Finno-Ugric World

Скачать (pdf)

Original article

https://doi.org/10.15507/2076-2577.018.2026.01.057-073
https://elibrary.ru/amduaq
УДК / UDC 003.3:81’282:811.511.152

Linguistic Features of Pre-Revolutionary Monuments of Mordovian Written Tradition from the Second Half of the 17TH to the Early 18TH Century

M. Z. Levina
National Research Mordovia State University, Saransk, Russian Federation

S. Maticsák
University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary

Abstract

Introduction. The unique linguistic material preserved in pre-revolutionary monuments of Mordovian writing serves as a valuable source for studying the present state of the Mordovian languages. The sources contain important information on linguistic features as well as on the material and spiritual culture of the Mordovian people, which today acquires particular historical-philological, linguistic, and literary-historical significance. Above all, these materials contribute to clarifying the actual trajectory of the written linguistic evolution of the Mordovian people, enabling the reconstruction of the language at specific historical stages of its development and the identification of its interrelations with other languages. The aim of this study is to identify the characteristic features of fragmentary records of speech samples, to determine the dialectal basis of the linguistic material, and to examine the principles of its written representation, which are essential for addressing issues related to the development of Mordovian written literary languages.

Materials and Methods. The material for this study comprises pre-revolutionary monuments of Mordovian written tradition. The research employs a set of methods, including the descriptive method (used to systematize and characterize the material extracted from Mordovian written sources of the 17th–18th centuries) and the comparative-contrastive method (applied in the analysis of linguistic features of the Moksha and Erzya languages).

Results and Discussion. The study identified the most frequent characteristic features of fragmentary recordings of speech samples preserved in pre-revolutionary monuments of Mordovian writing. The dialectal basis of the analyzed linguistic material was established. A comparative analysis was conducted, making it possible to reveal historical connections that reflect the linguistic and cultural-historical characteristics of the Mordovian people.

Conclusion. The analysis of the language of pre-revolutionary monuments of Mordovian written tradition from the 17th–18th centuries makes it possible to determine both the chronological and territorial attribution of the recorded samples of Mordovian speech, and to establish the existence of a written tradition among the Mordovian people prior to the Great October Socialist Revolution. In order to reconstruct earlier stages of the Mordovian languages (Moksha and Erzya), it is necessary to compare the data derived from these monuments with the characteristic features of the contemporary Moksha and Erzya languages. The results of this study may be employed in the compilation of historical grammars and dialectological atlases of the Moksha and Erzya languages, as well as in university-level courses on the history and dialectology of the Mordovian languages.

Keywords: Mordovian languages, written sources, linguistic material, recordings of speech samples, linguistic analysis

Conflict of interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

For citation: Levina M.Z., Maticsák S. Linguistic Features of Pre-Revolutionary Monuments of Mordovian Written Tradition from the Second Half of the 17TH to the Early 18TH Century. Finno–Ugric World. 2026;18(1):57–73. https://doi.org/10.15507/2076-2577.018.2026.01.057-073

