Which languages are excluded from the Caucasian language group despite being spoken in the Caucasus?

Although many languages are spoken in the Caucasus region, the term "Caucasian languages" specifically refers to the indigenous language families of the area. It does not include languages that were introduced to the region in historical times.1

The following language groups are excluded from the Caucasian language family:

• Indo-European languages: This group includes Armenian, Ossetic, Kurdish, Talysh, Tat, and Slavic languages such as Russian and Ukrainian.123
• Turkic languages: This group includes Azerbaijani, Kumyk, Noghay, Karachay, and Balkar.12

While these languages are widely spoken throughout the Caucasus, they are distinct from the three indigenous families: the Northwest Caucasian, Northeast Caucasian, and South Caucasian (Kartvelian) families.13