The sociolinguistic situation of the Avar in Azerbaijan

This paper presents the results of sociolinguistic research conducted in June 1999 among the Avar people living in northwestern Azerbaijan. The goals of the research were to investigate patterns of language use, bilingualism, and language attitudes with regard to the Avar, Russian and Azerbaijani languages in the Avar community. Special attention was paid to developing a typology of individuals and families based on patterns of language use and language attitudes. Interviews, observations, and questionnaires were employed.