REFERENCES

1. Maticsák S. A mordvin írásbeliség kezdetei (XVII–XVIII. század). Debrecen: Debreceni Egyetemi Kiadó; 2011. (In Hung.) Available at: https://finnugor.arts.unideb.hu/adatok/maticsak/pdf/046-Mdiras-FUD18.pdf (accessed 09.01.2026).
2. Maticsák S. The Beginnings of Mordvin Literacy (17–18th Centuries). 2017. Available at: https://finnugor.arts.unideb.hu/esemenyek/ms_konyv_angol_201704.pdf (accessed 09.01.2026).
3. Maticsák S. Megtalált szavak. Az orenburgi expedíció (1768–1774) Volga–Káma-vidéki finnugor anyaga. Debrecen; 2024. (In Hung.) Available at: https://ojs.mtak.hu/index.php/NyK/article/view/18026/14884 (accessed 09.01.2026).
4. Sergeev O.A. [The Language of the Mari Written Monuments (Late 17th‒18th Centuries): Monograph]. Yoshkar-Ola; 2021. 420 p. (In Russ.)
5. Abukaeva L.А. Texts of Mary Prayers as an Object of Linguistic and Cultural Analysis. Finno-Ugrovedenie. 2020;(1):158–166. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://elibrary.ru/hwocdy
6. [Cyrillic Monuments in the Uralic and Altaic Languages. Vol. I. Graphic and Phonetic Features of 19th-Century Books: Monograph. Ser.: Cultural Methods: Philology]. Moscow; 2022. (In Russ.)
7. Kamitova A.V., Pislegin N.V., Churakov V.S. Features of the Lexis, Graphics and Orthography of a Solemn Speech Written in the Udmurt Language on the Occasion of the Coronation of Alexander I. Linguistica Uralica. 2018;54(4):296–300. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://elibrary.ru/vpxgzl
8. Bezenova M.P., Kondratieva N.V. [On the Features of the Translation of “The Law of God” (1912) into the Udmurt Language: Graphics, Spelling, Phonetics]. Ural-Altaic Studies. 2019;(3):7–52. (In Russ.) Available at: https://ural-altai.ru/userfiles/files/publications/ua2019_34-8-53.pdf (accessed 10.01.2026).
9. Bezenova M.P. Phonetic and Morphological Characteristics of Handwritten Translation of the Gospel of Luke into the Udmurt Language. Finno-Ugric World. 2024;16(1):8–20. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) Available at: https://csfu.mrsu.ru/ru/archives/4905 (accessed 10.01.2026).
10. Mullonen I.I., Novak I.P. Old-Karelian Language Features in Written Language Heritage of the Second Half of the 17th ‒ Early 18th Centuries. Vestnik of Saint Petersburg University. Language and Literature. 2024;21(3):720–740. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://doi.org/10.21638/spbu09.2024.312
11. Bakula V.B. [First Translations into the Kola Sámi Languages. In: Native Languages under Conditions of Bilingualism: Proceedings of the 5th International Scientific Conference.]. Syktyvkar; 2019. P. 26–31. (In Russ.) https://elibrary.ru/swebdx
12. Fedyuneva G.V. The Manuscript of the XVII Century “Colloquial speech of the Zyryan language”: Cultural and Historical Context and Preliminary Versions of the Origin. Bulletin of Ugric Studies. 2022;12(2):367–375. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://doi.org/10.30624/2220-4156-2022-12-2-367-375
13. Polyakov O.Ye., Levina M.Z. Culture and Language of Ancient Mordvinians (Moksha and Erzya Ancestors). Mordovia University Bulletin. 2015;25(3):73–80. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://doi.org/10.15507/VMU.025.201503.073
14. Polyakov O.E, Sedova P.E. Pages of the History of Development of Mordovian Linguistics (XVII – Beginning of the XXI Century). Finno-Ugric World. 2017;(4):46–55. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) Available at: https://csfu.mrsu.ru/arh/2017/4/46-55.pdf (accessed 09.01.2026).
15. Tsygankin D.V., Agafonova N.A., Ryabov I.N. Archaic and Innovative Phenomena in the Case Paradigms of the Erzya Dialectsin the Volga Region and the Southern Urals. Finno-Ugric World. 2021;13(3):254–264. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://doi.org/10.15507/2076-2577.013.2021.03.254-264
16. Leskov D.S. [Nicholas Witsen’s Views on the Peoples of Tartary and Siberia: Monograph]. Yekaterinburg; 2024. 152 p. (In Russ.) Available at: https://elar.uspu.ru/bitstream/ru-uspu/46455/1/978-5-8050-0790-4_2024.pdf (accessed 09.01.2026).
17. Matichák S. [The Origins of Mordovian Writing]. Finno-Ugric World. 2015;(1):24–35. (In Russ., Available at: https://csfu.mrsu.ru/arh/2015/1/24-35.pdf (accessed 09.01.2026).
18. Sergeev O.A. Excerpts on the History of the Development of the Written Mari Language (Late 17th‒18th Century). Echo of centuries. 2021;(4):22–36. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://elibrary.ru/cbemzn
19. Levina M.Z. History and Current State of the Mordov Languages. In: [History and the Current State of the Mordovian Languages. In: Fundamental and Applied Science: Current State and Development Trends: monograph]. Petrozavodsk; 2023. P. 467–486. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) Available at: https://sciencen.org/assets/DOI/MON-119.pdf (accessed 09.01.2026).
20. Sergeyev O.A. P.S. Pallas was a Researcher and Collector of Materials on the Mari Language. Tendencii razvitiya nauki i obrazovaniya. 2022;(91‒6):68–73. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.18411/trnio-11-2022-290
21. Sergeev O.A. Outdated and Obsolete Words in the Texts of Orthodox Literature in the Mari Language of the 2nd Half of the XIX ‒ Early XX Century. Yearbook of Finno-Ugric Studies. 2024;18(4):499–506. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://doi.org/10.35634/2224-9443-2024-18-4-499-506

