Demological Development of the Ossetians in Georgia: Migration, Language and Social Processes

Abstract

Georgia has never been a mono-ethnic country. Accordingly, the overall picture of the country's ethnic diversity has always been highly heterogeneous. In this context, the demological dynamics and migration processes of the Ossetian population are of particular interest. It is important to provide a clearer understanding of the demological development of Ossetians in Georgia, as this enables a more comprehensive assessment of the current situation and the underlying factors shaping contemporary processes. The aim of this article is to present an objective picture of the demological development of Ossetians in Georgia through an analysis of birth rates, mortality, natural population growth, and migration patterns. The study also examines the extent to which the Tskhinvali conflict exhibits signs of an ethno-demographic basis and explores how historical and political processes have influenced Georgian–Ossetian relations. The study is based on a qualitative research methodology, specifically the analysis of narrative data obtained through in-depth interviews. The first part of the article presents the historical realities of Ossetian migration to Georgia, the dynamics of interethnic relations, the origins of the confrontation between Georgians and Ossetians, and the way these relations have evolved over time. It also provides the political context together with chronological and demological data. One of the key components of the research is a sociological survey aimed at assessing the language competencies of the Ossetian population living both in the territories controlled by the Government of Georgia and in the territories controlled by Russia. Conducted through oral interviews in Georgian and Ossetian villages, the survey demonstrates how historical experience has influenced the emergence of language barriers between ethnic groups. Furthermore, it illustrates how these language barriers affect the integration of Georgian and Ossetian communities, as well as their broader social, cultural, and economic relations. The novelty of the research lies in its assessment of the language competencies of Ossetians living in both Georgian-controlled and Russian-controlled territories. The study provides an overview of the transformations experienced by both the Ossetian and Georgian languages within the context of the linguistic practices and opportunities of the Ossetian population. The present research offers a renewed assessment of the overall picture of the demological development of Ossetians in Georgia. It brings together previously fragmented information into a comprehensive analysis. The study is based not only on historical context and statistical data but also on the narratives and empirical experiences of real people. It reassesses language competencies from a new perspective and demonstrates how historical developments have contributed to the formation of language barriers between ethnic groups.