Blackbird Blackbird Blackberry: The Film that Has Sparked Interest in the Georgian Language

The country of Georgia often remains overlooked on the global stage. However, the recent film Blackbird Blackbird Blackberry, directed by Elene Naveriani and available on Mubi, is changing that narrative. This evocative drama not only highlights the beauty of the Georgian language but also delves into the lives and emotions of its people, offering a unique glimpse into Georgian society.

Below is everything you need to know about this amazing film and the Georgian culture and language it portrays.

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What Is Blackbird Blackbird Blackberry About?

Blackbird Blackbird Blackberry, via Filmaffinity.

Blackbird Blackbird Blackberry tells the story of Etero, a 48-year-old woman living in a small Georgian village. She has chosen a life of independence, running a modest convenience store and delighting in her freedom. Despite the persistent gossip and mockery from her fellow villagers about her single status and lack of romantic experience, Etero remains content with her solitude.

However, her life takes an unexpected turn when she falls in love with a delivery man from a nearby town. This new romance challenges her long-held values and the comfortable rhythm of her life. Etero finds herself at a crossroads, torn between the societal expectations of coupling and her desire to maintain her independence.

The narrative beautifully captures the quiet yet profound transformation of a woman embracing the complexities of love and self-discovery later in life. As Etero grapples with the possibility of a new relationship, the film becomes meditates on freedom, societal norms, and identity.

What Aspects of the Georgian Language and Culture Are Portrayed in Blackbird Blackbird Blackberry?

Blackbird Blackbird Blackberry vividly explores the dynamics of rural village life in Georgia and the societal expectations placed on women. The film’s protagonist, Etero, embodies the tension between traditional roles and personal independence. Set in a small Georgian village, Etero faces gossip and judgment from her community for choosing to remain unmarried and childless at the age of 48. This choice is portrayed as a quiet rebellion against the patriarchal norms that dictate women’s lives in Georgia. The portrayal of Etero’s relationship with younger generations, who see her as an inspiring figure, hints at a gradual cultural shift towards greater acceptance of individual choices​.

The film is entirely spoken in Georgian, which has piqued the interest of international audiences, particularly following its release on the streaming platform Mubi. Georgian is a unique language with its own script, known as Mkhedruli. The Georgian language has a rich phonetic structure, featuring a variety of consonant clusters that can sound unfamiliar and intriguing to non-native speakers. The language has a melodious quality, with a distinct rhythm that adds an authentic cultural layer to the film. The script (which can be seen on shop and street signs throughout the film) is visually striking, composed of rounded, flowing characters that are unlike any other alphabet.

6 Things You Need to Know About the Georgian Language

1.    What is the Georgian language similar to?

The Georgian language, part of the Kartvelian language family. The Kartvelian language family, also known as South Caucasian languages, comprises languages indigenous to the Caucasus region, including Georgian, Mingrelian, Svan, and Laz. Georgian shares some structural similarities with other languages in the same family, such as Mingrelian and Svan, but is distinctly different from Indo-European and Semitic languages. Its script and phonology are unique, making it stand out from languages in neighbouring regions.

2.    Is the Georgian language like Russian?

Georgian and Russian are not similar; they belong to different language families. Georgian is a Kartvelian language with its own unique script and phonetic system, while Russian is an Indo-European language written in the Cyrillic script. Although they share some historical and cultural connections due to Georgia’s time in the Soviet Union, the languages themselves are linguistically distinct.

3.    Is Georgian an easy language to learn?

Georgian can be challenging to learn due to its unique alphabet and complex phonetics, which include many consonant clusters unfamiliar to speakers of other languages. However, learning Georgian is made easier with guidance from native instructors. Language Trainers offers personalised Georgian lessons with native speakers, helping learners navigate the complexities of the language with expert support.

4.    Are Georgian and Turkish similar?

Georgian and Turkish are not similar. Georgian is a Kartvelian language with its own unique script and phonological structure, whereas Turkish is a member of the Turkic language family and uses the Latin alphabet. While they share some cultural and historical interactions due to geographical proximity, the languages themselves are quite different in terms of grammar, vocabulary, and script.

5.    What is the Georgian word for Hello?

The Georgian word for hello is “გამარჯობა” (gamardjoba). This greeting is widely used across Georgia and reflects the country’s unique linguistic heritage.

6.    What are some basic phrases in Georgian?

Here are some basic phrases in Georgian:

• “გამარჯობა” (gamardjoba) – Hello
• “ნახვამდის” (nakhvamdis) – Goodbye
• “გთხოვთ” (gtkhovt) – Please
• “მადლობა” (madloba) – Thank you
• “ბოდიში” (bodishi) – Sorry These phrases are a good starting point for anyone looking to learn Georgian.

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For those interested in exploring this unique language further, Language Trainers offers in-person Georgian classes in London and every major city, taught by native speakers who provide personalised instruction. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to deepen your understanding, these classes offer a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the Georgian language and culture. Start your language journey today and discover the beauty of Georgia.