On the status of the Georgian language during the Soviet period

The study investigates the role of the Georgian language as the primary marker of Georgian national identity during the Soviet period. The author analyzes the official status of the Georgian language and its place in the educational and social spheres. Within the framework of Soviet ideology, the national issue was subordinated to international interests, and forms of ethnicity were produced, regulated, and institutionalized. National cultures and regions became the main fields of action for promoting ethnicity. The Georgian language was given the status of a state language. This situation allowed the Georgian language to develop and stay the language of the majority. It remained the primary language of national education. Numerous scientific studies of various aspects of the Georgian language were conducted throughout the Soviet period, which was also marked by the emergence of Georgian-language television, the development of the press and printing. The author examines the issue of the Russification policy and the response of Georgian society to it.