Ossetian, also known as Ossetic, is an Indo-European language spoken by the Ossetian people primarily in the Caucasus region. The language has two main dialects: Iron Ossetian and Digor Ossetian. Ossetian is part of the Iranian branch of the Indo-Iranian languages and is closely related to the extinct Scythian language.

The Ossetian language is written in both the Cyrillic and Latin scripts. Historically, Ossetian has been influenced by various cultures due to its geographical location in the Caucasus, and it has absorbed elements from Persian, Russian, and Turkic languages.

Ossetian has a rich oral tradition, including epic poetry and folklore, which play a significant role in Ossetian cultural identity. In terms of religion, the majority of Ossetians adhere to the Ossetian version of Orthodox Christianity, and the language has been used in religious texts and practices.

Efforts are made to preserve and promote the Ossetian language, including educational initiatives and cultural programs. Despite being spoken by a relatively small community, Ossetian holds cultural and historical importance in the Caucasus region.