Belarusian

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  Belarusian is a part of the large family of Slavic languages which includes Russian, Serbian, Ukrainian, Croatian and other languages that are spoken in the Slavic region. If you are interested in learning about this language, here are some interesting facts that might intrigue you!

1. It is one of the two official languages of Belarus

The other language is Russian which is spoken in many other countries as well.

2. Before Belarus' independence, the language was known as “Byelorussian" or “Belorussian"

It translates to White Rutheniun or White Russian. After independence, it acquired the term Belarusian in English. Belarussian’s predecessor stage was known as Ruthenian during 14thto 17th centuries.

3. Shares many similarities with other East Slavic languages

The language is highly intelligible with Russian, Rusyn and Ukrainian.

4. Even though it’s an official language in Belarus, only a small percentage actually speak Belarusian in their homes

According to a research conducted by the Belarusian Government in 2009, 72% of Belarusian people spoke Russian in their home while only 11.9% spoke in Belarusian.

5. The number of people speaking this language have reduced significantly

The language is in the “vulnerable” category in UNESCO's Atlas of the World’s Languages in Danger.

6. There are 4 different dialects 

The two main dialects are the North Eastern and South-Western dialects. The other 2 are the Middle Belarusian and West Palyesian dialects.