Introduction
Karabakh, one of the historical and multifaceted territories of the South Caucasus, is not only known for its cultural and natural wealth, but also for its linguistic diversity. Language here has always been the axis of national identity and a symbol of political and cultural struggles of different periods.
When talking about the languages of Karabakh today, we cannot ignore its historical development, existing dialects, the influences of Russian and Azerbaijani, as well as the presence of all of this in modern life.
Linguistic history in Karabakh
Different linguistic layers have existed in Karabakh, from ancient times to the present day.
Karabakh dialect
The Karabakh dialect (often called the Artsakh dialect) used by the Armenian population is a subdialect of Eastern Armenian. It has a unique phonology, vocabulary, and grammatical structure that differs from literary Armenian.
Examples:
- Different pronunciation for “r” and “g”
- Local words that are not used in literary Armenian (for example, “shavig”, “vardi”)
- Traditional idioms and expressions
Azerbaijani
Thanks to the long-term presence of Azerbaijanis in the region, the Azerbaijani language has also become widespread, especially in the valley regions. It has been used mainly in trade and daily communication.
Russian
During the Soviet Union, Russian became the official administrative and educational language. It maintained its influence even after independence, especially among the older generation and professionals.
The Karabakh dialect, a bearer of identity
For the Armenians of Artsakh, dialect is more than a means of communication: it is part of national identity.
Linguistic features
- Phonetics: Stressed vowels, r louder
- Vocabulary: Rare words, sometimes borrowed from Persian or Turkish
- Intonation: A form of lyrical speech, especially in folk songs and fairy tales
Folklore
Many folk tales, songs, and epic stories have been preserved in the Karabakh dialect, including the stories of David, Brave Nazar, or Gusana songs.
Modern situation
Education and official language
The main language in schools in Artsakh is literary Eastern Armenian, but the dialect continues to be actively used in everyday life. It has become the main type of everyday speech.
Media and digital content
Programs in the Karabakh dialect are broadcast on local radio stations, and videos and YouTube channels are also being created to preserve the language.
Language as a political tool
Language has often been used in Karabakh as a marker of identity or territorial affiliation. Linguistic affiliation has also become part of diplomatic debates for both the Armenian and Azerbaijani sides.
Conservation and development steps
The following steps are being taken to preserve the Karabakh dialect:
- Dialect registration and documentation
- Curricula and textbooks in local language
- Media content creation
- Dialect podcasts and vlogs
- Cultural festivals and literary competitions
Challenges
- The younger generation often prefers literary Armenian or Russian.
- Many immigrants are losing their dialect skills
- Unofficial status in the education system
Conclusion
The languages of Karabakh, especially the Karabakh dialect, are one of the golden parts of the cultural heritage of this region. They convey history, values, and identity. Preserving languages is tantamount to preserving identity.
The linguistic context of Karabakh is not only history, but also the foundation of the future. Efforts must continue to preserve, study, and disseminate the language so that it lives and develops among future generations.
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