Information about the authors:

Maria Z. Levina, Сand.Sci. (Philol.), Associate Professor of the Department of Mordovian Languages and Literature, National Research Mordovia State University (68 Bolshevistskaya St., Saransk 430005, Russian Federation), ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7808-2187, SPIN-код: 9412-4339, Lev.Mariya@mail.ru

Sándor Maticsák, Ph.D. (Philol.), Professor, Head of the Department of Finno-Ugric Linguistics, University of Debrecen (1 University Square, Debrecen 4025, Hungary), ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9313-1162, Scopus ID: 56807207300, maticsak.sandor@arts.unideb.hu

Authors’ contribution:

M. Z. Levina – preparation and creation of the published work, specifically writing the initial draft (including substantive translation); ideas; verification of the reproducibility of the research results within the framework of the objectives of the research.

S. Maticsák – preparation and creation of the published work, specifically writing the initial draft (including substantive translation); ideas; verification of the reproducibility of the research results within the framework of the objectives of the research.

All authors have read and approved the final manuscript.

Submitted 21.12.2025; revised 04.02.2026; accepted 09.02.2026.

Скачать (pdf)

Original article

https://doi.org/10.15507/2076-2577.018.2026.01.045-056
https://elibrary.ru/aqvubr
УДК / UDC 81:39:811.511.112:811.511.115

Lexical Representations of “Christian” and “Human” in the Vepsian and Karelian languages

D. Yu. Balandin
Petrozavodsk State University, https://ror.org/0176aa147

T. V. Pashkova
Institute of Linguistics, Literature and History, Karelian Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Petrozavodsk, Russian Federation

Abstract

Introduction. The relevance of this research stems from the need to examine the underlying processes of transformation in the cultural identity of the Vepsians and Karelians under the influence of centuries of Christianization, as reflected in their languages. So far, no detailed comparison has been made of the words for “Christian” and “human” in the Vepsian and Karelian languages. In addition, researchers have not yet studied how a religious word can take on a broader, everyday meaning over time. The aim of this research is to establish the relationship between these terms and to identify the nature of the semantic transformation that resulted in a religious designation becoming the standard term for a human being.

Materials and Methods. This study draws on data from translation, dialectal, and etymological dictionaries, incorporating examples from journalistic, literary, and spiritual texts. The research employs descriptive, lexicographic, and comparative methods, along with procedures of semantic, derivational, and etymological analysis. The descriptive method made it possible to characterize the collected linguistic material; the lexicographic method enabled the systematization of lexemes and the identification of their meanings and variants; and the comparative method facilitated the comparison of the identified nominations across related languages, vernaculars, and dialects. Semantic analysis contributed to revealing the semantic expansion of the words under study, derivational analysis helped determine the morphological structure of the lexemes and their modes of derivation, and etymological analysis established the origin of the nominations.

Results and Discussion. In the Vepsian language, the central lexeme denoting both a Christian and a human being in general is ristit (with the dialectal variant kristit). At the synchronic level, a semantic broadening can be observed, moving from the core meaning of ‘Christian’ towards the generalized sense of ‘human being’. In the Karelian language, the concepts of Christian and human are represented by several linguistic forms. These include the polysemantic lexeme henki / hengi / heng (encompassing the meanings ‘breath’, ‘spirit, soul, heart’, ‘Christian, human’, and ‘life’), the substantivized passive participle rissitetty / ris’t’ittü / rissitty, and the compounds rissittyhenki / rissittyhengi / ris’s’it’t’yhengi (lit. ‘baptized person’) and ristikansa / ristikanza / ristikanza / ristikanzu / ristikanzo / ristikanz / ristikanze (lit. ‘baptized person, baptized people’; at the synchronic level, simply ‘human being’). An analysis of 19th-century texts reveals that the words ristikanzu / ristikanža initially carried a distinctly religious connotation. However, in contemporary usage, their meaning is undergoing a process of semantic shift towards the generalized notions of ‘human being’ or ‘people’.

