Week 18: Kartuli Ena (Georgian Language)

Ever since my untimely arrival, I've been tossed into a country with a language with both eccentricities and intricacies unknown to many! So here are some fun facts and opinions:

• The Georgian language (known as 'Kartuli' in the language, itself) is with one of the most unique writing systems in the world! With 33 letters, it's a trip! From my understanding, Armenian is it's closest alphabetical relative!

• In my opinion, Georgian is a very difficult language. They have a 'K' sound originating from what I think is the throat, but I still haven't figured it out. Along those lines, Georgians will want to hear foreigners say 'ბაყიყი წყალში ყიყინებს' (Baqaqi tsqalshi qiqnebs) which literally means 'The frog croaks in the water' AKA a sore throat stated in 3 words.

My first week at language class!

• Due to law, most signs are in both in Georgian AND English. However, many are not perfect...

'Car Woshing'! A sign in my hometown, Chiatura

• In Georgian, 'Barbarismi' refers to *only* Russian loan words. Words like 'Pechi' (Stove) are often used more than their Georgian counterparts; 'Ghumeli' is the word for stove.

• Georgian has 3 alphabets! 2 ancient ones, and the contemporary version!

• Most words and names MUST end with a vowel in order to participate in most post-positions! For example, 'To Tbilisi' is tbilisshi. You remove the final 'i' to add 'shi' which means 'to'.

A street sign

• Although Georgian is the official language of the country, many other languages are spoken around the country! Most notably, 'Magrelian', another language (some argue it's a dialect), uses the Georgian alphabet in Samagrelo. Abkhaziat is spoken in Abkhazia, Ossetian in Ossetia, and Turkish in Adjara (the southwest). In Svaneti, a province in the north, there is unfortunately little discussion about preserving the local language, Svanuri, there. Armenian and Azerbaijani are spoken closer to their respective borders, and most everyone can speak Russian with relative ease.

One of my favorite shows! 'Igbliani Bulbani' or Luck Wheel! It's Georgia's Wheel of Fortune'!

• Some of my favorite (and most frequently-used) words! (Don't ask how I know this)
• 'Kaltevse' which literally means 'fish woman' is the word for mermaid
• 'Amerikuli Mtebi' which translates as 'American Mountains' actually refers to roller coasters!
• 'Cactusi' is the word for cactus and it's fun to say.
• 'Ra ginda bitcho?' What do you want, dude?
• 'Sad chemi chikolata?' Where is my chocolate?
• 'Vaimeeee' Oh my!
• 'Raktma unda' Of course *must be said with extra shade*
• 'Gamarjoba' is 'Hello!'
• 'Madloba' is 'Thank you!'
• And my personal fav 'Ras choroab?' or 'What's the gossip/chatter?'