The Sociolinguistic Situation of the Lezgi in Azerbaijan

Abstract

This paper presents the results of sociolinguistic research conducted in July 1999 and the spring of 2001 among the Lezgi people living northeastern Azerbaijan. The goals of the research were to investigate patterns of language use, bilingualism, and language attitudes with regard to the Lezgi, Russian, and Azerbaijani languages in the Lezgi community. Of particular interest is the overall vitality of the Lezgi language even among Lezgi living in multiethnic urban areas, in spite of variations in language use patterns observed between regions. Interviews, observations, and questionnaires were employed. An important part of the interviews dealt with perceived benefits of the various languages.*