Georgian alphabet facts for kids
The Georgian alphabet is a special writing system. It is used to write the Georgian language and other languages that are related to it. This alphabet is sometimes called Khutsuri. People first talked about it around the 11th century.
Some people think the Georgian alphabet was inspired by older writing systems like Greek or Aramaic. However, many Georgian experts believe it was created in a unique way. They think it might have been inspired by the Greek alphabet, but it was not directly copied. This is because the Georgian language has many sounds that are very different from Greek.
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What is the Georgian Alphabet?
The Georgian alphabet is a writing system used for the Georgian language. It is one of the world's oldest alphabets. It has a unique look with its rounded and flowing letters. This makes it stand out from other alphabets.
Three Main Styles
The Georgian alphabet actually has three main styles. Over time, these styles have changed and developed. They are:
- Asomtavruli: This is the oldest style. It means "capital letters." You can often see this style in old church writings and inscriptions.
- Nuskhuri: This style came after Asomtavruli. It was used for religious texts and manuscripts. It's a bit more rounded and easier to write quickly.
- Mkhedruli: This is the modern style of the Georgian alphabet. It is what people use today for everyday writing, books, and newspapers. It means "military" or "secular."
Asomtavruli: The Ancient Script
Asomtavruli is the oldest form of the Georgian alphabet. It was mainly used from the 5th to the 10th centuries. Its letters are large and rounded. You can find examples of Asomtavruli on old stone carvings and church walls. It looks very grand and important.
Nuskhuri: The Religious Script
Nuskhuri developed from Asomtavruli. It became popular from the 9th century onwards. This style was often used for writing religious books and manuscripts. It was easier to write than Asomtavruli. This made it good for copying long texts.
Mkhedruli: The Modern Script
Mkhedruli is the alphabet used in Georgia today. It started to be used widely in the 11th century. This style is very flowing and easy to read. It has 33 letters. Each letter usually stands for one sound. This makes it quite easy to learn once you know the sounds.
Why is it Unique?
The Georgian alphabet is special because it is one of the few alphabets in the world that is used for only one language family. It was created specifically for the sounds of the Georgian language. This means it fits the language perfectly. It has letters for sounds that are not found in many other languages.
Images for kids
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Anbandidi Gospel in Asomtavruli, 9th century.
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Nuskhuri of Mikael Modrekili, 10th century.
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Stylistic variation of letters რ and ლ on a street name sign for Rustaveli Avenue, showing variations in the name Rustaveli, with რუსთაველის resembling ɦუსთავეჺის.
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Mtavruli, i.e. all-caps text, on a Georgian police car
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Ossetian text written in Mkhedruli script, from a book on Ossetian folklore published in South Ossetia in 1940. The non-Georgian letters ჶ [f] and ჷ [ə] can be seen.
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Asomtavruli of the 6th and 7th centuries
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Asomtavruli at Barakoni
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Doliskana inscriptions in Asomtavruli
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Asomtavruli inscription at Ishkhani
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Asomtavruli inscription at Nikortsminda Cathedral
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Nuskhuri of 8th to 10th centuries
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Nuskhuri of Jruchi Gospels, 13th century
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Nuskhuri of the 11th century
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Nuskhuri of Mokvi
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Nuskhuri Iadgari of Mikael Modrekili, 10th century
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Nuskhuri by Nikrai, 12th century
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Mkhedruli royal charter of King Bagrat IV of Georgia
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Mkhedruli royal charter of King George II of Georgia
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Დავით აღმაშენებლის ავტოგრაფი autograph of georgian king David IV aghmashenebeli.jpg
Mkhedruli royal charter of King David IV of Georgia
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Mkhedruli royal charter of King George III of Georgia
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Mkhedruli royal charter of Queen Tamar of Georgia
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Mkhedruli royal charter of King George IV of Georgia
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Mkhedruli royal charter of King George V of Georgia
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See also
In Spanish: Alfabeto georgiano para niños
