Information Provided by Ethnologue
Alternate Names
Chal, Mukhad, Myhynnynydy-ch’el, Rutal, Rutultsy, Rutuly
Autonym
мыхӏабишды (Myḥabišdy), мыхӏабишды чӏел (Myḥabišdy č̣el)
Population
30,400 (2010 census). Ethnic population: 35,200 (2010 census). Total users in all countries: 36,400.
Location
Dagestan republic.
Language Maps
Language Status
5 (Developing). Statutory language of provincial identity in Dagestan Autonomous Republic (1994, Constitution, Article 10).
Dialects
North Rutul (Asar-Kala, Ixrek, Luchek, Muxrek, Rutul, Shinaz, Vrush), South Rutul (Borch, Khnov). Dialects not sharply defined.
Language Use
99% as L1. Home. All ages. Positive attitudes. Most also use Russian [rus].
Language Development
Not a literary language. Some schools teach as a subject. Literature. Grammar. Bible portions: 2005.
Language Resources
Dialect groups may be treated as separate languages (Koryakov 2006). Muslim.