The Azerbaijani Language: A Starter’s Guide to Azeri

Azerbaijani, also known as Azeri, is a Turkic language spoken by millions across various regions. It is rich in history and culture, making it an intriguing choice for language learners.

Here are a few key facts about the fascinating Azerbaijan language:

• Spoken In: Azerbaijan, Iran, Russia, Georgia, Turkey, and other neighbouring regions.
• Number of Speakers: Approximately 30 million.
• Language Family: Turkic, closely related to Turkish.
• Writing System: Latin script in Azerbaijan, Perso-Arabic script in Iran.
• Dialects: Northern Azerbaijani (spoken in Azerbaijan) and Southern Azerbaijani (spoken in Iran).
• Official Status: Official language of Azerbaijan.

Now let’s delve deeper to answer your most burning questions about Azerbaijani.

Where is Azerbaijani Spoken?

Azerbaijani is primarily spoken in Azerbaijan, where it serves as the official language. It is also widely spoken in northern Iran, particularly in the provinces of East Azerbaijan, West Azerbaijan, Ardabil, and Zanjan. Additionally, Azerbaijani speakers can be found in regions of Russia, Georgia, and Turkey, as well as in diaspora communities around the world.

Are Azerbaijani and Turkish Similar?

Azerbaijani and Turkish are both part of the Oghuz branch of the Turkic language family, sharing many similarities in vocabulary and grammar. While they are not entirely mutually intelligible, those who have taken a comprehensive Turkish course with a native teacher will often understand the other to a certain degree, especially with exposure.

Sample Sentences:

• Azerbaijani: Mən kitab oxuyuram. (I am reading a book.)
• Turkish: Ben kitap okuyorum. (I am reading a book.)

In both sentences, “mən” in Azerbaijani and “ben” in Turkish mean “I,” while “kitab” is the same in both languages, meaning “book.” The verbs “oxuyuram” in Azerbaijani and “okuyorum” in Turkish both mean “am reading.” The main difference here is in the verb endings, which reflect different grammatical rules and pronunciation.

Azerbaijani and Turkish – Similarities

• Both languages use similar sentence structures and share a considerable amount of vocabulary. For example, the word for “book” is kitab in both Azerbaijani and Turkish.
• They have common roots and historical influences, which make them sound similar. For instance, the phrase “How are you?” is Necəsən? in Azerbaijani and Nasılsın? in Turkish, showcasing shared linguistic patterns.

Azerbaijani and Turkish – Differences

• The pronunciation and intonation can vary, making some words sound quite different. For example, the Turkish word su (water) is pronounced with a shorter “u” sound, while the Azerbaijani pronunciation tends to elongate the vowel slightly, giving it a different tone despite the same spelling.
• There are also distinct grammatical features, such as verb conjugations and word endings. For example, in Turkish, “we go” is gidiyoruz, while in Azerbaijani, it’s gedirik—showcasing differences in verb endings while maintaining a similar root word for “go.”

What Alphabet Does Azerbaijani Use?

The Azerbaijani alphabet is a modified Latin alphabet. It includes most of the letters found in the standard Latin alphabet used in English, along with additional characters specific to Azerbaijani phonetics.

The Azerbaijani Alphabet: Specific Letters and Sounds

• Ç, ç: Sounds like ‘ch’ in “cherry.”
• Ə, ə: Represents a sound similar to the ‘a’ in “cat” but more central.
• Ğ, ğ: A soft ‘g’ sound, often lengthening the preceding vowel.
• Ö, ö: Similar to the ‘o’ in “word” but with rounded lips.
• Ş, ş: Sounds like ‘sh’ in “she.”
• Ü, ü: Similar to the ‘u’ in “fur” but with rounded lips.
• X, x: A guttural sound, like ‘ch’ in the Scottish “loch.”

These specific letters help capture the unique sounds of the Azerbaijani language that are not present in English or many other Latin-based alphabets.

What Are Some Basic Phrases in Azerbaijani?

• Hello: Salam
  (sah-LAHM)
  · Thank you: Təşəkkür edirəm
  (teh-shek-KUR eh-dee-REHM)
  ·  Yes: Bəli
  (BEH-lee)
  ·  No: Xeyr
  (kheyr) — The “x” is pronounced like the “ch” in the Scottish word “loch.”
  ·  Please: Zəhmət olmasa
  (zeh-MET ohl-mah-sah)
  ·  Goodbye: Sağ ol
  (sahg OHL)

How Long Does It Take to Learn Azerbaijani?

Learning Azerbaijani, like any language, depends on a variety of factors, including your background with other languages and the time you can dedicate to practice. For English speakers, Azerbaijani is a Category IV language by the Foreign Service Institute (FSI), meaning it takes about 44 weeks (1,100 hours of study) to achieve proficiency. That said, learners who already know Turkish or other Turkic languages might find it faster due to shared vocabulary and grammar structures. Immersion, regular practice, and in-person Azerbaijani lessons with native speakers also speed up the process significantly.

Famous Azerbaijani Speakers

One of the most prominent figures in Azerbaijani culture is Leyla Aliyeva, a philanthropist, writer, and environmental activist. She founded the International Dialogue for Environmental Action (IDEA), a campaign that raises awareness of environmental issues and encourages sustainable practices. In addition to her activism, Aliyeva is a creative writer and the editor-in-chief of Baku magazine, which focuses on art, culture, and lifestyle.

Another remarkable figure is Alim Qasimov, a world-renowned mugham singer who has earned international recognition for his profound skill in Azerbaijan’s classical music tradition. Mugham is a traditional genre of Azerbaijani music that combines classical poetry with complex musical improvisation. Qasimov’s vocal technique and emotional delivery have captivated audiences worldwide, earning him accolades such as the prestigious UNESCO Music Prize.

What is the Best Way of Learning Azerbaijani?

Learning Azerbaijani can be an enriching experience, whether for personal, professional, or cultural reasons. One of the best ways to learn the language is through a structured course with Language Trainers. For more than 20 years, we’ve been helping language learners through both in-person lessons and online courses, catering to different learning preferences and schedules:

In-Person Lessons: Face-to-face Azerbaijani lessons provide the benefit of direct interaction with a teacher, which is especially helpful for practising pronunciation and engaging in real-time conversation. They also allow for a more immersive learning experience, potentially including cultural aspects of the language.

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Online Courses: Online Azerbaijani lessons offer flexibility, making it easier to fit learning into a busy schedule. Online language courses can be accessed from anywhere, making them ideal for those who prefer learning from the comfort of their home or while traveling.

Language Trainers offers personalised lessons tailored to individual learning goals, whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to improve your existing skills. With a wide range of courses available, you can choose the option that best suits your needs. So, why wait? Contact us now and start learning the fascinating Azerbaijani language now!