Language is an intermediate of understanding, a tool for expression, and sometimes a barrier between cultures around the world. It is a vessel for self-expression as well as a bond that unites communities. One of the most beautiful ways to connect with a culture is by understanding its language, which carries the echoes of its history, social norms, and collective mentality.
Today, we have the chance to get a glimpse into the Georgian language — a language spoken by many members of our campus community. Georgia, located in the Caucasus region, is known for its unique alphabet and challenging pronunciation, particularly of its vowels.
Nana Tsignadze, a second-year Computer Science major from Georgia, will guide us through the beautiful intricacies of her native language. We are excited to learn from her the cultural richness embedded in the Georgian tongue. The first question on our agenda is to understand what languages are spoken in Georgia and how these languages coexist within the country.
"In Georgia, the primary language spoken is Georgian, which is the official state. It has its own unique script and deep historical roots. Besides Georgian, there are also several regional languages, such as Mingrelian, which is spoken mainly in the western part of the country, especially in Samegrelo. Mingrelian is related to Georgian but is distinct enough to be considered a separate language, even though it does not have an official written form. Apart from these, some communities in Georgia speak Svan (in the mountainous Svaneti region) and Laz (closer to the Black Sea coast), both of which, like Mingrelian, belong to the Kartvelian language family"
She continues discussing the other languages spoken widely in Georgia which do not belong to the Kartvelian language. "While Russian used to be the main second language in Georgia, its role is changing. Today, English is becoming way more popular, especially among younger. English is seen as the language of new opportunities, for studying abroad, working internationally, or simply staying connected to the world. Russian is still widely understood, among older generations and in certain regions, but for many young Georgians, English feels more modern and future-focused, while Russian is more connected to the past. Both languages coexist, but the vibe around them is definitely shifting with the new generation."
Curious about the unique structure of the language, I asked her to tell me more about the Georgian alphabet. "The Georgian alphabet is really special. It has 33 letters, and each letter represents one sound, so it's straightforward once you get used to it. What's tricky for a lot of people are the vowels we have sounds that are hard to pronounce if you're not used to them. Also, in Georgian, verbs are very important, and they change a lot. There are a lot of conjugations depending on the subject, tense, and sometimes even the object you're talking about. So, learning the alphabet is just the first step — understanding how verbs work is a whole other challenge."
She specifically highlighted that the most difficult part of learning Georgian isn’t reading or writing — it’s speaking. "Speaking is definitely the hardest part. Even if you understand everything in your head, actually saying the words out loud can be really challenging because of the way the sounds are combined."
As we continued our conversation, I asked her about the different dialects spoken across Georgia. "There are around 18 dialects in Georgia. In Tbilisi, the accent is considered posher, people there tend to pronounce words more clearly and with a slightly different intonation. In other regions, the way people emphasize words can change a lot. You can still understand them, but it becomes a little more difficult, especially if you're not used to hearing those accents. Mingrelian is definitely one of the hardest, it sounds really different and even for Georgians, it can be challenging to follow sometimes."
Curious about how Georgian interacts with other languages, I asked her if there are any similarities or mixing with foreign languages. "Older generations sometimes mix in Russian words without really noticing, just because it was part of everyday life for so long. With younger people, it’s more about English. We use a lot of English words, especially when we’re texting, online, or even just casually talking with friends.
I wanted to delve deeper into her experience with foreign languages, so we continued discussing which foreign language she feels more comfortable in. "English was the first foreign language I learned. I started studying it in first grade at school, and over time, I became more comfortable using it, especially in classes and when watching movies or reading."
I asked her what advice she would give to foreigners who are trying to understand or learn Georgian. "I would say, communicate with people as much as possible. Even if you make mistakes, just keep speaking, listening, and practicing."
Spending time with native speakers, hearing the rhythm and flow of real conversations, and not being afraid to make small mistakes is how she believes Georgian really starts to feel natural. According to her, Georgian is best learned not just through books or lessons, but through everyday connection.
Curious about the emotional depth of her language, I asked her to share the most beautiful word she could think of in Georgian. "I would say 'siqvaruli' (სიყვარული). It could be translated as 'love' in English, but in Georgian, it holds a much deeper meaning. It describes someone whose heart is direct, honest, and true." In Georgian, სიყვარული isn't just about romantic feelings — it's a word that captures pure sincerity, emotional openness, and a sense of loyalty that runs deep. It's one of those words that carries an entire feeling, something that's hard to fully translate into another language without losing some of its meaning.
Still thinking about the beauty of language, I asked her if there was a Georgian word that cannot be fully translated into English without losing its grace. "I would say 'ertguleba' (ერთგულება). It's hard to translate exactly. It means loyalty and devotion, but not out of duty or responsibility — it's something that comes naturally, from love and unity. It’s about being faithful and true because your heart chooses to, not because you are expected to."
Through this conversation, it became clear how deeply language is tied to emotion, culture, and identity. Georgian, with its unique alphabet, rich vocabulary, and untranslatable feelings, offers not just a way to communicate, but a window into the heart of a people. Hearing these words explained through someone’s personal experience reminds us that language is more than grammar or rules — it’s a living expression of history, love, and connection. And sometimes, the most beautiful parts of a language are the ones that can never be fully translated.