Talk:Georgian scripts/Archive 1

Pre-Christian origin
Any discuss about Armenian Origin is not serious. There are few Georgian scripts made in 3'd century BC saved in National museum of Georgia. I am from USA, i study Kartvelian history in NY state university. I have seen this scripts done in III BC and talked to famous historians such like Chilashvili and others. Georgian Alphabet was made by Pharnavaz I of Iberia, 7 centuries earlier when Mesrob mashtots was born. --ChelseaFCG (talk) 13:09, 26 November 2012 (UTC)

Letter values
It would be nice if the alphabet mentioned the values of the letters; that is, the sound(s) that each letter represents. -- pne (talk) 13:23, 25 October 2006 (UTC)

"Nominal Christianity"?
I was curious why the insistence on calling them nominal christians. Is there some reference to why they were any less "nominally Christian" than other European nations? Any reason it's particularly relevant to the linguistics? Certainly any country with official religion X could be called "nominally" X so I was curious why the emphasis here?

— Preceding unsigned comment added by 76.22.14.6 (talk) 03:07, 2 March 2009‎ (UTC)

Claim to phonemicity
Georgian linguists claim that the orthography is phonemic. This sentence makes it seem a controversial point. So is it phonemic? Or is it just the Georgian linguists claiming this while it isn't so? Or is it so but is the rest of the linguistic community unable to grasp this? Shinobu 22:17, 13 May 2007 (UTC)

You're right Shinobu! This setence is really controversial in it's meaning. Because georgian orthography is phonemic indeed and it doesn't depend on what geargian linguists claim, so I think the sentence must be changed. It'll be more correct if said: orthography is phonemic in georgian language, or just :georgian orthography is phonemic. Rastrelli f 19:06, 12 June 2007 (UTC)

Graphics
Might it be possible for the letters to be replaced by graphics rather than Unicode?

While my computer out of the box supports Chinese, Japanese, Hebrew, Greek, Arabic, Cyrillic and various Indian-subcontinental scripts, Georgian is a little esoteric.

It is ironic that someone searching for information on the Georgian alphabet needs a Georgian typeface installed to be able to read this article. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 86.17.154.189 (talk) 13:13, 6 January 2008 (UTC)

I just wanted to say I agree with this. I certainly won't install anything, but I'm so curious about what Georgian letters look like! All I see is question marks. Thanks. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 209.6.216.65 (talk) 21:47, 2 May 2008 (UTC)

Transcription of ყ
It appears that the National Transcription of the letter ყ is a bit odd. Is there an apostrophe (as shown in the Latin capital Q’) or is there no apostrophe (as for the Latin lower-case q). I guess it could be either, the ყ is ejective (so one would expect the apostrophe q’) but there is no corresponding aspirate consonant, so the apostrophe could be left out without cause for confusion. Languagegeek (talk) 16:55, 7 February 2008 (UTC)
 * I looked through the Georgian Transcription pdf, and it should be q’. Sorry everyone, I should have checked there first. Languagegeek (talk) 16:58, 7 February 2008 (UTC)

Armenian origin of the Georgian alphabet
Please do not play down, especially in an unsubstantiated and unreferenced way, the ancient and well-documented theory about the Armenian origin of the Georgian alphabet. This may be sensitive to Georgian national pride but facts are facts, and no matter how hard Georgia's Stalinist historians tried to prove the opposite, they have failed. Do not get offended - Armenians might indeed have invented your alphabet. Possibly. But you controlled a large chunk of Armenia for several centuries. That may be the consolation. Peace. Pitael (talk) 00:36, 8 May 2008 (UTC)

Hi,everyone. The alphabet is the best invention of the humankind. If St. Mesrop invented Georgian alphabet, he deserves nothing but gratitude from us, Georgians.But did he really create it?Several traditions exist regarding the invention of Georgian alphabet. We want to learn more about it. It is a stupid thing to say that we are offended by Armenian tradition. Those who know history know that one has to check and double-check the existing sources. E.G Philip Longworth says in his introduction to `Russia` that `the early chronicles were composed to sustain the legitimacy and claims of princes rather to provide objective records of circumstances and events.` He speaks about Russian sources but this opinion is shared by the historians all over the world: We cannot just rely on sources, we must examine them, we must try to prove that they are correct.

Wikipedia tells us that Armenian alphabet is modeled after the Greek alphabet, supplemented with letters from a different source or sources for Armenian sounds not found in Greek. The evidence for this is the Greek order of the Armenian alphabet. Check whether Georgian and Armenian alphabets have the same order. They don`t.Most of Armenian history books do not mention that there was a certain Greek from Samosata Called Rufanos who helped St. Mestrop creat the alphabet. WHY? One way or another Mestrop knew Greek. Did he know Georgian and Albanian? The Armenian tradition says that Mestrop listened to Albanians and thus created their alphabet. I don`t know who can believe this. One has to be fluent in any language to create the alphabet of it. Any linguist can confirm it. Some Amrenian and European schollars think that the historian of St. Mesrop, Koryun was either Georgian or Georgian-Armenian (Check Wikipedia). WHY DOES NOT HE SAY SO? Maybe Geogians asked St.Mesrop to create their alphabet as well, he would not have been able to do it without the help of Georgians. The source does not tell us he knew Georgian, which is not related to Armenian language. It is possible that Koryun helped him creat Georgian alphabet but why does not he say so?

I would love to provide you with some information about Georgian alphabet. The German scholar Junker, H. `H holds that both Mkedruli and Khutsuri are based like the Armenian alphabet on Aramaic Pahlavi scripts. He also suggests Greek influence (`Caucasia. 1925-1927. I want to just remind you all that before Georgian alphabet a unique local form of Aramaic writing known as Armazuli existed in Georgia as demonstrated by the 1940`s discovery of a bilinigueal Greco-Aramaic inscription at Mtskheta, Georgia. Sir, Ellis H. Minns points out that the Georgian script must be derived from Aramaic as it has in their right places lettres corresponding to WOW, TSADE and QOPH. Armenian possesses these, but out of order. W. E. D. Allen writes: `The Georgian alphabet is a perfect instrument for rendering the wealth of varied sounds in the language: the letters give each different sound wiht accuracy and clearness and no other alphabet, including the Armenian compares with it in efficency. It would seem that the alphabet has a long and slow evolution to its present state of perfection, rather than it was invented by a foreigner.` ( Mr. Allen is the auther of `A history of the Georgian people`, London. `The present State of Caucasian Studies`` )

N. Marr, a leading linguist, while accepting the common opinion that the Khuttsuri was a Georgian Christian creation, considers the Mkedruli as a developments of a pre-hChristian Georgian script, which was modified in later times, under the influence of the Khutsuri. Some atribute the origin of the Khutsuri to the creator of the Armenian alphabet. Nowadays only some letters of the 2 scripts look alike.. Nina iberi (talk) 21:31, 3 March 2010 —Preceding unsigned comment added by Nina iberi (talk • contribs)   —Preceding unsigned comment added by 142.243.254.224 (talk)

In a book ``Arménie. La magie de l'écrit`` edited by Claude Mutafian, Jean-Pierre Mahé writes in details how St. Mesrop created Georgian alphabet. Mr. Mahé does not invent anything. He repeats what Koryun wrote, if Koryun himself wrote about it, of course. So, Georgian king Bakour who was a highly educated man served in Pelastine between 380-394 and he met Masrop in Jerusalem. King Bakour tells Rufin d'Aquilée how Georgians were converted to Christianity by Nino in 334. (This is not the correct date, by the way.) He introduced an intrerpeter named Djala to Masrop and asked him to create Georgian alphabet. Bakour, who as Mr. Mahé explains later was not a king but a brother of King Artchil (410-425), brought Georgian children from different regions of Georgia to Palestine. Among those children, there where some from mountanous regions who were not even Christians. Thanks to Mesrop they were converted to Christianity. The children were sent back to Georgia. After having created shcools in Armenia and having created Albanian alphabet, Mesrop visited Georgia to check the progress of his pupils in 423. He was very pleased to see that King Archil did a great job. Education was prospering in Iberia. Mesrop told each of his pupils to `rester dans la verité` which means to remain followers of a true religion.

There was an Armenian intellectual Theotig (T`eotos Labkjundjian) who was the editor of the most precious Armenoun Daretsouyts (`` Almanac for Everyone``. According to him, Mesrop invented Armenian alphabet in 412. Mr. Mahé does not believe him. He belives in Moise de Khorène who confirms Koryun`s version. Well, this is Mr. Mahé`s business to believe whoever he wants but the story of creating Georgian alphabet by Mesrop, though beautiful, seems to be an attempt to glorify Mesrop. I am not going to write about how Mesrop created Albanian alphabet. It will be a long story. But I must tell you that Movses of Khoren is not considered to be a reliable source by foreign historians. Armenians defend fiercly the history written by him. Why? Nina Iberi March 2010  —Preceding unsigned comment added by 142.243.254.224 (talk) 19:43, 26 March 2010 (UTC)

In the same book `Arménie. La magie de l'ércit`, on page 84 we learn that the date of the copy of the Gospel was falsified. The colophon of the manuscript gives us the following date: 415 AD. So, it used to be considered that it was created just after translating the Bible into Armenian. But, we read on the same page that in fact, the colophon was falsified: `De notre Seigneur` which means since Christ, was added to the original `De l'ère arménienne` that is since the Armenian time. `The real date of this document is 96 AD, which still makes it one of the oldest dated Gospels` You can check the above mentioned infromation. So, someone wanted to make people believe that the above mentioned copy was the oldest. People used to falsify the information and they still do for differnet reasons. Sometimes to glorify a certain person, othertimes the purpose might have been more noble, e.g. to bring people together: one person created the alphabet of three Christian nations whose neighbours are Muslims and their strength is in their union. Mr. Mahé expresses similar idea. Koryun`s version is very beautiful but, there is and will be But. Lots of linguists believe that Georgian alphabet is not created by one person. Nina Iberi March 2010


 * Someone doesn't have to be offended to question your assertion. Is this really "well-documented"?  You've only provided weblinks (one of them an encyclopedia).  — Æµ§œš¹  [aɪm ˈfɻɛ̃ⁿdˡi]  03:24, 8 May 2008 (UTC)


 * "Well-documented" sounds too bold and a bit Stalinist.:) Although Koryun's version is indeed the earliest recorded account on the origin of Georgian alphabet, it is the only version attributing the invention of this script to Mesrop. Please note, that Koryun was his disciple, and, true to a medieval tradition, he was inclined to glorify his mentor in all possible ways. It is just one of the versions and neither it nor a medieval Georgian one proves anything. They should be represented in a neutral way.--KoberTalk 04:38, 8 May 2008 (UTC)
 * Koryun's account is contemporary to the first appearance of the Georgian alphabet, (the medieval tradition is later), so it is of more importance, though of course not in any way conclusive. Meowy 23:26, 29 September 2008 (UTC)

I agree that it is not conclusive evidence. But have a problem with this sentense: "but none of these traditions seems to have much currency as, in the view of modern scholars, the only convincing explanation for the similarities has to be the same influences rather than the same creator.[4]" Who says that??? What source? Pitael (talk) 02:20, 9 May 2008 (UTC)
 * I noticed that too - aside from the confusing wording, the stated source, "Unicode Demystified: A Practical Programmer's Guide to the Encoding Standard", seems very off-topic based on its title. Meowy 23:20, 29 September 2008 (UTC)

It seems to be at least three arguments to support the Armenian origin of the Georgian alphabet: (i) Koryun's direct evidence of Mashtots' authorship; (ii) the absence of any inscriptions using Georgian alphabet prior to Mashtots (and plenty of evidence thereafter), and (iii) a strong resemblance of Asomtavruli and Nuskhuri to the Armenian alphabet (suggesting the same creator). 173.73.2.153 (talk) 02:23, 30 November 2009 (UTC)]

Sound values of the obsolete letters?
I'd welcome such an addition :)

And maybe be some info about the pronunciation of the old scripts as well? —Preceding unsigned comment added by Fnugh (talk • contribs) 14:32, 13 August 2008 (UTC)


 * I added a separate Nuskhuri chart and list of obsolete letters. I got the information from the Georgian wiki: Georgian alphabet, from Old Georgian, and from the Georgian language entries for the obsolete letters. JFHJr (㊟) 23:56, 19 August 2009 (UTC)

IPA for ჩ and ც
The current article offers /tʃ/ and /ts/ as the IPA for ჩ and ც. ISO and BGN for the letters have an apostrophe, and the grammar by Howard Aronson, cited in Georgian language, says that the the sounds of these letter are aspirated, as ფ and თ.

