Discover the Nuances of the Georgian Alphabet

A Linguistic Journey: Exploring the Unique Features of Georgia's Writing System

Step into the realm of the Georgian alphabet, a captivating writing system rich in history and linguistic intrigue. With its distinct characters and absence of capital letters, Georgian presents a fascinating challenge for language enthusiasts and those seeking to unravel its depths.

Absence of Numerals

In a curious twist, the Georgian alphabet lacks symbols for numerals. Instead, letters are used to represent numbers, with each letter assigned a specific numerical value. This unique system adds an extra layer of complexity to the language, demanding a careful understanding of the correspondence between letters and numbers.

Three Historical Scripts

Throughout its evolution, the Georgian alphabet has seen the rise and fall of three distinct scripts: Asomtavruli, Nuskhuri, and Mkhedruli. Asomtavruli, the oldest of the three, served as the official script from the 5th to 8th centuries AD. Nuskhuri emerged as a more cursive form of Asomtavruli and was used from the 9th to 11th centuries AD. Finally, Mkhedruli, the modern Georgian script, evolved from Nuskhuri and became the official writing system in the 11th century AD.

Mkhedruli: The Alphabet Today

The modern Georgian alphabet, known as Mkhedruli, consists of 33 letters. It is used for both Georgian and Svan languages, contributing to the preservation of Georgia's rich cultural heritage. Mkhedruli's absence of capital letters makes it stand out among other alphabets, adding to its enigmatic allure.