ETHNIC AND LINGUISTIC IDENTITY OF THE BATSBI (TSOVA-TUSH) LIVING IN ZEMO ALVANI
Abstract
The Batsbi, or Tsova-Tush, present an interesting picture in the context of Georgia's socio-cultural diversity. They are a small, unique ethnic group that has integrated into Georgian society while retaining some signs of ethnic identity.
Today, the Batsbe are considered a fully fledged Georgian ethnos, although their linguistic and cultural history confirms that they originally belonged to another ethnic group. Their integration into Georgian society is not unusual in the Caucasus, where ethnic groups have often undergone linguistic and cultural transformations over time.
Most scholars believe that the Tsova-Tush are ethnically of North Caucasian origin, although they have been integrated into the historical and cultural space of Georgia since the Middle Ages.
Batsbi, Bats or Tsovatush, is an unwritten language of the Nakhi group of the Nakh-Dagestanian language family. This language is spoken by the Tsova-Tush people of the village of Zemo Alvani, Akhmeta district, Georgia, about 300-400 people. The Batsbi people who live in this village are bilinguals.
The Tsova-Tush (Batsbi) language is classified by UNESCO as an endangered language. This means that it has almost no native speakers and requires special efforts to preserve it.
Unfortunately, the Batsbi language is gradually losing its role as a community language and is fast becoming an endangered minority language.
The Tsova-Tush have almost lost their language, but not their cultural identity - today the Tsova-Tush speak Georgian, although old traditions are still alive in their way of life and folklore. The Tsova-Tush are a unique example of how a small ethnic group can integrate into Georgian society and still retain elements of their cultural identity.
Although there are differences of opinion among scientists about the Tsova-Tush: who are they? Are they local residents or migrants? Did they really migrate from the North Caucasus (Ingusheti)? When did their migration occur?.. The most common theory in scientific circles is that the Tsova-Tush migrated from the North Caucasus, but became part of Georgian culture.
The exact time of their migration is unknown, but it is likely that it took place in the Middle Ages (X-XII centuries).
Over time, the Batsbi completely assimilated with Georgians and today consider themselves Tushes.
Key words: An Endangered language; Ethnic and linguistic identity; A minority language; Family language.