Based on this i assume that the correct IPA for ჩ and ც is /tʃʰ/ and /tsʰ/. Please correct me if i'm wrong. --Amir E. Aharoni (talk) 20:55, 21 April 2009 (UTC)
 * No. The source for the consonant chart at Georgian language explicitely says that the laryngeal distinction with affricates is between voiceless, ejective, and voiced while for the plosives it is between aspirated, ejective and voiced.  — Æµ§œš¹  [aɪm ˈfɻɛ̃ⁿdˡi]  03:10, 22 April 2009 (UTC)
 * I don't have Shosted & Shikovani. Aronson is available online and it says that ჩ and ც are aspirated and groups them with the stops on page 20. Frankly, it sounds weird to me, too. Maybe it's another point where the scholars' opinions differ. --Amir E. Aharoni (talk) 06:29, 22 April 2009 (UTC)
 * You may be right about that. Even if they aren't aspirated, they certainly form a class in the language with the aspirated plosives.  There may be some sort of acoustic blurry line between aspiration and sibilant affrication.  There are a number of sibilant affricates that are arguably aspirated despite descriptions of them as being unaspirated.  Languages like Spanish and Ancient Greek that have [h] as an allophone of or a historical change from /s/ is also compelling evidence for this.  — Æµ§œš¹  [aɪm ˈfɻɛ̃ⁿdˡi]  06:52, 22 April 2009 (UTC)
 * Where is Aronson available? — Æµ§œš¹  [aɪm ˈfɻɛ̃ⁿdˡi]  07:31, 22 April 2009 (UTC)

Mesrop
To Divot: Instead of persistent edit warring, it would be great if you have used talk page for discussing your edits.

Koryun's piece is noteworthy for being the first written account about the origin of the Georgian alphabet and thus merits to be included in the article. Hence, it is already there. However, any medieval (semi)-legendary account including that of Koryun should be discussed in the light of credible modern scholarship. However pleasant to some nationalistic ears, Koryun should not be affored exaggerated trustfulness. To sell it to the reader as the prevalent scholarly opinion is hopeless original research. The wording on which you insist won't go: "The historians, for the most part, believe that the Georgian alphabet was created by Mesrop Mashtots (who also created the Armenian script around 405 AD). This viewpoint, based on the Armenian sources of the 5-7th centuries, is accepted by the most influential encyclopaedias". --KoberTalk 03:54, 7 July 2009 (UTC)

Can you prove it? I quote Britannica, Catholic Encyclopedia, Merriam-Webster's Encyclopedia of Literature, Donald Rayfield, Anatoli Novoseltsev (The History of East), Anahit Perikhanian, Victor Schnirelmann, etc. And, f.e. Cyril Toumanoff ("Studies in Christian Caucasian history", P. 105 : "A word must be said here about the rise of the Armenian and the Georgian alphabet. The invention of the former by St Mastoc (Mesrop), at the beginning of the fifth century, it is generally admitted fact"). Divot (talk) 04:26, 7 July 2009 (UTC)

"The tradition has persisted in some of the modern history writing".... Britannica, Merriam-Webster's Encyclopedia, Novoseltsev, Rayfield, Schnirelmann, etс. are some of the modern history writing? )))) Divot (talk) 04:32, 7 July 2009 (UTC)

And what about Schnirelmann's "Georgian historians' somewhat morbid attitude towards Mesrop Mashtots is conditioned by their "desire to create a myth about pure and distinctive Georgian culture" ??? Divot (talk) 04:33, 7 July 2009 (UTC)


 * The encyclopedias are tertiary sources based on the scholars you have mentioned. Most of your soruces relate of tradition [by Koryun], not an established fact. You will still have to prove that this tradition is a version believed by "the historians, [for the most part]" as you claim. Also, the phrases like "...s accepted by the most influential encyclopaedias" is hopeless OR/POV. Please stop blindly reverting attempts at NPOV. --KoberTalk 04:40, 7 July 2009 (UTC)


 * An obscure Russian historian rattling about others' "morbid attitude" can hardly be regarded a neutral and credible source. Not everything that you find on the net and meets your POV can be inserted in Wikipedia. --KoberTalk 04:42, 7 July 2009 (UTC)


 * Once more. I quote a lot of sources. You quote nothing. Can you prove your opinion? Divot (talk) 04:47, 7 July 2009 (UTC)


 * What opinion? about NPOV? Yes, I can. Please see WP:NPOV, WP:SYNTH and WP:OR. Your sources and the info on Mesrop are still there (with the exception of that Russian which does meet the NPOV policy). I just rendered the wording more neutral and in line with sources.--KoberTalk 04:53, 7 July 2009 (UTC)
 * Donald Rayfield (The Literature of Georgia: A History[1] by Donald Rayfield, professor of Russian and Georgian at the University of London, is the first and the most comprehensive study of the literature of Georgia that has ever appeared in English) - "It has been believed, and not only in Armenia, that all the Caucasian alphabets — Armenian, Georgian and Caucaso-AIbanian — were invented in the fourth". Is it WP:SYNTH or WP:NPOV or WP:OR? Divot (talk) 04:59, 7 July 2009 (UTC)


 * Victor Schnirelmann is a famous Russian historian. Why he is not neutral? Can you prove it? Divot (talk) 04:55, 7 July 2009 (UTC)


 * Honestly, I have never heard of him. He is not neutral because accusing others of "morbid attitude" is not a neutral opinion. His words proves that.--KoberTalk 04:57, 7 July 2009 (UTC)
 * "His words proves that" - it is only your opinion, not more. Divot (talk) 05:04, 7 July 2009 (UTC)


 * P.S. Is this 213.87.80.244 your ip ? Sock puppetry? --KoberTalk 04:59, 7 July 2009 (UTC)
 * No. Is this 78.139.137.162 your ip? Divot (talk) 05:00, 7 July 2009 (UTC)


 * No. Want to file a checkuser case? --KoberTalk 05:03, 7 July 2009 (UTC)
 * I only want your Reliable sources. With quotes, of course. Divot (talk) 05:05, 7 July 2009 (UTC)


 * You can read, can't you? I have left your sources largely intact. I just neutralized a blatantly POV/OR/SYNTh wording. And that ip involvement should be checked for Sock puppetry. That's what I mean by checkuser case.--KoberTalk 05:09, 7 July 2009 (UTC)
 * No. You have left Britannica's "The Armenian and Georgian alphabets, created by St. Mesrob (Mashtots) in the early 5th century ad, were also based on the Aramaic alphabet" (nothing about relate of tradition), Novoseltsev's "Not without its help national alphabets in Georgia and Albania have been invented" (nothing about relate of tradition) etc. You have left Schnirelmann's "Georgian historians' somewhat morbid attitude towards Mesrop Mashtots is conditioned by their "desire to create a myth about pure and distinctive Georgian culture".
 * By the way, what about "This viewpoint, based on the Armenian sources of the 5-7th centuries (relate of tradition [by Koryun]), is accepted by the most influential encyclopaedias ...."? It seems to me, it is a correct version. Divot (talk) 05:54, 7 July 2009 (UTC)

By the way, Schnirelmann's "The value of the past. Myths, identity and politics in Transcaucasia" is highly quoted book (see Google Scholar). Who says that "He is not neutral"? Divot (talk) 07:44, 7 July 2009 (UTC)

WP:NPOV: Neutrality requires that the article should fairly represent all significant viewpoints that have been published by a reliable source, and should do so in proportion to the prominence of each. Now an important qualification: In general, articles should not give minority views as much or as detailed a description as more popular views, and will generally not include tiny-minority views at all. For example, the article on the Earth does not mention modern support for the Flat Earth concept, a view of a distinct minority. In articles specifically on the minority viewpoint, the views are allowed to receive more attention and space; however, on such pages, though the minority view may (and usually should) be described, possibly at length, the article should make appropriate reference to the majority viewpoint wherever relevant, and must not reflect an attempt to rewrite majority-view content strictly from the perspective of the minority view. Specifically, it should always be clear which parts of the text describe the minority view (and that it is, in fact the minority view). So, because now we have a lot of first-class academical sources with Mashtots, we must describe it "The historians, for the most part, believe". Please, don't change that description. Divot (talk) 08:22, 7 July 2009 (UTC)


 * The description needs to be changed whether you like it or not. Your prose is laden with weasel words, original research, improper synth and suffers from serious POV issue. Your randomly chosen citations are not helpful as they, as I pointed out, speak only of a historical tradition by Koryun, not about a fact established by modern scholarship.--KoberTalk 03:53, 8 July 2009 (UTC)


 * By the way, I noted that you frequently misquote or misinterpret the passages you cite. For example, you cited Toumanoff: "A word must be said here about the rise of the Armenian and the Georgian alphabet. The invention of the former by St Mastoc (Mesrop), at the beginning of the fifth century, it is generally admitted fact". Does Toumanoff says anything about Mesrop being the inventer of the Georgian alphabet?


 * As for your beloved quote from that Russian guy (even if we assume that it is a citable one), the phrase "болезненное" is to be translated as "painful" not "morbid" which you have invented to impart the citation more "strength".--KoberTalk 04:10, 8 July 2009 (UTC)
 * Ok, painful. Your version is more correct. Divot (talk) 07:15, 8 July 2009 (UTC)

"A word must be said here about the rise of the Armenian and the Georgian alphabet. The invention of the former by St Mastoc (Mesrop), at the beginning of the fifth century, it is generally admitted fact". Toumanoff says "The invention of the former" about "Armenian and the Georgian alphabet", not only about Armenian. Divot (talk) 13:07, 8 July 2009 (UTC)
 * That's obviously not the case. If it were, what would be the latter here? Former clearly refers to the Armenian alphabet only. — N-true (talk) 13:23, 8 July 2009 (UTC)
 * I don't use Toumanoff's citation in the topic.Divot (talk) 13:50, 8 July 2009 (UTC)

Mesrop Mashtots
I believe that the following wording "The historians, for the most part [3] [4], believe that the Georgian alphabet was created by Mesrop Mashtots" are not even nearly neutral, because the fact is the nation who wrote "The martyrdom of saint Shushanik" shortly after having adopted Mesrops alphabet could only have written few basic sentences but not a masterpiece like "The martyrdom". Why nothing about it is mentioned. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 92.54.202.3 (talk) 22:07, 8 July 2009 (UTC)

Not sure this is a valid argument. In case of the Armenian alphabet, the Armenians managed to translate the Bible which is more than "few basic sentences". 173.73.2.153 (talk) 02:29, 30 November 2009 (UTC)]

Hi. Ghazar Parpeci, an Armenian historian of the fifth century writes that St. Mestrop created Armenian alphabet. Parpeci does not say that St. Mestrop created Georgian and Albanian alphabets. Why? Geogian historian Iv. Javakhishvili, who studed Coryun`s work, claims that the creation of Georgian and Albanian alphabets is added to Coryun`s work in the sixth century.

