Schedule 77. StuTS

This study investigates the intergenerational decline of the Georgian language among ethnic Georgian communities in Turkey. Based on survey data from 74 participants across three age groups (17–30, 31–50, 51–70), the research identifies a clear generational shift in language proficiency, with fluency dropping from 81% in the oldest cohort to just 10% in the youngest. Despite this decline, a strong majority (87.8%) of participants expressed that the Georgian language holds cultural importance, and over 80% showed interest in learning or improving their Georgian skills. The findings highlight the growing gap between symbolic appreciation and active use of the language. The study calls for targeted revitalization efforts, such as formal education opportunities and community-based initiatives, to support the continued transmission of Georgian in Turkey. By focusing on the lived experiences of community members, this research contributes to the broader discourse on heritage language preservation.

This talk explores the gradual decline of the Georgian language in Turkey through a sociolinguistic lens, focusing on the generational shift observed among ethnic Georgian communities. While Georgian has historically been spoken within families and small communities, its use has diminished significantly over time. This study is based on survey data collected from 74 participants across three age groups and provides a quantitative look at language proficiency, language use, and attitudes toward learning Georgian.

The findings reveal a clear generational pattern: older participants maintain higher fluency, while younger generations are increasingly disconnected from the language. Despite this, a large majority of respondents consider the Georgian language to be culturally important and express interest in learning or improving their skills. This contrast between symbolic value and practical use raises questions about the sustainability of heritage languages without institutional or community-based support.

In this talk, I will present visualized survey results and reflect on their implications for language maintenance efforts. I will also briefly discuss the methodology, including participant recruitment and survey design, to provide insight into how the data was collected and interpreted. The goal is to contribute to broader discussions on minority language preservation, while offering concrete insights from a case study within Turkey's multicultural context.

Info

Day: 2025-05-17
Start time: 15:20
Duration: 00:30
Room: GWZ 2.116
Track: Sociolinguistics
Language: en

Links:

• iCalendar