Introduction  
This document is an appeal of the Public Council of the Azerbaijani Talysh people to the Azerbaijani society and the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan regarding its native language. 
The document provides a brief overview of the current state of the Talysh language, one of the indigenous peoples of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and proposes urgent measures necessary for the teaching, learning and development of the Talysh language. 
1. Brief information about the Talysh language 
The Talysh language belongs to the northwestern subgroup of the Indo-European language family of Iran and has rich history and extensive vocabulary. This language is at the root of the Indo-European language family and has unique features. The Talysh people, the speakers of this language, are one of the oldest and indigenous peoples of the region. 
The Talysh language is the successor of the ancient Mada (Median) and Atropatena languages. Richness of the language allows to write in all styles, including literary literature, scientific and publicist articles in the Talysh language. 
2. Talysh speakers’ coverage area in the Republic of Azerbaijan 
Talysh is the native language of Talyshes who are one of the indigenous peoples of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Historically, Talyshes have been densely inhabited in southeastern Azerbaijan: Lankaran, Astara, Lerik, and Masalli. Talyshes also live in Baku and Sumgait, Yardimli, Jalilabad, Bilasuvar, Salyan, Absheron and Neftchala regions, as well as in other settlements of the Republic of Azerbaijan. 
3. The Talysh language is the mother tongue of many Azerbaijani citizens 
The Talysh language is the first and main language for communication among Talyshes besides the offi