I would love to let everyone know that in Dusheti, Georgia, a stella with Georgian alphabet is found. It is dated appr. 367 AD. Linguists and historians are still learning the origin of Georgian alphabet. I am sure there will be new discoveries. Nina iberi (talk) 22:09, 3 March 2010 (UTC) —Preceding unsigned comment added by Nina iberi (talk • contribs)

Armenian origin
There is the authoritarian Russian scholar Perikhanian mentioned in the article. He worked in Russia but he is ethnic Armenian which along with the wording "painful attitude" and "Georgian historians' desire to create a myth about the pure and distinctive Georgian culture" makes this article non-neutral and totally nationalist towards Georgia. If we speak about neutrality in wikipedia, I think someone has to pay attention at it. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 92.54.202.3 (talk) 22:27, 8 July 2009 (UTC)

"painful attitude" - Victor Schnirelmann's words. He is Russian scholar and ethnically Jewish. Divot (talk) 07:26, 9 July 2009 (UTC)

Armenian origin
I ask Divot to read my comments. I am Nina Iberi. Armenian alphabet is based upon the Greek alphabet. Are you offended by it? We, Georgians try to discover as much as possible about the origin of our alphabet. Because we, differ from Armenians, have doubts that Georgian alphabet is created by a foreigner does`t mean we are too poud. What you are saying is ridiculous. Each historian and linguist studies each case carefully. Don`t you know? As I have written already that there is an Armenian historian of the same period who does not mention that St. Mestrop created Georgian alphabet. Did you know about it? Read my comments for more info. about Georgian alphabet. Nina Iberi —Preceding unsigned comment added by 142.243.254.224 (talk) 17:51, 4 March 2010 (UTC)

Yes he may be jewish but Perihonian is Armenian and besides whoever they are thing they say are not neutral that is what I said above. Their wording is nationalist that is clear. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 92.54.202.3 (talk) 06:57, 10 July 2009 (UTC)
 * It is only your opinion, and you are nor Reliable source (see WP:RS). Divot (talk) 10:09, 10 July 2009 (UTC)


 * Don't be ridiculous. The issue raised by the anon is legitimate. Your recalcitrance to NPOVfication of the text speaks of your own nationalist bias and unreliability as an editor. It seems to me I'm wasting my time. I will have to get third party editors involved.--KoberTalk 12:47, 10 July 2009 (UTC)
 * No priblem, you can call third party editors. Divot (talk) 14:00, 10 July 2009 (UTC)

to divot

And what a reliable source you are that always quote other people espessially those of Armenian origin who spread nationalistic ideas. Whatever my point maybe I am certain there are people more qualified and authoritative than you and Peritonian or Perihonian or whatever who will sooner or later get this article improved. Yet you say I am not a reliable source and Perihonian is. Well I have not seen his articles anywhere here and in the internet anad it is the first time I have heard of him at all. Who says he is reliable at all - the books he wrote, well I have several too. You have only got quotes on others but not any reliable evidence that anything from what is said has ever been proven. I mean the article says "It has been believed [3] [4] that the Georgian alphabet was created by Mesrop Mashtots (who also created the Armenian script around 405 AD)" Who believed it and what historical evidence is there to it. When one says I did something that has to proven and what you have is historician who says Mesrop created alphabets. Likewise Georgian tradition atributes the creation of Georgian alphabet to Parnavaz King of Iberia but the data is not as well proven. It happened in the 4 c. bc. Than we can suppose with equal posibility that Armenian alphabet was created by Georgian author due to several similiriarities. Then you said I am not a reliable source. Well you can open wikipedia at any page and see that "The martyrdom of saint Shushanik" was indeed written by Georgian author and in Georgian language shortly after the convertion to christianity which would be impossible if Mesrob had really created Georgian alphabet. You should read more. Than there is pre-christian Georgian inscription in Asomtavruli found by Chilashvili in Nekresi. But this article is not neutral it just keeps saying Mesrop. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 92.54.202.3 (talk • contribs)

See WP:NOR. Divot (talk) 17:25, 11 July 2009 (UTC)


 * See WP:OWN. Your POV pushing and inability to engage in a meaningful disucssion is becoming increasingly worrisome. Why are you eliminating the fact that the only original source on Mesrob's role is Koyrun? --KoberTalk 17:30, 11 July 2009 (UTC)


 * It is not difficult to note that your prose is based on the carefully selected sources you found on the net. Tamaz Gamkrelidze is far more prominent and internationally acclaimed scholars that those Russian guys. Why have not you used his research? --KoberTalk 17:36, 11 July 2009 (UTC)
 * I don't think that Tamaz Gamkrelidze is "far more prominent and internationally acclaimed scholars" than Britannica, Peter Robert Lamont Brown, Glen Warren Bowersock, Lenore A. Grenoble, Donald Rayfield, Igor Diakonov etc. Divot (talk) 22:52, 11 July 2009 (UTC)
 * Don't put words into my mouth. I have compared Gamkrelidze (a favorite of Armenians, btw, for his well-known theory) to those two obscure Russian scribes. And you have apparently no answer to my question regarding Koryun, right? --KoberTalk 03:30, 12 July 2009 (UTC)
 * You can compare all what you want. But it is WP:NOR. We just can use Reliable sources (see WP:RS). Divot (talk) 08:14, 12 July 2009 (UTC)
 * Which question? Divot (talk) 08:15, 12 July 2009 (UTC)
 * You can read, don't you? I have posted a question regarding Koryun just a bit above. Admit Divo: You're good in avoiding answering unconvenient questions, but not so strong in result-oriented discussion. What's WP:NOR? Man, what are you talking about? --KoberTalk 14:46, 12 July 2009 (UTC)

You said "However, any medieval (semi)-legendary account including that of Koryun should be discussed in the light of credible modern scholarship". Ok. Because Lenore A. Grenoble, Donald Rayfield, James R. Russell, Greppin, John A.C., Novoseltsev are all credible modern scholarships, we use that information in topic. What more do you want? Divot (talk) 17:50, 12 July 2009 (UTC)


 * Sigh. You are again diverting the discussion (Lack of arguments?) I just want you to answer my question: why do you keep removing my passage regarding the hypothesis' original/primary and only source, the account of Koyrun? True or not, all other sources, including your "authoritarian" scholars, are based on his information.--KoberTalk 04:25, 13 July 2009 (UTC)
 * Because it is your passage regarding the hypothesis, not scholar's passage regarding the hypothesis. Scholars passage is "It has been believed, and not only in Armenia, that all the Caucasian alphabets — Armenian, Georgian and Caucaso-AIbanian — were invented in the fourth century by the Armenian scholar Mesrop Mashtot", "the creation of the Georgian alphabet is generally attributed to Mesrop", "Mastoc' also created the Georgian and Caucasian-Albanian alphabets, based on the Armenian model". Divot (talk) 09:35, 13 July 2009 (UTC)

to kober What I did not get is you seem to be quite an intelligent guy, who should know threre are generrally acclaimed reliable and authoritative research books in favor of Levan Cheishvili's works which are well enough documented, and besides there are Georgian sources attributing the invention of the alphabet to Parnavaz, there are even sources argueing that Mesrope did not know any Georgian etc., etc. So why do you let this nationalist, you know, who I mean now, operate with scholars when there are many more scholars saying contrary, why do not you quote them appropriately so that you would not have problems with posting these things in the article. I do not do it, because I am very knew to wiki, but what is the matter with you. Please write to me if you care  —Preceding unsigned comment added by Chipito9 (talk • contribs) 00:15, 14 July 2009 (UTC)

Read Nina Iberi`s comment. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 198.168.27.221 (talk) 22:37, 17 March 2010 (UTC)

Alphabet's official Origin
First: This page has to be edited since Pharnavaz I. of Iberia is described as the official founder of the georgian alphabet, regardless of other theories. It was founded by the Iberian king in 300 BC.

Second: If you write an article than allways be neutral damit. Make two different sections. One consisting of the official version and one consisting of foreign theories and claims. Keep professionalism and not vandalism.

Third: Stop trolling around here. —Preceding unsigned comment added by TheMightyGeneral (talk • contribs) 16:21, 30 October 2009 (UTC)
 * What do you mean by 'official origin'? For any one theory to be 'officially' approved, there would have to be an institute (recognised by Wikipedia) which says so, but that's not how science works, and it is not how Wikipedia works. sephia karta |  di mi  17:21, 30 November 2009 (UTC)

Font help
What font is needed to display the Nuskhuri table in this article? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 190.141.107.162 (talk) 13:51, 17 November 2009 (UTC)
 * TITUS Cyberbit Basic correctly renders Nuskhuri (Unicode 2D00 to 2D25). Other fonts may actually show Nuskhuri instead of Asomtavruli or Mkhedruli; the reason may be that Nuskhuri was encoded later. JFHJr (㊟) 23:36, 22 December 2009 (UTC)

Donald Rayfield
From what anyone can see in works by this schoolar, nothing is said to deny or aprove that Chilashvili's gravestones with Georgian inscriptions on them have pre-christian origin. His works cover other finding which had been already known as written in Aramaic and Greek long before he made that conclusion.

And as to Nekresi inskriptions found by Chilashvili it is proven to Georgian script and there nine stones altogetherwhich count as archeological data. Those inscriptions have nothing to do with Christianity which is widely supported. Here are the links to your attention. http://webzone.imer.mah.se/projects/georgianV04/DEMO/GeoLINK/Nekresi.html http://webzone.imer.mah.se/projects/georgianV04/DEMO/GeoLINK/IntrScr2.html —Preceding unsigned comment added by Artag (talk • contribs) 09:31, 23 February 2010 (UTC)

Semi-protection requested
I've requested semi-protection of this page due to a rash of vandalism by what appears to be a single anon using at least three IP's so far. Richwales (talk · contribs) 20:55, 25 August 2010 (UTC)

Armenian origin
To Kober: Hi Kober. I came across this article and it caught my attention right away. Devot is very misleading. It is clear that he is Armenian and putting information from very limited view. You response is quite good (especially your questions him to which he constantly avoids answer) but you miss, in my opinion, some important piece of information which definitely should be on the page. I think you did mention that "Armenian origin" has only one source, namely Koryun. This should be clearly mentioned in the article. Also, it should be mentioned that all those historians appeal only to this source. Now the problems of this source is not mentioned, most important being the fact that Koryun himself says Mesrop Mashtots did not even know Georgian language which is unimaginable. 1) How can somebody without the knowledge (and very good knowledge) of the language create an alphabet for that language? 2) Here comes 2 more interesting parts. First Mkhitair Airavanski (МХИТАР АЙРИВАНКСКИЙ - see node or chapter 4580) an Armenian historian (he could also have been a monk, but this I can check exactly for you) mentions in his historical work that Georgian alphabet was created (or helped to be created) by Georgian King Pharnavaz in the 3 century AD. This is corroborated in famous Georgian source. Mkhitair knew about Mesrop Mashtots and if that story of Koryun was right it should've been in his work. Second thing is that there could be (which I am checking exactly) Georgian source which says Armenian alphabet was created by Georgian. Georgians do not use this source at all as a "proof" of origin of Armenian alphabet and do not even deny Mesrop Mashtots contribution, not claiming Georgian origin of Armenian alphabet. Though this fact is significant in itself since if poorly documented Armenian source could be used as a "proof" for Armenian origin of Georgian alphabet why can't Georgian source be used for the same thing? Or why can't another Armenian source be used as a refutation of that absurd theory? 3) This is more important than anything since it is now archeological document asserting that origin of Georgian alphabet was much earlier than 4th century. One source is Nekresi inscription. I think you have mentioned this but Stephen H. Rapp objection is very vague. It seems that in the citation a Georgian author is mentioned (Is it because that Stephen H. Rapp cited Georgian author?); Besides I would like to see on which base is this objection based. Second source would be Davati's stella which is dated back to 367 CA. Mashtos was born in 361 CA. He must have devised Georgian alphabet at the age of 6 years which is kind of unlikely.

