Avar is a Northeast Caucasian language spoken primarily in the Republic of Dagestan in the North Caucasus region of Russia. It is the native language of the Avar people and serves as a lingua franca for various ethnic groups in Dagestan. Avar is also spoken by Avar communities in neighbouring countries, including Azerbaijan and Georgia.

The Avar language uses the Cyrillic script, which was adopted in the 20th century, replacing an earlier Arabic-based script. Avar has a rich phonological system, characterised by a large number of consonants and a relatively small set of vowels. It also features complex grammatical structures, including extensive use of cases and verb conjugations that reflect tense, aspect, mood, and agreement with the subject.

Avar has a long literary tradition, with written records dating back to the 15th century. The language is used in various cultural expressions, including poetry, storytelling, and traditional music. Efforts to promote and preserve Avar include its use in education, media, and cultural programmes. Schools in Avar-speaking regions offer instruction in the language, and there are initiatives to produce literature and broadcast media in Avar, helping to maintain its vitality and ensure its transmission to future generations. Despite these efforts, Avar faces challenges from the dominance of Russian, but it remains a crucial part of the cultural heritage and identity of the Avar people.