Learn Ossetian Online with the Vocabo Chrome Extension
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Master Ossetian vocabulary while browsing the web. Free Chrome extension for language learners. Ossetian is spoken by estimated 450,000-600,000 people. Ossetian is the only living descendant of the Scytho-Sarmatian branch of Iranian languages, giving learners a rare living link to the ancient steppe world of the Alans.
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About Ossetian
The Ossetian word for water, дон (don), is an ancient Iranian root also preserved in the names of the rivers Don, Danube, Dnieper and Dniester across Europe.
Also known as: Ossete, Ossetic
Speakers
estimated 450,000-600,000
Language Family
Indo-Iranian (Eastern Iranian)
Writing System
Cyrillic alphabet, with the extra letter Ӕ ӕ for a vowel sound not found in Russian
Difficulty
Hard
Spoken in
Why Learn Ossetian?
Ossetian is the only living descendant of the Scytho-Sarmatian branch of Iranian languages, giving learners a rare living link to the ancient steppe world of the Alans.
Common Ossetian Words
Start your Ossetian journey with these essential words and phrases.
ирон ӕвзаг
The Ossetian language (self-name, literally "Iron language")
EE-ron UHV-zag
дон
Water
don
хур
Sun
khoor
бон
Day
bon
хӕдзар
House
khuh-DZAR
хӕлар
Friend
khuh-LAR
уарзондзинад
Love
war-zon-dzee-NAD
бузныг
Thank you
booz-NUHG
о
Yes
oh
нӕ
No
nuh
салам
Hello (informal)
sah-LAHM
мад
Mother (Iron dialect form)
mahd
History of Ossetian
Ossetians are the main modern descendants of the Alans, an Iranian-speaking people of the medieval North Caucasus who were converted to Christianity through Byzantine and Georgian influence around the 10th century. Mongol invasions in the 13th century pushed many Alans into the high mountain valleys where Ossetian is still spoken today. A modern literary standard developed in the 19th century, closely tied to the poet Kosta Khetagurov. The historic Ossetian homeland is now split between North Ossetia-Alania, part of Russia, and South Ossetia, a partially recognized state that separated from Georgia.
Is Ossetian Hard to Learn?
Ossetian is an Iranian language but its grammar was reshaped by long contact with its Caucasian neighbors. It has an extensive case system of around eight or nine cases, closer in spirit to nearby Caucasian languages than to other Iranian languages such as Persian. Its two main dialects, Iron and Digor, differ enough in vocabulary that speakers do not always understand each other, and Digor words are often a syllable longer than their Iron equivalents.
Learning Ossetian Online: FAQ
Can I learn Ossetian online for free?
Yes — Vocabo is a free Chrome extension that teaches you Ossetian vocabulary while you browse the web. It replaces words and short phrases on pages you already read with their Ossetian equivalents, so you pick up vocabulary passively — no sign-up, no ads, and no daily lesson grind.
Is Ossetian on Duolingo?
No — Duolingo doesn't currently offer a Ossetian course for English speakers. You can still learn Ossetian online for free: Vocabo supports Ossetian and builds your vocabulary naturally while you browse.
Similar Languages to Ossetian
If you're interested in Ossetian, you might also want to explore these related languages:
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