How Languages Work An Introduction to Languages and Linguistics

Edited by Carol Genetti

Language Profile 01

Kabardian

How Languages Work, 2nd ed. © Cambridge University Press 2018

Kabardian

Kabardian, also known as East Circassian, is a member of the Northwest Caucasian Language Family. These languages are indigenous to the Caucasus mountains of Russia. However the majority of speakers live in diasporic communities in Turkey and the Middle East.

How Languages Work, 2nd ed. © Cambridge University Press 2018 2

Northwest Circassian Languages are native to the regions in color. Kabardian is native to the circled region.

How Languages Work, 2nd ed. © Cambridge University Press 2018 3

Circassians were expelled from the Caucasus when the Russians completed their conquest in the 1860s.

How Languages Work, 2nd ed. © Cambridge University Press 2018 4

Circassian women wore elegant, gown-like dresses for special occasions.

How Languages Work, 2nd ed. © Cambridge University Press 2018 5

Traditional Circassian women’s dress

How Languages Work, 2nd ed. © Cambridge University Press 2018 6

Traditional Circassian men’s dress included a collarless shirt, loose riding pants and a caftan-like coat called Cherkesska.

How Languages Work, 2nd ed. © Cambridge University Press 2018 7

Traditionally, the Circassian community as whole cemented its relationship in large feasts and dancing.

How Languages Work, 2nd ed. © Cambridge University Press 2018 8

Traditional Circassian home (wune) in Fındık, Turkey. On the right is the guest room entrance and on the left is the main door.

How Languages Work, 2nd ed. © Cambridge University Press 2018 9

Circassian breakfast with tea, traditional cheeses, sweet butter and fresh bread.

How Languages Work, 2nd ed. © Cambridge University Press 2018 10

Black tea in small glasses is a preferred drink for Circassians in all ages.

How Languages Work, 2nd ed. © Cambridge University Press 2018 11

Today, most fluent Circassian speakers in Turkey are elderly.

How Languages Work, 2nd ed. © Cambridge University Press 2018 12

Circassian elderly women often wear loosely tied head scarves.

How Languages Work, 2nd ed. © Cambridge University Press 2018 13

An accordion is a traditional musical instrument in Circassian culture.

How Languages Work, 2nd ed. © Cambridge University Press 2018 14

Circassian speakers from Fındık, Turkey

How Languages Work, 2nd ed. © Cambridge University Press 2018 15

Circassian elderly are always happy to share their wisdom.

How Languages Work, 2nd ed. © Cambridge University Press 2018 16

Suggestions for further readings on Circassians

Colarusso, John. 2002. Nart Sagas from the Caucasus. Princeton University Press. In this book you will find the myths and legends of Circassians

Hunt, David. 2012. Legends of the Caucasus. Saqi Books.

http://elar.soas.ac.uk/deposit/0105 Kabardian sound files with English and Turkish transcriptions.

How Languages Work, 2nd ed. © Cambridge University Press 2018 17