Vano t (talk) 04:27, 21 October 2010 (UTC)

NGR
... is defined as New Georgian Romanization.

Until the day that page gets created, perhaps one or two sentences of explanation might be helpful?

Varlaam (talk) 17:36, 29 January 2011 (UTC)
 * I have removed the "NGR" column from this article and from the National System article because the claimed system was posted over two months ago by a single editor, remained uncited, and the transliteration scheme is available nowhere except Wikipedia as far as I can tell. Plus, I find it inherently implausible that any official (let alone new) romanization scheme would place dots in the middle of words. If the romanization scheme is in fact true, however, I suggest NOT putting it to the right of the IPA column; that's just sloppy. JFHJr (㊟) 19:01, 6 February 2011 (UTC)

Edit request from Lashaberaia, 9 July 2011
Dear editor,

There are reasons to make some changes to the article because the information is not more relevant or emotional attitude towards the hypothesis is obvious:

1. Please remove 6th reference to Encyclopedia Britannica after the phrase “This viewpoint is accepted by encyclopedias,[5]***[6]***[7][8][9]” because the viewpoint that Mesrop Mashtots has created not only Armenian but also Georgian alphabet is not more supported by Britannica – please check the article “alphabet” at Britannica (you should be registered user to read the full article). I am providing the snapshot of the relevant Britannica’s page where Mesrop Mashtots is named as creator of Armenian alphabet only (the former definition concerning both Armenian and Georgian alphabets has been changed). Please download the snapshot using this link: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/13502289/Armenian%20alphabet.JPG

2. I would appreciate very much if you reduce the pretentiousness of the phrase by inserting word “some” before “encyclopedias”. Thus the phrase “This viewpoint is accepted by some encyclopedias” will be much more neutral than existing “This viewpoint is accepted by encyclopedias”.

3. Please make the same revision towards the phrase “as well as by *authoritative* scholars.” Why the cited scholars should be represented as authoritative while others in this article automatically defined as “not authoritative” by default? I guess this represents the emotional attitude of the article's or paragraph's author towards the theory and does not comply with the declared rules of Wikipedia. I would like to suggest neutral and relevant “as well as by *several* scholars.”

Best regards, Lasha Beraia

LB 13:09, 9 July 2011 (UTC)


 * 1. The reference you want removed has in fact changed. I have removed it. I apologize for misunderstanding previously.


 * 2. With that reference removed, the phrase at issue is still supported by four references. That's several (especially for a single phrase on Wikipedia), and fewer other conflicting views by modern reputable sources have been cited. The unqualified statement is not pretentious. Inserting the word "some" would undercut those sources without providing a reason. The qualifier should be added if there's a good basis shown to undercut a general statement – for example, if sources' research were outdated or views no longer mainstream.


 * 3. Stating that the scholars cited are authoritative is fine because they are. If you think they are not, that would be a reason to delete the word "authoritative." The word does not, as you suggest, carry emotion or imply that any particular others are not authoritative. Lack of statement is not a statement of lack. If you think these particular scholars are not authorities, you ought to show a reliable source or two that debunks them. I have, however described two linguists with opposing views as authorities (because they are!); I also changed the word "admit" that follows in that sentence, which read rather adversarially. JFHJr (㊟) 18:29, 9 July 2011 (UTC)
 * I am closing this edit request based on the response of JFHJr. If you still want something changed, please explain further and re-open the request or open a new request. Monty  845  23:26, 9 July 2011 (UTC)

Dear Editors,

Thank you for your comments and revisions and I would appreciate if we could move forward together to improve the article.

A. Following two paragraphs below are irrelevant in the chapter “Nuskhuri”:

“The forms of the Khutsuri letters may have been derived from the northern Arsacid variant of the Pahlavi (or Middle Iranian) script, which itself was derived from the older Aramaic, although the direction of writing (from left to right), the use of separate symbols for the vowel sounds, the numerical values assigned to the letters in earlier times, and the order of the letters all point to significant Greek influence on the script.[19]

However, the Georgian linguist Tamaz Gamkrelidze argues that the forms of the letters are freely invented in imitation of the Greek model rather than directly based upon earlier forms of the Aramaic alphabet, even though the Georgian phonological inventory is very different from Greek.”

I argue that: 1. This is just hasty point concerning derivation of the Khutsuri letters from other alphabets. Please check the picture representing all three forms of Georgian alphabet in the chapter. No special knowledge is needed to see that Nuskhuri letters are squared versions of Asomtavruli (and the change was invented based on needs of speed writing of religious texts) as well as Mkhedruli letters has been developed from Nuskhuri. The change is that Nuskhuri letters are written between four lines while Asomtavruli where written between two lines (as capital letters).

The reference 19 to Armazi webpage is irrelevant too because no such statement is made there, also this is not authoritative source for the statement concerning the influence of Greek alphabet (please see relevant viewpoint and the source below). Thus I would appreciate if you delete the first paragraph.

2. The next paragraph is irrelevant concerning Khutsuri because Tamaz Gamkrelidze argues in his work concerning Asomtavruli, not Khutsuri (derivation of Khutsuri from Asomavruli is not questioned by him at all). Thus I suggest moving the information to chapter History above and inserting it as third paragraph in the following form: “Authoritative linguist Tamaz Gamkrelidze argues that the forms of the letters are freely invented in imitation of the Greek model rather than directly based upon earlier forms of the Aramaic alphabet, even though the Georgian phonological inventory is very different from Greek.” [The 16th reference to Gamkrelidze’s work has to be inserted here, it is totally irrelevant in its current place in the forth paragraph of History chapter because Gamkrelidze has never stated that Georgian alphabet was created before Mesrop Mashtots.]

The same 16th reference should be added as 3rd one in the second paragraph, after the link “Greek alphabet”.

B. The phrase “Old Georgian alphabet” in the second paragraph has to be changed to just “Georgian alphabet”. Definition “Old” has no sense here as all three forms of Georgian alphabet reflect gradual changes inside the same system. As the “creation” is stressed in the sentence it is relevant towards the Georgian alphabet as a whole system, not to its oldest form only.

Best regards, Lasha Beraia LB 10:28, 10 July 2011 (UTC)


 * Hello Lasha. Could you please site the source of Tamaz Gamkrelidze about the freewill creation? I rephrazed the text about the close to Greek alphabetic sequence and made it close to the source (current Britannica) and so we can add Gamkrelidze's point too.
 * I also have a worthy question to answer: how prominant is Gamkrelidze? Aregakn (talk) 12:15, 10 July 2011 (UTC)


 * Hello Aregakn. Gamkrelidze is widely known authority in the field. Please see article about Gamkrelidze on Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamaz_Gamkrelidze
 * Britannica's view is probably based on the research of Gamkrelidze. One of his articles in Russian: http://files.istorichka.ru/FTP/Periodika/Voprosy_Jazykoznanija/1988/1988_6.pdf

The same theory is developed in the work sited under reference 16 while, as I have mentioned, it is irrelevant there and has to be moved from its current place as additional reference for Britannica which you have cited. Though Gamkrelidze admits existence of old pre-alphabetic (?) [Gamkrelidze's questioning in the work] writing but argues that the known Georgian alphabet (Asomtavruli) is created when Georgia converted to Christianity, and is modeled upon the Greek: "Сопоставление древнегрузннской письменности с семитской и греческой системами выявляет отличный от семитского строй древнегрузинского алфавитного ряда и совпадение его в основном с греческой парадигматикой, которая и должна была послужить письменной моделью для создателя древнегрузинского алфавита." (Chapter 4, last paragraph http://amklib113.ru/bbl/gkr/gkr-91.html) (My translation: Comparison of Old Georgian writing with Semitic and Greek systems detects a non-Semitic alphabetical order of Georgian alphabet and match it with mostly Greek paradigm, which was to serve as a writing model for the creator of ancient Georgian alphabet). LB 14:17, 10 July 2011 (UTC) — Preceding unsigned comment added by Lashaberaia (talk • contribs)
 * Lashaberaia you should now be able to edit the article yourself to make the changes you want done. Jnorton7558 (talk) 04:06, 18 July 2011 (UTC)

How can they tell?
ბ გ მ შ ძ (= b g m sh j) these letters all look about the same to my eyes, and seem more different between computer fonts than between letters. How the heck can anyone (especially kids) tell these apart in practical situations? Wnt (talk) 19:11, 16 August 2008 (UTC)


 * It looks plenty different to me. For example, its hard for many non users of Latin alphabets to tell a lowercase l from i and I or c from o.  If you know the language, read it an such those distinctions will be quite clear.  | ខែមារាតសប្បាយ | Talk 21:26, 8 September 2008 (UTC)


 * It's down to context and practice, I suppose. Meowy 23:30, 29 September 2008 (UTC)

As someone who has learnt to read the Georgian alphabet: ბ გ are hard to tell apart in the beginning, but after a while, it becomes easy to spot the difference in elevation, as g is lower than b. The letters მ შ ძ are easy; m is like a complete ∂|partial derivative symbol, sh is a wavy/"broken" form of the same symbol and dz is an 'incomplete' version of it. Though, if you are not used to partial derivates from mathematics, perhaps they will be harder to tell apart. Njardarlogar (talk) 09:13, 11 September 2012 (UTC)


 * Some letters are still difficult to tell apart in mtavruli style (where there are no ascenders or descenders because everything is stretched/squished to be the same height). And even in regular style, მ and შ can be tricky to distinguish, as well as ნ and წ, in some fonts (though in other fonts they are very easy to tell apart).  A fluent speaker who has reached the point where they see an entire word at a glance is presumably going to have a much easier time than a learner who still needs to study a written passage one letter at a time.  I've had native Georgians tell me that mtavruli writing is sometimes harder for them to read than the regular style, but they can still read it without very much trouble — presumably because they're recognizing entire words and phrases and "just know" what does or doesn't make sense.  —  Rich wales 22:52, 27 October 2012 (UTC)

Mesrop Mashtots and the georgian alphabet
Ghazar Parpeci, an Armenian historian of the fifth century writes that St. Mestrop created Armenian alphabet. Parpeci does not say that St. Mestrop created Georgian and Albanian alphabets. Why? Geogian historian Iv. Javakhishvili, who studed Coryun`s work, claims that the creation of Georgian and Albanian alphabets is added to Coryun`s work in the sixth century.

I would love to let everyone know that in Dusheti, Georgia, a stella with Georgian alphabet is found. It is dated appr. 367 AD. Linguists and historians are still learning the origin of Georgian alphabet. I am sure there will be new discoveries.The alphabet is the best invention of the humankind. If St. Mesrop invented Georgian alphabet, he deserves nothing but gratitude from us, Georgians.But did he really create it?Several traditions exist regarding the invention of Georgian alphabet. We want to learn more about it. It is a stupid thing to say that we are offended by Armenian tradition. Those who know history know that one has to check and double-check the existing sources. E.G Philip Longworth says in his indroction to `Russia` that `the early chronicles were composed to sustain the legitimacy and claims of princes rather to provide objective records of circumstances and events.` He speaks about Russian sources but this opinion is shared by the historians all over the world: We cannot just rely on sources, we must examine them, we must try to prove that they are correct.

Wikipedia tells us that Armenian alphabet is modeled after the Greek alphabet, supplemented with letters from a different source or sources for Armenian sounds not found in Greek. The evidence for this is the Greek order of the Armenian alphabet. Check whether Georgian and Armenian alphabets have the same order. They don`t.Most of Armenian history books do not mention that there was a certain Greek from Samosata Called Rufanos who helped St. Mestrop creat the alphabet. WHY? One way or another Mestrop knew Greek. Did he know Georgian and Abanian? The Armenian tradition says that Mestrop listened to Albanians and thus created their alphabet. I don`t know who can believe this. One has to be fluent in any language to create the alphabet of it. Any linguist can confirm it. Some Amrenian and European schollars think that the historian of St. Mesrop, Koryun was either Georgian or Georgian-Armenian (Check Wikipedia). WHY DOES NOT HE SAY SO? Maybe Geogians asked St.Mesrop to create their alphabet as well, he would not have been able to do it without the help of Georgians. The source does not tell us he knew Georgian, which is not related to Armenian language. It is possible that Koryun helped him creat Georgian alphabet but why does not he say so?

