AbkhazoAdyghe

Abkhazo-Adyghe, also known as Abkhaz–Adyghe, is a branch of the Northwest Caucasian language family that comprises the Abkhaz–Abaza subgroup and the Circassian (Adyghe) languages. In linguistic classifications, it is presented as a primary division within Northwest Caucasian, grouping together the Abkhaz–Abaza languages with the Circassian languages under one umbrella.

The principal languages in this branch are Abkhaz and Abaza, and the Circassian languages Adyghe (often called West Circassian) and Kabardian (East Circassian). These languages are spoken primarily in the North Caucasus region, in Abkhazia and the Russian republics of Adygea and Krasnodar Krai, with diasporic communities in Turkey and other countries.

Linguistically, Abkhazo-Adyghe languages are renowned for their phonological and morphological complexity. They typically have large consonant inventories and relatively small vowel systems. The languages are highly inflected with rich verbal morphology and extensive affixation, and many exhibit ergative alignment. Word order is often flexible, supported by extensive case marking and agreement systems.

Writing systems for these languages are generally based on Cyrillic scripts. Abkhaz, Abaza, and the Circassian languages use Cyrillic alphabets adapted to their sounds; historically, other writing systems have been used, including Arabic and Latin scripts in different periods. In contemporary policy, Abkhaz has official status in Abkhazia; Circassian languages have revitalization efforts and education programs but face challenges related to speaker numbers and language transmission.