Ethno-linguistic Aspects of Svan Religious Vocabulary

Abstract

This paper presents general conclusions considering the ethno-linguistic aspects of Svan (pagan and Christian) religious vocabulary. Since the primary aim and objective of our research was to conduct, as far as possible, a systematic analysis of numerous linguistic data embedded in ethnographic texts and containing diverse ethnocultural information, as well as to compile these units comprehensively, we used as illustrative material found in “Chrestomathy of the Svan Language” and “Svan Prose Texts” (all four volumes), both based on ancient Svan sources; M. Kaldani and V. Topuria’s “Svan Dictionary”; B. Nijaradze’s “Georgian–Svan–Russian Dictionary”; As. Liparteliani’s “Svan–Georgian Dictionary” (Cholur sub-dialect); and Al. Davitiani’s “Svan Proverbs”. These materials were compared with the relevant Georgian-Zan linguistic data. Through the use of various research methods (descriptive, historical-comparative, contrastive, etc.), we identified both Common Kartvelian elements and materials borrowed from different languages (from Georgian-Zan directly or indirectly, as well as from Greek, Hebrew, Russian, etc.). Naturally, Svan material itself was separately identified. Although no correspondences are found in other Kartvelian languages, it is particularly valuable from a general linguistic perspective, as even minor details play an important role in presenting the most complete picture of ancient worldviews and beliefs. The results of our research are also important from the point of view of teaching Svan, which will contribute to improving the quality of teaching Kartvelian languages, training highly qualified specialists, and developing relevant fields.