Alaverdi (expression)

Alaverdi is a Georgian expression and practice related to the tradition of ritualized toasting at a supra (feast).^[1][2] It can refer to a competitive toasting round or a directive from the toastmaster (tamada) to the next speaker.^[1][2]

Etymology

The term is derived from Turkish and means "if God will".^[1]

Usage and function

The use of alaverdi is a key element in managing the structure and flow of a Georgian supra.^[2]

As a toast competition

Alaverdi can be a ritualized toast competition among the men at the table.^[3] The tamada begins by proposing a toast on a specific topic.^[3] Other men must then modify and elaborate on this topic in subsequent toasts.^[3] The tamada symbolically grants his power of speech to another participant, who becomes the temporary tamada and the center of attention.^[4]

In formal contexts, the competition is to determine "who is the best" speaker.^[4] The head tamada judges the winner of a round based on the toast's originality, formulation, and the approval it received from the table.^[4] The winner is then given the right to speak second in the following round.^[4] In informal settings, the basic structure of alternation is followed without the direct competition.^[4]

To manage drinking order

A tamada can use the expression alaverdi to directly control the order of drinking.^[2] By saying to someone, alaverdi, šentana var ("I am alaverdi with you"), the tamada designates that person to deliver their toast and drink immediately after him.^[2]

This is often done for specific reasons:

• When a toast is particularly special to an individual at the table, giving them the opportunity to speak first.^[2] For example, if the toast is to a guest, the tamada might call on the person who invited the guest to be alaverdi so they can provide more context for the others.^[2]
• To draw a person who has become withdrawn or stopped participating back into the group.^[2] This action forces the person to speak and rejoin the activity, which is done for the "unity of the table".^[2]

Social context

The practice of alaverdi is closely tied to concepts of masculinity in Georgian culture.^[4] Table rhetoric is considered an important sign of masculinity, and men who cannot participate are considered "unmanly".^[4] The power of words demonstrated during the competition is seen as a sign of masculinity.^[4]

See also

• Georgian culture

References

1. Kotthoff 1995, p. 362.
2. Holisky 1989, p. 28.
3. Kotthoff 1995, pp. 362–363.
4. Kotthoff 1995, p. 363.

Sources

• Holisky, Dee Ann (1989). "The rules of the supra or how to drink in Georgian". The Annual of the Society for the Study of Caucasia. 1: 22–40.
• Kotthoff, Helga (1995). "The social semiotics of Georgian toast performances: Oral genre as cultural activity". Journal of Pragmatics. 24 (4): 353–380. doi:10.1016/0378-2166(94)00063-K.