lázu

Lázu is a term that can refer to several distinct concepts, primarily found in linguistic and geographical contexts. In linguistics, "lázu" is the name for a language spoken by the Laz people, an ethnic group indigenous to the Lazistan region, which historically encompassed parts of northeastern Turkey and northwestern Georgia. Lázu is a Kartvelian language, closely related to Georgian and Mingrelian. It is characterized by a complex vowel system and a rich morphology. Due to historical assimilation and emigration, the number of Lázu speakers has declined significantly, making it an endangered language. Efforts are underway by linguists and the Laz community to document and revitalize the language.

Geographically, "Lázu" can also refer to a specific location or region. This might be a village, a valley, or a historical area associated with the Laz people. The exact geographical referent depends on the specific context in which the term is used. For example, it might appear in historical texts describing the ancestral homeland of the Laz or in contemporary discussions about the cultural geography of the Black Sea region. Understanding the specific context is crucial to differentiate between the linguistic and geographical meanings of "lázu."