I would love to provide you with some information about Georgian alphabet. The German scholar Junker, H. `H holds that bothe Mkedruli and Khutsuri are based like the Armenian alphabet on Aramaic Pahlavi scripts. He also suggests Greek influence (`Caucasia. 1925-1927. I want to just remidn you all that before Georgian alphabet a unique local for of Armaic writing knows as Armazuli existed in Georgia as demonstrated by the 1940`s discovery of a bilinigueal Greco-Aramaic inscription at Btskheta, Georgia. Sir, Ellis H. Minns points out that the Georgian script must be derived from Aramaic as it has in their right places lettres corresponding to WOW, TSADE and QOPH. Armenian possesses these, but out of order. W. E. D. Allen writes: `The Georgian alphabet is a perfect instrument for rendering the wealth of varied sounds in the language: the letters give each different sound wiht accuracy and clearness and no other alphabet, including the Armenian compares with it in efficency. It would seem that the alphabet has a long and slow evolution to its present state of perfection, rather than it was invented by a foreigner.` ( Mr. Allen is the auther of `A history of the Georgian people`, London. `The present State of Caucasian Studies`` )

N. Marr, a leading linguist, while accepting the common opinion that the Khuttsuri was a Georgian Christian creation, considers the Mkedruli as a developments of a pre-hChristian Georgian script, which was modified in later times, under the influence of the Khutsuri. Someatribute the origin of the Khutsuri to the creator of the Armenian alphabet. Nowadays only some letters of the 2 scripts look alike — Preceding unsigned comment added by TheMistAnchorite1 (talk • contribs) 02:49, 16 November 2012 (UTC)

Origin of Georgian alphabet
This article doesn;t talk about the recent discoveries about the origin of the georgian alpbahet. It is possible that the georgian alphabet to have its origin in the Summerian alphabet. For more information please see this page: http://geoalphabet.webs.com/sumer-1.htm The only one who sais that the georgian alphabet was creted by Mesrop Mashtots was the armenian Koryun, and all scholars embraced this without seeing if the manuscript of Koryuns work was alterated or not. By the way i am romanian, and i don't agree with what is presented on this wikipedia article, because it does't expres the oppinion of the georgian nation, and it doesn;t take in account recent discoveries. — Preceding unsigned comment added by TheMistAnchorite1 (talk • contribs) 02:59, 16 November 2012 (UTC)
 * This is an article about a scientific topic, so scientific papers or books should be cited, not private websites with conspiracy theories by layman. The website you linked unfortunately is almost complete nonsense and it's clear that the author of it doesn't know very much about Sumerian. He mixes up words, invents new meanings and attributes wrong meanings and features to Sumerian. The Sumerian word an does not mean "moon" in any way, Sumerian neither had an alphabet, nor capital letters. There is no Sumerian word similar to khar that means "bull"; later on he claims the very same character suddenly means "earth". The Asomtavruli letters don't even bear remote similarity to their Sumerian cuneiform (pseudo-)"cognates", just compare Asomtavruli eni with Sumerian en. He attributes the letter tani with the ancient Sumerian character for eye, although Sumerian was written in cuneiforms already, in it's middle and later time, which hardly resemble their original characters. Even less so the late Babylonian writing. I couldn't even find a single Sumerian character on the website. I'm not sure if this website is a hoax (let me cite: Oh, God, some miracle is happening!), but it should definitely not be included in a serious Wikipedia article. If you want to make changes to the article, please cite from accepted, peer-reviewed or at least officially published sources. — N-true (talk) 09:56, 16 November 2012 (UTC)

Edit by ChelseaFCG
As requested in the edit summary I'm bringing this up here. I've reverted this edit as we simply do not use YouTube and TripAdvisor reviews as sources, see WP:RS. The wording dismissing other opinions also violated WP:NPOV. Dougweller (talk) 10:33, 26 November 2012 (UTC)

Mr Dougweller, Kartvelian history is my profession and i can debate about origin of the Georgian Alphabet to anyone on this planet. There are few scripts written on Georgian alphabet in 3'd century BC, 700 years earlier when Mesrop Mashtots was born. This scripts are saved in Georgia's national museum in Tbilisi. After this break through discovery i was taught that may be Georgian alphabet was made by Mesrop Mashtots but now everything in changed. After 2011 there is not even a talk about Armenian origin because now we have a fact and discovery. I amd NOT GEORGIAN, i am from USA, ethnic Irish if u are interested. I repeat there is scripts made in III BC and everyone can see it in Museum. If u have any questions i can discuss it--ChelseaFCG (talk) 13:25, 26 November 2012 (UTC)


 * I repeat, we do not use sources such as TripAdvisor or GeorgiaTraveller, nor do we ignore what reliable sources have to say. Stephen Rapp is an expert on this subject, and he says "Not a shred of dated evidence has come to light confirming the invention of a Georgian alphabet by King P'arnavaz in the third century BC as is fabulously attested in the first text of K'Ck.43 Rather, the Georgian, Armenian, and Caucasian Albanian scripts were likely created by a Christian pan-Caucasian initiative in the late fourth/early fifth century AD." and "43 Cf. Chilashvili's "Nekresi" for the claim that a Geo. asomVavruli burial inscription from Nckrcsi commemorates a Zoroastrian who died in the first/second ccntury AD. Archaeological evidence confirms that a Zoroastrian temple once stood at Nekresi, hut the date of the supposed grave marker is hopelessly circumstantial. Chilashvili reasons, on the basis of the first-/second-century date, that P'arnavaz likely created the script in order to translate the Avtsla (i.e.. sacred Zoroastrian writings) into Geo., thus turning on its head the argument that the Georgian script was deliberately fashioned by Christians in order to disseminate the New Testament. Though I accept eastern Georgia's intimate con- nection to Iran, I cannot support Chilashvili's dubious hypothesis. I find more palatable".


 * Discussion raised at WP:RSN. I've already made it clear that you need to cite reliable sources for your edits but you continue to add badly written edits and to make controversial statements in Wikipedia's voice. Dougweller (talk) 14:57, 26 November 2012 (UTC)

I agree with it is not reliable source and i deleted it. BUT really reliable source is that scriptions in National museum of Georgia which are WRITTEN IN GEORGIAN LANGUAGE IN 3'd CENTURY BC. http://www.amsi.ge/istoria/div/nekrisi.pdf here is an copy of that scripture. This discovery was in 2011 and that work by stephen is old, he made this work in 2003, and discovery was in 2011,01,18. I have read that book by Stephen and he was real professional but he hadn't seen that scriptures. again, i repeat my friend there are real scripts, originals hanged out in national museum of Georgia, anyone can see it. Also scientists such as Ivane Javakhishvili, P.Ingorokva, T. Putkaradze, E.sintibidze, G. Tsereteli, N.berdzenishvili, S. janashia, T. Gamkrelidze and others who died before 2011 concluded that Georgian alphabet was pre-Christian by researches. Our group will visit Georgia next summer for archeological dig in Nakalakevi, and i will make a Photo of that scripts and upload it in Wikipedia.--ChelseaFCG (talk) 16:22, 26 November 2012 (UTC) I note that the above editor is blocked as a sock. Dougweller (talk) 07:34, 6 December 2012 (UTC)

These recent edits are utter vandalism. Creating a YouTube video then referring to it as a source is nothing but a joke. First of all the dating of Nekresi inscription has not been confirmed by anyone other than Georgian nationalists. The pre-Mashtotsian absence of Georgian literature and the abundance of post-Mashtotsian literature are a perfect example of the origins of Georgian alphabet. An alphabet used by the entire nation cannot suddenly disappear, only to reappear after Mashtots invention of the Armenian.

And what is said about Khorenatsi and Koryun is utter rubbish. Obviously the individual never even read any of it. Where he gets his sources from? Conspiracy archives? The edit says “It should be taken into account that in Koryun's original text says that the purpose of Mashtot's visit to Iberia exchange of experience in translating the Christian literature to the national languages, establishing uniform liturgy procedures, etc (and not the invention of the Georgian alphabet).”

That’s a bunch of rubbish. First of all Koryn’s original text says literally the following: ''“Again, after the passage of sonie time, the beloved of Christ thought of taking care of the barbarian regions, and by the grace of God undertook to create an alphabet for the Georgian language. He wrote, arranged, and put it in order, and taking a few of his pupils, arrived in the regions of Georgia. And he went and presented himself to King Bakour, and the bishop of the land, Moses.”'' -	Koryun, The Life of Mashtots, XV

Khorenatsi in his work on Mashtots, even describes such details as the translator Mashtots acquired for his endeavour, and how the King and the Bishop provided the necessary means: "Mesrop, ventured to Georgia, and there too, in accord with his divine gift and with the assistance of King Bakur and Bishop Moses created for them an alphabet as well, with the help of a certain Jagha, who was a translator of Greek and Armenian. Amongst them he chose a number of pupils and divided them up into two classes, and assigned them as teachers two of his disciples, Ter of Khordzen and Mushe of Taron." -	 Moses of Chorene, The History of Armenia, Book III, Sec. 54.

And this edit doesn't even make sense: ''“he examples listed above clearly show that some of the old Armenian sources do not acknowledge Mesrop Mashtots as the inventor of the "full" (36 letter) Armenian alphabet. In the said circumstances serious scholars can't even suppose that the authorship of the Georgian alphabet can be attributed to Mesrop Mashtots.”'' I can continue showing source by source the many false claims this individual is making, but I have a feeling it would be a waste of time.

Catholic Encyclopedia says: “He (Mashtots) evangelized successively the Georgians, Albanians, and Aghouanghks, adapting his alphabet to their languages, and, wherever he preached the Gospel, he built schools and appointed teachers and priests to continue his work.” http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/10211a.htm

Yet another external source to which Britannica links says: “The Caucasian Albanian alphabet is believed to have been created by Mesrop Mashtots (Մեսրոպ Մաշտոց), who also devised the Armenian and Georgian alphabets, probably in the late 4th or early 5th century AD." http://www.omniglot.com/writing/caucasianalbanian.htm

As for ChelseaFCG who are you kidding? Your English is so poor it could hardly be written by an American with Irish roots. Not to mention your false claims of being an academic. Everything edited in the article suggests you have no clue of scientific conduct. You are most probably the very same Georgiaphile TheMystAnchorite who is famously clogging the internet with outlandish nationalistic Georgian claims. Wikipedia is no YouTube so stop vandalizing articles! Even the word “Armenia” you write with a lower-casing. Pity some people resolve to such means when it comes to history. It's painful to even read the edits let alone take them seriously. Thanks for the revisions. Freeanthony (talk) —Preceding undated comment added 08:02, 9 December 2012 (UTC)

Comment on sources
I've already said that YouTube videos are not reliable source for this yet they continue to be used. I've removed a comment based on the Britannica because in discussions at RSN it's been agreed it isn't a reliable source for this sort of claim unless of course the article was written by a reputable scholar in the field, in which case we would attribute the statement to that scholar. I'll also note that I don't see William Edward David Allen as a reliable source. We do have a discussion board to discuss sources at WP:RSN. Dougweller (talk) 07:25, 8 December 2012 (UTC)

Eight(?) Obsolete Letters
The subsection labeled "Obsolete Letters" claims that there are eight obsolete letters in the Mkhedruli alphabet. The obsolete letters are shaded in the "Mkhedruli letters" table located in that section. The issue is, there are ten shaded letters! The first five obsolete letters are shaded in light purple. The reference to the final "three" obsolete letters refers to those shaded dark purple in the alphabet table. However, there are five letters shaded in dark purple. What about the other two? There are no references whatsoever to the letters "ჺ" and "ჹ" in this article! If they are obsolete, why does the article refer to eight obsolete letters? If they are not obsolete, then why are they shaded?

