Comparative Analysis of Kadar and Mehweb: Similarities and Differences in Dargin Branch of Nakh-Dagestani Languages

The article is devoted to the identification of common linguistic features and differences that exist between the Kadar dialect of the Northern Dargin language and the Mehweb language. The article studies various aspects of the sound system and the morphological structure of the com­pared idioms. Despite their considerably distant distribution and the lack of direct contacts, there are many common phenomena. Often, such phenomena are not found in other Dargin languages and dialects, including those close to Kadarian — Mekegi and Gubden. The study revealed that the Kadar idiom is the most related to the Mehweb language. Earlier, the works of Dargin language researchers suggested its relation to the Mugi, Urakhi, Dibgashi or Murego­Gubden dialects. The analysis of materials makes it possible to reveal the reasons behind linguistic similarities of the compared idioms. It is assumed that centuries ago, the ancestors of the Kadars and Mehwebs lived compactly, near the Dargin­speaking center, and spoke the same dialect close to Mekegi. As a result of numerous foreign invasions, they had to migrate: the Mehwebs moved westward, the Kadars moved northward. The Kadar dialect has many unique features, nevertheless, it remains more or less understandable to other Dargins. The Mehweb idiom, which has been evolving in a non­Dargin linguistic environment for an extended period of time, possesses a significant number of specific features inherent only in this speech, therefore it can be distinguished as an independent language.