The origin of Georgian words and the historical development of its meaning. Georgian Language is intrinsic to the expression of Georgian culture. It is the mean by which Georgian culture and its traditions and shared values may be conveyed and preserved.
GAMARJOBA/გამარჯობა means Hello in Georgian. “GAMARJOBA” comes from the word “Gamarjveba” (meaning Victory, Triumph).
Therefore while meeting, all Georgians greet and wish to each other successful and victorious day.
SAMSHOBLO/სამშობლო originates from the word “mshobeli”, Georgian for “parent”. Meaning place of birth, place of origin or native land, the word conveys the unshakeable perpetual connection we share with homeland.
TAVISUPLEBA/თავისუგლება means freedom in Georgian. “TAVISUPLEBA” originates from the word “TAVISUPALI” – being free or independent in Georgian.
“TAVI” means self and “UPALI” means the lord/ owner/patron/ in Georgian.
Thus, the word literally reflects the own free will of the person.
KARTVELI/ქართველი is a name of Georgians.
The root of the word “Kartv” is derived from “Kartu”, which has several versions of its origin: an ancient name of Sakartvelo (Georgia), a name of old Kartvelian tribe or a name of old deity “Kartu”. Specialists suggest that the ethnonym “Kartveli (Georgian) was created in the 1st millennium B.C.
1. Kindness, virtue, good-doings
2. God’s mercy.
We can comprehend “MADLOBA” as “God’s mercy”.
• The celebration of Christ’s coming back to life after death
Orguli in Georgian is defined as: a hidden enemy, insidious and a traitor.
“ART IS IMMORTALITY ITSELF” – KONSTANTINE GAMSAKHURDIA
Konstantine Gamsakhurdia (1893-1975) – Georgian writer, classicist, Doctor of Philosophy, distinguished novelist, public figure, translator, author of short stories.
European educated writer produced outstanding works such as “Stealing the Moon”, “David the Builder”, “The Right Hand of the Grand Master”. Gamsakhurdia’s works are noted for their character portrayals of great psychological insight.
“WE MUST CREATE HAPPPINESS” – GALAKTION TABIDZE
The Georgian “King of Poets,” Galaktion Tabidze – (November 17, 1892 – March 17, 1959) – was a poet of the twentieth century, whose writings have profoundly influenced all subsequent generations of Georgian poets. With his incredibly romantic works, Galaktion created his own unique world of poetry, conveying the beauty of Georgian language and revealing the elasticity of words. Galaktion Tabidze authored thousands of poems that established him as one of the greatest Georgian poets, and made an immense impact on modern Georgian literature. His poems have been translated into many languages across the globe.
“LOVE MAKES THE EARTH SPIN” – GURAM DOCHANASHVILI
Guram Dochanashvili (1939 – 2021) was a Georgian prose writer. Dochanashvili debuted as a writer in 1961. He was immediately noted for his rejection of the Soviet literary dogmas of Socialist Realism, and his dissident views. His most popular work is the novel The First Garment (1975) based on the Holy Bible and the story of the War of Canudos in 19th-century Brazil. Dochanashvili’s most renowned pieces are “Man, Who Loved Literature”, “Water(po)lo, or “Rehabilitation Works. An unprecedented large group of 180 people worked to create the theater version of Dochanashvili’s “The First Garment” which involved elements of opera, ballet, graphic arts, and drama and was performed at the Georgian State Opera Theatre. Dochanashvili’s short stories have been published in many countries including the United States, Mexico, and Germany.
ERTOBA/ერთობა – CONSENSUAL COEIXISTENCE.
The word “UNITY” has several meanings:
• Unity, unanimity, being of consensual opinion, to be in accord, providing mutual support, solidarity
• Homogeneity, of identical nature, uniformity
• Relationship, connection, having something in common
The word is derived from a combination of the numeral base and the affix “oba” as producer of the abstract noun: one + oba. In Georgian language, the word “ertianoba” (oneness) is used as a synonym of “UNITY”
GHVINO/ღვინო – WINE
is an important concept in Georgian culture and traditions. According to the explanatory dictionary of the Georgian language, it denotes:
• Pressed grapes, a self-fermented intoxicating drink.
According to the canonical definition: “Wine is a product that is obtained as a result of complete or partial alcoholic fermentation of the sweet juice of grapes or its sediments.”
The etymology of the word is subject to debate. Some scholars consider it to be a term originating from Mesopotamia, while others believe that it was imported into other languages from the Iberian and Caucasian languages,thus Georgia is a cradle of wine.
According to researchers, the term “wine” must have been used in old Georgian language in the form of “GHVINO / ghuni,” meaning first “vine” and later “wine” itself. The accuracy of this opinion is backed up by the terms that define “wine” in Svan and Laz languages: Mingrelian “ghvin,” Zan “ghin,” Svanetian “ghvinel.” In the word “ghvinel,” “ghvi” means proving i.e. fermentation of yeast dough (Sulkhan-Saba dictionary), swelling (Svan), or boiling. The term “ghvinel” should thus correspond to the boiling (fermenting) of a sweet juice and its transformation into wine.
Vazha-Pshavela (1861 – 1915) was a Georgian writer. Author of over a dozen poems, short stories, and lyrics, the strict customs of Georgia’s highland provinces and their occasional clash with personal or humanist principles have been recurring themes in his works.
Vazha-Pshavela, with his unique poems, stories, lyrics, and publicist letters, made a great contribution to the enrichment and development of Georgian literature.
Vazha-Pshavela’s works have been translated into many languages across the globe.