The obsolete letters section also says that the last three obsolete letters were added to accommodate "sounds not present in Georgian proper". If you go to the table at the top of the page, which contains links to each of the individual letters of the Mkhedruli alphabet, you'll see that the letters "ჺ" and "ჹ" both fall into that same category. That would explain why they are shaded in the alphabet table. So then why aren't they included in the article?!? If "ჶ", "ჷ", and "ჸ" are mentioned as serving the same function, then why are the other two letters missing from this section?

Finally (not quite about "obsolete" letters), the table at the top of the page that contains links to each of the individual letters of the Mkhedruli alphabet includes one more letter: "ჼ". The page for this letter states that it is: "The modifier letter ნარ (Nar) in the Georgian alphabet." This letter isn't referenced anywhere in this article. Why? This seems like an omission. While it may simply be a modifier and not quite a "letter", in the purely linguistic sense, if it's used to write the language, and it isn't punctuation, then shouldn't it be included? (It would seem to fall into the same category as the hard ("ъ") and soft ("ь") signs, required (especially the latter) to write Russian and integral to the Russian alphabet.)

While I've studied a number of writing systems, I don't speak or write the Georgian language and, therefore, am not qualified to answer these questions or make changes to the article itself. Ge0nk (talk) 22:06, 13 July 2013 (UTC)

RFC: Origin of Georgian alphabet
There is an ongoing disagreement over the degree of emphasis which should be given to the assertion that the first Georgian alphabet was either invented by, or strongly influenced by, the 4th/5th-century Armenian scholar Mesrop Mashtots, and whether Mesrop's connection to the Georgian alphabet is widely accepted by scholars in general or is primarily an Armenian claim. This dispute has been going on for several years (as indicated by comments above in this talk page going back to 2008) and has given rise to a lot of edit warring. Outside perspectives would be gratefully appreciated. — Rich wales (no relation to Jimbo) 01:13, 3 August 2013 (UTC)
 * The "Armenian claim"–a term I object to, since none of the cited authors are Armenian–is backed up by eight sources. The Georgian response and the possible reasons for it are already detailed in the body of the article and also buttressed by reliable citations. This dispute hasn't ceased because there will always be a Georgian nationalist who will want to disassociate or downplay the Armenian influence. Good luck finding consensus.  Jackal  01:42, 3 August 2013 (UTC)
 * Looking at these sources, there's no question that Mesrop's connection to the Georgian alphabet is widely accepted by scholars. To even begin to argue that it's primarily an Armenian claim, all (or at least most) of the sources would have to be Armenian, which isn't the case. Some of the sources are other encyclopedias widely acknowledged as reliable, so I'm not sure how one would even make that point. That said, seeing as there is some debate over this, I think that the wording in the article is perfect. The article states that "it is widely believed that" this is the case. The wide belief is something that cannot be argued. Whatever the origin of the alphabet, it is widely believed that it was created by Mesrop. The article goes on to explain the opposing point of view with proper citations. This is a textbook example of how to handle a disputed claim. What is the proposition, to remove the claim? That certainly does not pass the sniff test. To de-emphasize the claim? It already appears to be given no more than its due weight, with the opposing view clearly and properly presented and also given its due weight. I don't believe there's anything to discuss here. Arathald (talk) 07:45, 4 August 2013 (UTC)

No further comments have been posted here for over nine days, and it appears that edit warring is continuing over the proper way to describe the history of the Georgian alphabet. At this point, I'm inclined to ask for someone to intervene by "fully protecting" the article and forcing people to hash out the question here, on the article's talk page. As an admin, I technically have the ability to do this myself — but since I've done a lot of work on this article (though in other sections, not in the history portion), I am inclined to acknowledge that I'm WP:INVOLVED and find someone else to impose full protection rather than doing it myself. For those of you who are determined to keep battling back and forth on the article itself, this is probably your last chance to work toward a consensus and avoid the possibility of full protection causing the article to be frozen at The Wrong Version. — Rich wales (no relation to Jimbo) 19:56, 13 August 2013 (UTC)
 * I don't think 1 rv in over a week calls for full protection. — Lfdder (talk) 20:07, 13 August 2013 (UTC)


 * I added very little new material, just tried to bring order and structure into displaying those opinions that are predominant and backed by reliable third party sources versus other views, including modern nationalist reactions to well-documented historical record. Sprutt (talk) 20:52, 13 August 2013 (UTC)


 * If here wasw neutral point of view, I say to write all sources like this: One of origin point of view... Not saying that most schoalrs believe and it was created cause it. I can bring many source supporting Greek influence. Also you can start argument and not try to make me banned as you see I am doing my job well which goes on contrary of your ideology --Obitauri (talk) 07:34, 15 August 2013 (UTC)

According WP: WEIGHT, first we describe main international viewpoint. Then, Georgian viewpoint. Then, the critique of the Georgian and main viewpoints. Divot (talk) 01:52, 14 August 2013 (UTC)
 * A good idea. However, in the spirit of WP:WEIGHT the amount of text devoted to the main main international viewpoint should be proportional to its prominence. But now we see that fringe theories are described in more detail that the most accepted viewpoint, which is wrong. It is logical to curtail the description of less prominent viewpoints or to move their discussion into footnotes. Or, expand the description of the international viewpoint to include more "meat." Sprutt (talk) 02:44, 14 August 2013 (UTC)

"According to Georgian scholar Ivane Javakhishvili there are many similarities as well as differences between Georgian and Armenian alphabet, but the order of the letters in the first part of Georgian alphabet is almost parallel to the similar letters of the Greek alphabet, and the other part consists of letters which are very specific to Georgian. Also, the names of the letters and the numeral values of letters are completely different, which, would not have been the case if the Georgian alphabet had been created on the root of Armenian alphabet.[22] The modern Georgian scholar Levan Chilashvili, on the basis of dating the Nekresi inscription in eastern Georgia to the 1st–2nd century AD, claimed that Parnavaz probably created the scripts in order to translate the Avesta (sacred Zoroastrian writings) into Georgian. However, a pre-Christian origin for the Georgian scripts has not been firmly supported by archaeological evidence. According to Donald Rayfield, the assumption that the Georgian script has pre-Christian origin, is rather unfounded and was not confirmed by archaeological findings.[8] Stephen H. Rapp, too, has questioned such a dating."

With a logical argument, we can agree Ivane Javakhishvili look. He also mentioned that armeniand mestrop mashtrots or something name like it he had did not create Georgian alphabewt as it was addition on history in VI century by Armenians. Ivane Javakhishvili is more educated and his books are more trustfull than Rayfield's sources. Also Georgian investigator sources are more trustfull. As I see "many" sources supporting armenian view, it is not logical. If we remind that small and minor sometimes is better than huge as we have here. With logical arguments, if we look at Georgian alphabet, it is based on Greek one. As both Georgian and Armenian was absed on Greek, we have minor similarities here which dont gives us mention to say Georgian is based on Armenian as we have many logical and historical sources. --Obitauri (talk) 08:41, 14 August 2013 (UTC)

Also if we look at the first writing found in Georgian alphabet is made in 430, it is in church, which does not means Georgian alphabet did not exist before. Also according to some scholars Georgian alphabet was used to translate early pre-christian holy pagan texts and also in 4th century to translate Bible after christianisation of Georgia --Obitauri (talk) 08:52, 14 August 2013 (UTC)


 * With his gratuitous rejection of international sources, what I see here is complete disregard of WP:NPOV by User:Obitauri. Sprutt (talk) 13:33, 14 August 2013 (UTC)


 * Obitauri, your observations about Georgian vs. Greek vs. Armenian alphabetical order, as well as on the numeric values of the Georgian letters, are certainly interesting. However, per our No Original Research policy, we (Wikipedia editors) are not allowed to make such observations on our own (all we're allowed to do is to report things like this as they are mentioned in reliable outside sources) — and we are also not allowed to use observations of this sort as a means of evaluating the worthiness of sources which say this or that.  So, for example, we can (and probably should) say that the Encyclopaedia Britannica suggests a Greek influence on the Georgian alphabet because of the order of the letters and some of their shapes, but we cannot say that Britannica proves the Georgian alphabet was developed independently of Armenian influences, and we also cannot categorically exclude sources that disagree with Britannica just because we might happen to agree with the position which the Britannica article espouses.


 * Whether you accept the Mesrop Mashtots theory of the origin of the Georgian alphabet or not, we are required to mention it and also to acknowledge that it is a view prominently held by mainstream scholars. Similarly, those people who consider other origin theories (not involving Mesrop Mashtots) to be ridiculous need to back off and allow those theories to be mentioned as well, with due recognition given to the extent to which each theory is reported in reliable sources.  We can discuss whether this or that source is "reliable", but publications such as the Encyclopaedia Britannica are pretty much considered reliable by definition in the English-speaking world, so whatever Britannica says definitely needs to be mentioned (though not in such a way as to say it is obviously 100% correct and no sources disagreeing with it are worthy of mention).  Also, in general, any "reasoning" of the form that "this source says so-and-so, a proposition which I reject, therefore this source cannot be reliable" is — and should be — treated with great skepticism here; people need to get used to the idea that this article is going to present multiple sides, and that it must do so fairly, even if someone happens to feel that one side is obviously correct and the other is ridiculous.  —  Rich wales (no relation to Jimbo) 21:24, 14 August 2013 (UTC)


 * Britannica is not only which agrees Greek influence. As of Georgian popular scholar, Ivane Javakhishvili which is most trustfull source, as he is one who investigated Georgian culture more than any other scholar from world, we can agree him when he says Georgian haves Greek influence and Mesrop's creation of it is just mere addition of history in VI-th century. As we investigate all sources, most logical is that Georgian haves Greek influence. Wikipedia rules say to bring "Trustful Source". As we see, Ivane Javakhishvili investigated Georgian culture more than anyone other, also his argument is most logical. Also Mesrop's creation is not agreed in Georgia, as Georgians know more about their culture than anyone other. Also bringing 10 or 12 sources, does not means that mesrops influence is widely believed. I can bring 20 or 25 sources saying it is not made by mesrop. Then this guys will bring saying he did and so what we can do then. So my argument says that Georgian haves Greek influence. Also we MUST remove that "Many scholars agree that Georgian alphabet was created by Mesrop Mashtots". Write that one of point of view is this, then write other and other and this will not cause conflict anymore but Divot keeps changing it to most scholars worldwide... I will not allow vandalism or conflict on this article --Obitauri (talk) 07:32, 15 August 2013 (UTC)

BTW, Brittanica, "Alphabet": "The Aramaic alphabet was probably also the prototype of the Brāhmī script of India, a script that became the parent of nearly all Indian writings. Derived from the Aramaic alphabet, it came into being in northwest India. The Armenian and Georgian alphabets, created by St. Mesrob (Mashtots) in the early 5th century AD, were also based on the Aramaic alphabet.". Divot (talk) 23:12, 14 August 2013 (UTC)


 * As of Britannica saying this, I cant see it saying it here source you brought. Also it says on different source that Georgian alphabet haves Greek influence. Which we can trust? Other sources support one or second variant. We must choose logically and historically correct source as true. Ivane Javakhishvili investigated Georgian culture more than any other scholar. His source is most trustful. Also Ivane says that Georgian alphabet haves Greek influence as of numeral and structure similarities, not Armenian basis --Obitauri (talk) 07:32, 15 August 2013 (UTC)

