic society. A large number of minority languages are spoken in Georgia, including Abkhazian, Ossetian, Azeri, Armenian, Russian, Ukrainian, Kurmanji (Kurdish), Chechen (Kist), Ottoman Turkish, Pontic Greek, Syriac, Avar, Tsova-Tush and Udi. In addition, four distinct languages are spoken by the majority Georgian population -- Georgian, Megrelian, Svan and Laz -- although these are basically vernacular languages that are not normally written. According to Article 8 of the Georgian constitution, the official state language is Georgian, and in Abkhazia, also Abkhazian. Most minority languages are spoken only in certain regions of the country.
- Topic:
- Politics, Multiculturalism, and Minorities
- Political Geography:
- Russia, America, Turkey, Ukraine, Georgia, and Syria