Methods and Approaches to Electronic Teaching of the Abkhaz Language (Level A1)

Abstract

In today’s globalized world, the development of online language learning courses is becoming increasingly significant. This article presents an analysis of an e-learning course in the Abkhaz language (A1 level), which aims to design a contemporary model of distance education tailored to this language. This article describes, for the first time, the methodology for developing an electronic course in the Abkhaz language aligned with the A1 CEFR level and adapted for Georgian-speaking students. The course establishes a foundation for digital instruction in Abkhaz and, at the same time, illustrates the broader prospects for the digitalization of minority languages within educational contexts. The importance of such an online initiative is further underscored by the limited number of qualified Abkhaz language teachers available beyond the Enguri River, a factor that continues to hinder effective language acquisition. In designing the Abkhaz language course, particular attention was paid to the linguistic complexity of the language – including its phonemic structure and grammatical categories – while ensuring that the learning materials are presented in a clear and gradual manner. The course incorporates a rich multimedia component, featuring audio materials recorded by native speakers and diverse visual resources that facilitate language acquisition. A variety of interactive exercises enhance cognitive engagement and promote more effective learning outcomes.  Given the electronic format of the course and the limited digital representation of the Abkhaz language, it remains challenging to fully integrate the speaking component into the program. Further development in this area is planned for the next stage of the project. Within the course framework, learners are able to track and save their progress, while also having the option to reset their results should they wish to restart the course from the beginning.