Point of view of Greek influence as of numeral and structural similarities of Georgian alphabet is not my idea. It is invented by famous scholar Ivane Javakhishvili. He says: "There are many similarities as well as differences between Georgian and Armenian alphabet, but the order of the letters in the first part of Georgian alphabet is almost parallel to the similar letters of the Greek alphabet, and the other part consists of letters which are very specific to Georgian. Also, the names of the letters and the numeral values of letters are completely different, which, would not have been the case if the Georgian alphabet had been created on the root of Armenian alphabet." Also similarities are caused as of Greek basis. Some letters look like Aramic. Main influence of structure on Georgian alphabet is Greek. About Messrop: After researching Koryun's Life of Mashtots, a Georgian historian Ivane Javakhishvili came to conclusion that the story of creation of Georgian alphabet by Mashtots was a mere addition made in the VI century. We must choose most logical arguemnt from sources as here is rule to bring reliable sources. Other thing is we can just write about all sources that it is one, 2nd and 3rd point of view, not tell its widely believed or something like it as we have 10 sources it don't mean its widely believed. We can just let people take their ideas out of all sources and get their own look on origin. As we can give all sources equal value and conflict will be solved --Obitauri (talk) 07:54, 15 August 2013 (UTC)
 * Isn't it interesting that the fact that Koryuns work was interpolated is only a suspicion and other things are of course true. Well, Kudos Armenian diaspora : ].
 * BTW, do all scholars, as you call them "international scholars", base their thoughts on Koryuns work? Yes I suppose. The saying that they compared the two is kind of funny.
 * Nevertheless, I don't think that their assumptions should be removed or disparaged by *us* anyhow.
 * And lastly, you all prolly have already come to understand that this article is doomed to be vandalized by either side. So, I propose we make all our efforts (it won't be easy nor short-term) to make a partially final version of this article till some new researches are made. By partially final I mean no one has rights of changing even a word in some parts of the article :]. And in case one sees a need of expanding one has to write it here (we could also make a sign warning editors about this). Therefore we make a rule, which is way easier to follow than no-rule situation where every revision is an omen of the new era of edit-warring. Rules rule :]--Dixtosa (talk) 11:35, 15 August 2013 (UTC)
 * This guys bring 10 or 15 sources based as you said on Koryun's work. This is not international view and not widely believed, no way to bring 100 source or 1. Sometimes you can bring 100 source but thing they support may not be widely believed and 1 source may be. We must look fact that Mesrop ONLY invented Armenian alphabet as we see with comparing sources, most logical is that Mesrop's supporting sources are not true. If they ask me proof I can bring any time --Obitauri (talk) 15:47, 15 August 2013 (UTC)


 * I see user Obitauri is playing deaf and is committed not to comply to WP rules in a classical display of WP:IDIDNTHEARTHAT and WP:DISRUPT. Sprutt (talk) 16:34, 16 August 2013 (UTC)


 * Go write more rules I "broke". Come in argument and stop writing this rules, if I broke it, Admin will do what is needed. And why I broke this rules? Edits are not based on my ideas. I brought sources. Ivane Javakhisvili books is reliable and did not broke anything here --Obitauri (talk) 20:12, 16 August 2013 (UTC)


 * Obitauri, can you please clarify to us how your approach to evaluating the available sources here is in keeping with the Wikipedia policy requirement (see WP:NPOV) that we must be committed to "representing fairly, proportionately, and, as far as possible, without bias, all of the significant views that have been published by reliable sources on a topic"? —  Rich wales (no relation to Jimbo) 19:20, 16 August 2013 (UTC)


 * If you think sources from books of Ivane Javakhishvili is not reliable, then I cant discuss anything with you --Obitauri (talk) 20:12, 16 August 2013 (UTC)


 * Apologies, in advance, if I'm misunderstanding what you are saying.


 * The question here is not whether or not we should consider the scholarship of Ivane Javakhishvili to be of acceptable quality. We aren't supposed to be deciding which one point of view is the correct view (and then present only that view and no others, or present the view that we consider to be correct as the primary view and relegate other views to a secondary or fringe status).  What we are required to do here is to present all significant views from reliable sources, and to do so "in proportion to the prominence of each viewpoint in the published, reliable sources" (see WP:WEIGHT, a subsection of WP:NPOV).  We aren't allowed to use arguments such as "Ivane Javakhishvili was a Georgian scholar of unquestionable quality, and therefore anything he said is reliable, and any other source which disagrees with Javakhishvili is (by definition) not a reliable source, so Javakhishvili's views should be given the greatest prominence, and any conflicting views are worthy only of passing mention because nothing disagreeing with Javakhishvili can possibly be reliable".  Again, please accept my apology in advance if I'm not properly understanding what you are trying to say — but if this is in fact what you're trying to say, you really need to carefully re-read our Neutral Point of View policy (WP:NPOV), because that is the standard you (and all of us) are required to use on Wikipedia.  —  Rich wales (no relation to Jimbo) 21:21, 16 August 2013 (UTC)


 * So article we now have haves neutral point of view. As one of editors before said that Ivane's look is nationalistic as he is Georgian, I can disagree him as if he was Georgian nationalist he would not say that Georgian alphabet was based on Greek. So neutral point of view form of article now we got can be left here but I can not let this people to write about article that the mashtots creation is widely believed, as it is based only on several source and it is not supporitng neutral point of view rule. So we can writeas it is now: Britannica's point of view, Other scholars who support mashtots point and then contrary disagree view against mashtots by Ivane Javakhishvili. As here must be neutral point of view, now it is like it and as some people thinks mesrop created it, we can not say its widely believed but I will bring proof which goes contrary on Koryuns work and then I think this masrop creation of alphabet must be like its not true proven by other sources --Obitauri (talk) 09:20, 17 August 2013 (UTC)


 * Divot keeps undoing my edit with reason: Main viewpoint is international. I told him that Britannica is international. Also 100 or 10 book is not proof to say its belived by most scholars about mesrops creation. Article now looks good and does not needs changing and moving "international" view --Obitauri (talk) 14:41, 17 August 2013 (UTC)
 * According WP:CON "Editors usually reach consensus as a natural product of editing. After someone makes a change or addition to a page, others who read it can choose either to leave the page as it is or to change it. When editors do not reach agreement by editing, discussion on the associated talk pages continues the process toward consensus". So, if you want to change the article, you must discussion on the associated talk pages continues the process toward consensus. Next time i'll ask for your block. Divot (talk) 16:46, 17 August 2013 (UTC)

1. Identifying reliable sources says "generally attributed to the Armenian linguist and monk Mesrop" and "It has been believed, and not only in Armenia". So, it is main international viewpoint. Divot (talk) 16:46, 17 August 2013 (UTC)

2. When Britannica suggests that the Old Georgian script must have been derived from the Greek alphabet, this is not means that Old Georgian script created not by Mashtots. Mashtots could use Greek alphabet or Aramean alphabet. This is only means that Old Georgian script's base letters from Greek alphabet. Divot (talk) 16:50, 17 August 2013 (UTC)


 * I made page with NPOV. This page no longer said most of scholars widely believe something. Now this starts with Britanicca argument.

1. It is not main international viewpoint, bringing even 100 sources does not means it is widely believed, this also breaks Rule NPOV. 2. Ivane Javakhishvili says and here is source that Georgian alphabet is not created by Messrop. Also all sources supporting Messrop are based on Koryuns work, which according to Ivane is addition by Armenians in VIth century. Ivane does neutral point of view, and he is Georgian but he is neutral because if he was not neutral, he would not say Georgian alphabet was based on Greek.

Article as I modified does not breaks any rule and is neutral view. Also it does not supports any view and does not says one is logical or widely believed, we must let people see argument and contrary argument which is like it now. If you edit this again it goes to edit warring and article may be blocked on wrong version you did. I think you just try to say Georgian alphabet is made by Armenian as I see your location --Obitauri (talk) 17:56, 17 August 2013 (UTC)


 * As best I can tell from comparing [ this version] (preferred by Divot) and [ this version] (preferred by Obitauri), the main difference between the two appears to be whether the Mesrop Mashtots theory is "widely believed internationally" (Divot) or "believed by some scholars" (Obitauri). The content of the "History" section of the article in these two versions otherwise seems to be the same, except for a variation in the ordering of the paragraphs whose significance is not obvious to me.  Am I basically correct, or am I missing something important here?


 * If this is really all the difference that separates the two sides, I wonder whether a reasonably reachable compromise position might exist here involving a wording that neither substantially promotes nor downplays either theory. In fact, "believed by some scholars" isn't really that bad (IMO) for a neutral wording — "some" is indefinite and noncommittal, not meaning "many", but also not meaning "only a very few".  I believe NPOV is probably best served here by presenting both theories, along with the main reasoning behind each, but without making Wikipedia's editorial voice favour or oppose either side.  This really doesn't look to me like a case of one obviously 100% believable and correct view countered by another obviously 100% wacko-fringe view; thus, per the NPOV policy, we should give a fair presentation of both views, accept that the question remains unresolved, and leave it to the reader to choose one or the other if he/she so desires.  —  Rich wales (no relation to Jimbo) 01:09, 18 August 2013 (UTC)


 * My version agrees all rules on wikipedia and is neutral. Also I added this at end: "After researching Koryun's Life of Mashtots, a Georgian historian Ivane Javakhishvili came to conclusion that the story of creation of Georgian alphabet by Mashtots was a mere addition made in the VI century."


 * This was here before but removed as not sourced, I sourced this and edited but Divot removed it again. My version contains this view as well but Divot's one does not and removes this. He is just trying to take me in warring to make me blocked and make article as he wants with his supporters, as you saw Sprutt also told me I "broke" rule. I think Sprutt and Divot may be same users, I think we must check who they are and tell administrator --Obitauri (talk) 06:58, 18 August 2013 (UTC)


 * Divot has been on Wikipedia since 2008, and Sprutt has been here since 2011. IMO, it is extremely unlikely that they are the same person.  As for concerns that other editors are trying to bait you into edit-warring so you can get blocked, the best thing you can do is to avoid interpersonal disputes or accusations entirely:  instead, concentrate on article content and sources and follow the established dispute resolution procedures as scrupulously as you can.  No one else can force you to engage in edit-warring; that is your decision to make.


 * As for material sourced to Ivane Javakhishvili, I would strongly recommend you try to be careful not to overuse Javakhishvili to the point that people might think you are attaching undue weight to what he said. I do understand you feel Javakhishvili's work is and ought to be the definitive "last word" on this whole subject, but that is not how the sourcing and neutrality policies work here in the English Wikipedia.  You should probably combine the (currently three) different mentions of Javakhishvili in the current "History" section into a single paragraph, and his name should also not be wikilinked each and every time it is mentioned — wikilinking the first mention of his name should be enough.  —  Rich wales (no relation to Jimbo) 07:31, 18 August 2013 (UTC)

Once more. Identifying reliable sources says "generally attributed to the Armenian linguist and monk Mesrop" and "It has been believed, and not only in Armenia". So, it is international generally viewpoint, and according WP:WEIGHT (Specifically, it should always be clear which parts of the text describe the minority view.) we must to say it. Not "some scolars", but "generally". Divot (talk) 07:44, 18 August 2013 (UTC)
 * Why not to write generally: First of all its no longer neutrality. Also we can not say it is generally believed if we even bring 100 source. Britannica agrees Javakhishvili point about Greek influence, then we can say it is general as well? So what it becomes then. If its "widely believed" cause foreign sources agree it, but they still are based on Koryun's work, which according to Ivane is mere addition in VIth century, which gets no contrary argument. Also Brittanica agrees Greek influence and its foreign source, so can we say basing on it that Greek influence is widely believed? Article we have now is good. I noticed you just try to write as its made by Armenians...

