Births on March 14

Arnold Chikobava, Georgian linguist and philologist (d. 1985)

Arnold Chikobava: A Pillar of Georgian Linguistics and Crusader Against Dogma

Arnold Chikobava (Georgian: არნოლდ ჩიქობავა), born on March 14, 1898, was a distinguished Soviet Georgian linguist and philologist whose profound impact on the study of Caucasian languages and courageous challenge to prevailing linguistic theories cemented his place in history. He dedicated his life to advancing our understanding of the rich linguistic heritage of the Caucasus, making him a central figure in Caucasian studies, and is perhaps most famously known for his pivotal role in dismantling Nicholas Marr's controversial "Japhetic" theory of language. Chikobava passed away on November 5, 1985, leaving behind an indelible academic legacy.

Early Life and Academic Ascendance

Chikobava's journey began in the modest village of Sachikobavo, nestled within the picturesque Samegrelo region of western Georgia, a land that was then part of Imperial Russia. His intellectual prowess quickly became evident, leading him to the newly established and rapidly growing Tbilisi State University. He graduated in 1922, earning his degree from what would become a cornerstone of Georgian academic life. His career at the university flourished; he served as a docent from 1926 to 1933, before being appointed a full professor, a position he held with distinction until his death in 1985. Chikobava’s dedication to the university and its mission was unwavering.

Championing Caucasian Studies and Building Institutions

Arnold Chikobava was instrumental in shaping the academic landscape of linguistics in Georgia. For an impressive 27 years, from 1933 to 1960, he led the Department of Caucasian Studies at Tbilisi State University, fostering a generation of scholars. Concurrently, from 1936 until his passing in 1985, he also spearheaded the Department of Ibero-Caucasian languages at the renowned Institute of Linguistics in Tbilisi. His leadership and scholarly contributions were so significant that the institute, which he briefly directed between 1950 and 1952, proudly bears his name today as a lasting tribute to his influence. In 1941, Chikobava was honored as one of the founding members of the prestigious Georgian Academy of Sciences, serving on its Presidium from 1950 to 1963. His prolific output, including a series of essential Georgian dictionaries and groundbreaking works on the intricate structure and historical evolution of Caucasian languages, earned him numerous Soviet and international accolades and titles.

The Battle Against Marr's "Japhetic" Theory and Stalin's Intervention

Despite his extensive contributions to linguistics, a significant portion of Chikobava's fame stems from his courageous and persistent opposition to Nicholas Marr's speculative "Japhetic" theory. Marr's controversial monogenetic theory posited that all languages originated from four elemental interjections and underwent stages of development tied to socio-economic structures – a theory that, for a period, was adopted as an official linguistic ideology by Soviet scholars, making it extremely dangerous to criticize. In the repressive intellectual climate of the Soviet Union, challenging official doctrine could lead to severe repercussions. While many of Marr's opponents faced intense pressure and suppression from Soviet authorities, Chikobava found an unexpected shield and ally in his friendship with Kandid Charkviani, who served as the First Secretary of the Georgian Central Committee. This crucial connection allowed Chikobava to continue his relentless intellectual attacks against Marr's hypotheses, bravely dissecting their scientific flaws.

The climax of this intellectual battle arrived when Chikobava took the extraordinary step of sending a detailed report directly to Joseph Stalin, the ultimate authority in the Soviet Union. This bold move led to a personal meeting between Chikobava and Stalin in 1950, a truly remarkable and high-stakes encounter. Soon after, the entire landscape of Soviet linguistics was dramatically reshaped when Stalin publicly denounced Marr's theory in his famous Pravda article on linguistics. While the article was attributed to Stalin, it is widely believed and highly probable that Arnold Chikobava himself acted as one of the primary ghostwriters, lending his profound expertise and reasoned arguments to this pivotal ideological shift. This event not only vindicated Chikobava's long-standing intellectual struggle but also marked a turning point for Soviet linguistics, freeing it from the dogmatic constraints of Marrism.

A Lasting Legacy

Arnold Chikobava passed away in Tbilisi at the advanced age of 87. He was laid to rest on the hallowed grounds of Tbilisi State University, a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his entire adult life to its academic mission and to the advancement of knowledge. His contributions to Soviet linguistics, particularly his profound insights into Caucasian languages and his courageous intellectual integrity in challenging flawed theories, continue to resonate. Chikobava's legacy is not just one of academic excellence but also of intellectual bravery, demonstrating the power of persistent, fact-based scholarship against even the most entrenched political and ideological dogmas.

Frequently Asked Questions About Arnold Chikobava

Who was Arnold Chikobava?

Arnold Chikobava was a prominent Soviet Georgian linguist and philologist, best known for his extensive research in Caucasian studies and for being a leading critic of Nicholas Marr's "Japhetic" theory of language. He was a professor at Tbilisi State University and a founding member of the Georgian Academy of Sciences.

What was the "Japhetic" theory and why was Chikobava critical of it?

The "Japhetic" theory, proposed by Nicholas Marr, was a speculative, monogenetic linguistic theory that was adopted as official Soviet ideology for a time. Chikobava criticized it for its lack of scientific basis and its political dogmatism, eventually playing a key role in its official denouncement by Joseph Stalin.

What were his main academic contributions?

Chikobava made significant contributions to the understanding of the structure and history of Caucasian languages. He authored several important Georgian dictionaries and led key departments at Tbilisi State University and the Institute of Linguistics in Tbilisi, which now bears his name.

How did Chikobava manage to criticize an official Soviet theory?

Despite the risks, Chikobava benefited from his friendship with Kandid Charkviani, a high-ranking official in the Georgian Communist Party. His principled arguments eventually reached Joseph Stalin, leading to a personal meeting and Stalin's famous Pravda article, which largely adopted Chikobava's criticisms.

When and where was Arnold Chikobava born and when did he die?

Arnold Chikobava was born on March 14, 1898, in Sachikobavo, Samegrelo, western Georgia (then Imperial Russia), and he passed away on November 5, 1985, in Tbilisi, Georgia.