southEstonian

South Estonian refers to a group of Estonian dialects spoken in Southern Estonia. These dialects are distinct from the standard Estonian language, which is based on the northern dialects. Linguists often consider South Estonian to be a separate language, or at least a dialect continuum with significant divergences from North Estonian. The main varieties of South Estonian include Võro, Seto, Mulgi, and Tartu.

The Võro language, spoken in southeastern Estonia, is perhaps the most well-known and has a relatively active community of speakers and a growing body of literature and cultural production. Seto is closely related to Võro and is spoken by the Seto people, a distinct ethnic group in the southeast. Mulgi is spoken in the south-central part of Estonia, and Tartu dialect was historically important in the city of Tartu.

Historically, South Estonian dialects were more widespread. The differences between South and North Estonian are noticeable in phonology, grammar, and vocabulary. For instance, some South Estonian dialects have different vowel systems and pronounciations compared to standard Estonian.

In recent decades, there has been a growing movement to preserve and promote South Estonian languages and dialects. This includes efforts to develop written standards, publish literature, and teach the languages in schools, particularly in the Võro-speaking region. While standard Estonian is the official language of Estonia and widely understood, the distinctiveness and cultural significance of South Estonian are increasingly recognized and valued.