To Richwales, I brought Javakhishvili point as it is needed: I put argument of supporters of Messrop, then its contrary arguement, then its contrary argument and at end point of Ivane's point, which suggests that Koryuns work was mere addition and about which we have no contrary argument so its in end of article. Also Divot's version puts Armenian supporting sources at end and makes article to support this Koryun based sources. Also Divot removed Ivane's point saying Koryuns work was mere addition which is sourced. This version I made is good and does not breaks anything --Obitauri (talk) 08:14, 18 August 2013 (UTC)

Once more. According Wikipedia:Neutral point of view:Due and undue weight "it should always be clear which parts of the text describe the minority view". Understand? We have identifying reliable sources about the majority view. What more do you want?

About Britannica. Britannica NOT agrees Javakhishvili point, because Britannica only says that the Old Georgian script must have been derived from the Greek alphabet. But Britannica not says that the Old Georgian script created not by Mashtots. Divot (talk) 15:31, 18 August 2013 (UTC)


 * How do you "prove" majority of scientists support messrop? Bringing 10 source? Its not enough proof. Also Ivane's point is reliable and trustfull. Also not majority of scientists agree this Messrop's creation. Bringing even 100 sources does not means its agreed widely. Britanicca does not says it was created by messtroop. Also I can tell you that article we now have is good and does not needs anything changed. And all sources are based on Koryun's work which supports Messtop, Koryun was Armenian, its clear what he would have wrote. Agreeing from several scientists and bringing them as proof of it is "widely" believed is not correct. Now article does not needs changing anything, no rule broken and its done well. If I see anything changed to wrong version, I will do what is needed --Obitauri (talk) 16:40, 18 August 2013 (UTC)
 * "How do you "prove" majority of scientists support messrop?"
 * Lenore A. Grenoble. Language policy in the Soviet Union. Springer, 2003. ISBN 1-4020-1298-5. P. 116. "The creation of the Georgian alphabet is generally attributed to the Armenian linguist and monk Mesrop, who is also credited with the creation of the Armenian alphabet."
 * Donald Rayfield "The Literature of Georgia: A History (Caucasus World). RoutledgeCurzon. ISBN 0-7007-1163-5. P. 19. "The Georgian alphabet seems unlikely to have a pre-Christian origin, for the major archaeological monument of the 1st century 4IX the bilingual Armazi gravestone commemorating Serafua, daughter of the Georgian viceroy of Mtskheta, is inscribed in Greek and Aramaic only. It has been believed, and not only in Armenia, that all the Caucasian alphabets — Armenian, Georgian and Caucaso-Albanian — were invented in the 4th century by the Armenian scholar Mesrop Mashtots."
 * Divot (talk) 16:45, 18 August 2013 (UTC)


 * "Britanicca does not says it was created by messtroop" - BTW, Brittanica, "Alphabet": "The Aramaic alphabet was probably also the prototype of the Brāhmī script of India, a script that became the parent of nearly all Indian writings. Derived from the Aramaic alphabet, it came into being in northwest India. The Armenian and Georgian alphabets, created by St. Mesrob (Mashtots) in the early 5th century AD, were also based on the Aramaic alphabet." Divot (talk) 17:13, 18 August 2013 (UTC)
 * It does not means its widely believed if even 10 sources says it. This sources are made by again same person which seems haves relations and supports Armenian version. Also show me where you read this text from Britannica.

Ivane Javakhishvili says that Georgian alphabet was based on Greek and was not made by Messrop. According to him, messrops participation was added in history by Koryun. All sources supporting Armenian creation are based on Koryun's "work". Koryun was armenian so you know what he would write about alphabets and this scholars agree Koryun.. This are not good reliable sources, this haves contrary argument '''and article now does not breaks neutrality rule and is as it is needed. Saying most of world scholars believe this basing on 2 books and one of them which says its believed not only in armenia does not means its widely believed. Nothing shows its widely believed from this sources. And I can tell you Messtroop did not create GEORGIAN alphabet basing on several sources and LOGICS''' --Obitauri (talk) 19:57, 18 August 2013 (UTC)


 * Obitauri and Divot, based on the talk page and on the article history, it's pretty clear you're edit warring over this point despite there being an active RFC about this. That behavior is completely inappropriate -- both of you are trying to push specific edits while this is under discussion. At this point, I'm still going to assume good faith and suppose that you both believe you're doing the right thing for the article, but you need to stop this edit warring until a consensus is reached. You two have also effectively monopolized the discussion in this RFC, keeping others from expressing their opinions and viewpoints just by virtue of the sheer volume of posts you've been making. You've both made your points, and you need to step back and let the RFC continue. If you have any new information to add, however, please feel free to add that. Arathald (talk) 21:07, 18 August 2013 (UTC)
 * Why me? We have the consensus version, and Obituary try to change it by edit warring. What must i do? Divot (talk) 21:27, 18 August 2013 (UTC)
 * It takes two to edit war, and the edit history of the page shows that you are, indeed, engaged in edit warring. You're doing the same thing that Obitauri is, just from the opposite perspective. We haven't reached a consensus here, and both of you are showing behavior that is making it very difficult to have this discussion. As I said, you've stated your points, so unless you have something new to add, the both of you need to let other editors chime in on this instead of monopolizing the conversation. Arathald (talk) 03:52, 19 August 2013 (UTC)


 * Having taken some (but not a lot of) time to look at the sources and other literature, my impression is that neither claim has gained much traction. The wording in the article had been twisted to make it sound like popular opinion is academic opinion. What academics generally seem to agree on is that the Georgian alphabet surfaced around 400 CE and that it was influenced by Greek to some degree. Everything else seems to be very much open to debate. — Lfdder (talk) 21:37, 18 August 2013 (UTC)


 * Dee Ann Holisky, in “The Georgian Alphabet”, The World’s Writing Systems, ed. Daniels & Bright, OUP (1996), writes: “Although Armenian sources credit Mesrop Mashtots' with the creation of asomtavruli, this is effectively refuted by Gamkrelidze (1990: 194–95). Popular legends as well as some scholarly treatments place the creation of the alphabet in pre-Christian times, but Gamkrelidze (pp. 196–97) argues persuasively that it must have followed the advent of Christianity in Georgia (circa 337); the forms of the letters are freely invented in imitation of the Greek model.“ (p.367)—Odysseus 1 4 7  9  04:33, 19 August 2013 (UTC)


 * However this article ends up, I can say that Obitauri either doesn't understand or is ignoring various policies including WP:VERIFY and NOR when he says "We must choose logically and historically correct source as true" and "I can tell you Messtroop did not create GEORGIAN alphabet basing on several sources and LOGICS". Obitauri, I suggest you read the essay Verifiability, not truth. I don't much like the present version which leans to heavily on a generalist Encyclopedia - our main sources should be specialist works. And if we are going to use the word 'some' in "It is believed by some scholars and Encyclopedias" (do Encyclopedias believe) why not use it in "Georgian scholars (including Ivane Javakhishvili)"? I'm also not sure about " After researching Koryun's Life of Mashtots,[27] a Georgian historian Ivane Javakhishvili came to conclusion that the story of creation of Georgian alphabet by Mashtots was a mere addition made in the VI century.[23]" - why at the end, and does the source actually say he came to this conclusion because he read Koryun? Dougweller (talk) 05:24, 19 August 2013 (UTC)

Obituary's editing. The source for "Georgian historical tradition and some non-Georgian scholars attributes the invention of the Georgian alphabets to the semi-mythical Parnavaz I of Iberia" is "Standard Languages and Multilingualism in European History, Matthias Hüning, P.299". This is the page 299: "The beginnings of a local tradition of literacy in Georgia - contemporaneous with early writing in the native language in neighboring Armenia - date to the early fifth century. The original script that was created by Mcsrop consisted of 38 signs. The modern Georgian alphabet has 33 letters. Literature in Georgian has been produced in three varieties of the alphabet. The oldest version of Georgian writing is the "capital" script (asomtavruli), also known as the "rounded" script (mrglovani). This script was used from the fifth to the ninth century. The earliest extant texts are written in the capital script: an inscription in a church near Bethlehem in Palestine, dated to c. 430, and an inscription in the church at Bolnisi (south of Tbilisi) from 494."

What does it mean, Obituary ????? Divot (talk) 23:32, 18 August 2013 (UTC)


 * Huning says: Scholars believe that Georgian script may ave been created already in pre-christian times... Then he says what others think about Mesrop. Is it so hard to read? Also I borught several sources supporting Parnavaz's creation and now article looks good and I have understanding of rules and this article will not end up. I already verified them. See what Javakhishvili says.

"Why he came on this conclusion"? He read Koryun to check if it was true and when he researched this, he found out it was not original and true. He needed it to read this as people were basing their look on it so is this something you can not get why he researched? Also here are several other sources supporting Georgian point of view: Bermann, CultureGrams: Europe Page 114 "Georgian alphabet was created by King Parnavaz in 2nd century B.C." Georgian: ივ. ჯავახიშვილი, ქართული პალეოგრაფია, გვ. 194-203, 236-238, 266-272

--Obitauri (talk) 09:23, 19 August 2013 (UTC)
 * Specialist literature is very much preferred over a book on shamanism. — Lfdder (talk) 09:44, 19 August 2013 (UTC)


 * "Huning says: Scholars believe that Georgian script may ave been created already in pre-christian times..." Of course, not. Huning says: "The resemblance of the signs with prehistoric motifs led some scholars to believe that the Georgian script might have been created already in pre-Christian times". He say nothing about and some non-Georgian scholars. Divot (talk) 09:50, 19 August 2013 (UTC)
 * "Shamanic Journeys, Shamanic Stories: Michael Berman" - is not an Identifying reliable sources. Do not return these links, at first you need a consensus on this page. Divot (talk) 09:55, 19 August 2013 (UTC)
 * So the statement linking reading Koryun and Javakhishvili's conclusion is basically original research as there is no causal link.
 * Michael Berman is clearly not a reliable source for the Georgian alphabet. His book is on an entirely different subject. Divot is also correct about Huning. I'm very dubious about Culturegrams - I'd like to see comments at WP:RSN before we use it. Dougweller (talk) 10:02, 19 August 2013 (UTC)

Britannica about Mesrob. Divot (talk) 10:05, 19 August 2013 (UTC)

Britannica from Google - page 1042. What does it mean, Obituary ????? Divot (talk) 10:36, 19 August 2013 (UTC)


 * Source says that Ivane researched it as many scholars based their work on Koryun's work. He researched it to show it was not historically accurate version. This source contains 3 pages of his book, one of those says after researching history and koryun's work, also other works he came to this conclusion. Also I brought foreign sources supporting mesrtops non-participation, which got 2 times removed by divot, first time he said its not reliable, then I brought Google books link but he again removed them. If I did same, it was like if I removed sources supproting mesrop but I did not but he did remove them to "prove his argument". I dont know what was point of removing latest added reliable sources, probably he wants to make article like he wants.

Also adding Ivane's words at end is because: We must bring argument and its contrary argument. Here no one talks about Ivane's words I put at end with contrary argument, so it is in end. We have no contrary argument which says about Ivane's research that he was mistaken and Masrop is not mere addition so Ivane's words are in end, is this so hard to notice? Then what to put at end. If we put mesrop supproting argument, then won't it be same "rule break". So as we do not have contrary argument that it was not mere addition, it is in end. Also article now does not breaks any rule and is good. Nothing needs to be removed, it is neutral point of view. I will tell Divot to do not remove sources again --Obitauri (talk) 12:02, 19 August 2013 (UTC)
 * I have blocked this editor for 2 weeks - their 3rd block for edit warring in the last month. I'm considering asking for a topic ban at WP:AN. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Dougweller (talk • contribs) 13:00, 19 August 2013 (UTC)


 * Looking at the article it is clear that both users Obitauri and Divot are engaged in the edit war. I want to suggest you to revert the edits of the article's history section as it was in April 2013 with statement of It is asserted ... which was at least neutral back then. And then we can continue discussion and working on the history content ONLY in the talk page and want to call on all users to work HERE and then when the consensus is reached we can put the agreed version into the article. georgian JORJADZE 14:30, 19 August 2013 (UTC)