Conclusions. The results of the analysis indicate a semantic bleaching of religious connotations and an expansion of the core meaning of several lexemes denoting a Christian: in addition to referring specifically to a Christian (a baptized person), they have come to denote a human being in general. The partial de-etymologization of these lexemes and their transition into common vocabulary likely attest to the profound integration of Christian ideas into the everyday life of the Vepsians and Karelians, as well as to a transformation of their linguistic worldview under the influence of the Russian religious milieu and historical factors. This study contributes to the understanding of the historical transformation and functioning of certain elements within the Karelian and Vepsian linguistic worldview. The findings may be utilized in further research on the spiritual culture of these peoples and incorporated into courses on lexicology and dialectology.

Keywords: Karelian language, Vepsian language, nomination, Christian, Human, semantics, morphological derivation, etymology, linguistic worldview

Funding: Research was carried out as part of the state assignment of the Karelian Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, project No. 125032004283-0, “Spiritual Traditions of the Peoples of Karelia: Texts and Contexts”, with the support of the Potanin Foundation.

Conflict of interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

For citation: Balandin D.Yu., Pashkova T.V. Lexical Representations of “Christian” and “Human” in the Vepsian and Karelian languages. Finno–Ugric World. 2026;18(1):45–56. https://doi.org/10.15507/2076-2577.018.2026.01.045-056

REFERENCES

1. Mullonen I.I., Pashkova T.V. Semantic Model “Diligent” in the Baltic-Finnic Languages. Yearbook of Finno-Ugric Studies. 2020;14(2):214‒221. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) Available at: https://journals.udsu.ru/finno-ugric/article/view/5324 (accessed 30.05.2025).
2. Pashkova T.V. The Lexeme Jumal ‘God’ in the Karelian Language: Linguocultural Aspect. Bulletin of Ugric Studies. 2024;14(1):78‒86. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://doi.org/10.30624/2220-4156-2024-14-1-78-86
3. Balandin D.Yu., Pashkova T.V. Verbalization of the Concept “Synagogue” in the Veps and Karelian Gospels of Matthew and Mark. Linguistica Uralica LX. 2024;60(4):296–304. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://doi.org/10.3176/lu.2024.4.03
4. Zaitseva N.G. Christian Terminology in the Context of Vepsian Linguistics: Vepsian vs Russian (Linguogeographical and Etymological Aspects). Language and Culture. 2019;(48):121‒136. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://doi.org/10.17223/19996195/48/8
5. Zhukova O.Y. [The Image of the House in the Vepsian Ritual Lamentations]. In: [Intercultural Interactions in the Multiethnic Space of the Border Region: Proceedings of the International Scientific Conference Dedicated to the 75th Anniversary of the Institute of Language, Literature and History, Karelian Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences]. Petrozavodsk; 2005. P. 394‒397. (In Russ.) Available at: https://csl.isc.irk.ru/BD/Books/Межкультурные.pdf (дата обращения: 30.05.2025).
6. Karakin J.V., Pashkova T.V. Red Color in the Linguo- and Ethnoculture of the Karelians. Finno-Ugric World. 2023;15(3):334–342. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) Available at: https://csfu.mrsu.ru/ru/archives/4684 (accessed 30.05.2025).
7. Pellinen N.A. [On Some Features of the Language of the Karelian Lullaby Song in Connection with Folk Pedagogy]. Proceedings of Voronezh State University. Ser.: Linguistics and Intercultural Communication. 2010;(1):70‒74. (In Russ.) https://elibrary.ru/muerlp
8. Kochkurkina S.I., Petrova M.I. Baptism of the Karelians. Historical and Archaeological Sources. Old Russia. The Questions of Middle Ages. 2024;(3):133–143. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://doi.org/10.25986/IRI.2024.97.3.012
9. