Svanuri

Svanuri (სვანური) is the Georgian term for the Svan language, spoken by the Svan people of Svaneti in northwestern Georgia. It is one of the Kartvelian (South Caucasian) languages, forming a distinct branch alongside Georgian, Mingrelian, and Laz. Svanuri has several regional dialects and is used in daily communication, traditional storytelling, and local media in parts of Svaneti and surrounding areas. The language is typically written using the Georgian script, and linguistic descriptions note features such as a rich consonant system and ejective consonants that set it apart from neighboring languages.

In sociolinguistic context, Svanuri coexists with Georgian, which is the dominant language in education and administration. Efforts to preserve and promote Svanuri include local cultural programs, literature, and language revitalization initiatives in communities where Svaneti traditions remain strong. Svan musical heritage, particularly its polyphonic singing, is a widely recognized cultural asset within Georgia and contributes to the broader Georgian polyphony tradition.

The vitality of Svanuri varies by locality and generation. While it remains the language of everyday use for many older and rural speakers, younger generations in towns are more likely to use Georgian. Preservation efforts, documentation, and education in Svanuri are important for sustaining this aspect of Georgia’s linguistic and cultural diversity.