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CAUCASIAN LANGUAGES

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geographical group of about 24 languages spoken in CAUCASIA, (q.v.). They are usually classified into three groups: Northwestern, or Abkhazo-Adyghian; Northeastern or Dagestanian (possibly of common ancestry with the Northwestern group); and Southern or Kartvelian, the leading member of which is Georgian, the language of Georgia and neighboring areas. Caucasian languages tend to be agglutinative in type and show some inflection, but the three groups vary strikingly in their grammar and word formation. In general these languages are characterized by combinations of consonants, especially of gutturals and sibilants, that are difficult to pronounce. See also GEORGIAN LITERATURE,.

An article from Funk & Wagnalls® New Encyclopedia. © 2006 World Almanac Education Group. A WRC Media Company. All rights reserved. Except as otherwise permitted by written agreement, uses of the work inconsistent with U.S. and applicable foreign copyright and related laws are prohibited.

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