ABSTRACT

This chapter discusses lesser-researched aspects of nation-building and group identity formation in Georgia such as language policies and planning initiatives upon a significantly under-researched minority group, the ethnic Azeris. Language policy and planning in Georgia is assessed here with regards to its impact upon ethnic Azeris living in Kvemo Kartli and asks the reader to ponder the impact language can have upon minority integration into greater society. A government's agenda pertaining to the primary language or languages spoken in the public realm is the language policy' of that state; the ways in which this agenda is carried out reflect that state's efforts with regard to language planning. The Georgians and Armenians, though, enjoyed a period of independent rule during the middle Ages. Language is an important marker of Georgian group identity, and it is this very group identity that is promoted through nation-building processes.