Alexander Kavtaradze of Tbilisi, Georgia, writes:
As someone who is of partial Caucasian Albanian (Udi) descent and a PHD researcher of the history, culture and language of Caucasian Albania, I would like to answer your question about Caucasian Albanian or Udi, as it is now referred.
Although, Caucasian Albanian/Udi language is still spoken by 8,000 to 10,000 people mainly in Azerbaijan and Georgia, the script itself is no longer used as the means of communication. It is now being used in academic studies and research. An attempt was made in 30s to revive the script, albeit to no avail. The subject is still being addressed at various platforms. Nevertheless, any recognition of one of the oldest written languages (Caucasian Albanian) would be welcome.
I have done extensive research in both Azerbaijan (which I visited last May) and Georgia, where Udi communities still reside (in three main villages) and can confirm that the script is not being used outside the academic circles, at all. However, in the future there still might be some attempts at revival of the script, especially for liturgical or other similar purposes.
This entry is what Wikipedia calls a “stub”–that is, we know very little, we wish we knew more, and we’d love to hear from anyone who can add to our miserable little stub of knowledge.
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