What language is spoken in Svaneti and Mingrelia?
Official Georgian and the Svan language.
Short answer
The official language of Georgia, including Svaneti and Mingrelia, is Georgian, and the Svans have their own language and folklore. In Upper Svaneti, a UNESCO World Heritage site, they have survived thanks to the region's remoteness.
Why
- Article 2 of the Constitution of Georgia: the official language is Georgian, and in Abkhazia also Abkhazian.
- The language and folklore of the Svans are part of the intangible heritage of Upper Svaneti.
- The traditions, customs and beliefs of the Svans have survived in Upper Svaneti thanks to the region's remoteness.
Details
Upper Svaneti lies in the upper reaches of the Inguri river basin, between the Caucasus and Svaneti ranges. Land use and settlement here reflect the traditions of the Svans, who live in harmony with the surrounding nature. The language and folklore of the Svans are part of the intangible heritage of the area. Who the Svans and Megrelians are is explained in who the Adjarians, Megrelians and Svans are, and the relationship of the languages in which language group Georgian belongs to.
If you are heading to the mountains, see where Svaneti is and how to get there.
Tip
In Svaneti and Mingrelia, start with the Georgian gamarjoba and leave local words for when your host speaks Svan or Mingrelian first.
What may differ
If you do not speak Georgian, ask your hosts in advance which language is easiest to use.
Common misconception
Svan is the official language in Svaneti.
What actually happens
No, the official language of Georgia is Georgian (Article 2 of the Constitution), while the Svan language is part of the Svans' intangible heritage.
People also ask
- What language do people speak in Svaneti?
- What is the Mingrelian language?
Sources
- Constitution of Georgia, Article 2Checked at:
- Upper Svaneti, UNESCO World HeritageChecked at:
This answer is for reference. No official data on the Mingrelian language or on the number of speakers of the local languages is given here.
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