The linguistic dynamics of Abkhaz, Batsbi, Udi, Avar and Chechen in Georgia: The Influence of Sociolinguistic Factors

Abstract

The present article aims to examine several aspects of the functioning of Iberian-Caucasian, or Mountain Caucasian, languages spoken in Georgia, specifically:

• their geographical distribution;
• the level of intergenerational language transmission;
• the degree of native language proficiency.

 The study is based on field sociolinguistic research conducted between 2019 and 2024. The research focused on the linguistic situation of ethnic minority groups living in Georgia — Abkhazians, Chechens (Kists), Bats/Batsbi (Tsova-Tush), Udis, and Avars — in both compact and dispersed settlements, as well as on the sociolinguistic and demographic factors influencing these communities. The fieldwork was carried out in several regions of Georgia, including Adjara (Abkhaz community), the Pankisi Gorge (Kist community), and the municipalities of Akhmeta and Kvareli (Udi, Batsbi, and Avar (Khunz) communities).

 According to the UNESCO Atlas of the World’s Languages in Danger, the unifying feature of these languages is the threat of extinction they face.

Participants in the sociolinguistic survey represented various age groups. The research employed both quantitative and qualitative methods, including anonymous questionnaires, structured interviews, observation, audio and video recordings, and analysis of code-switching phenomena.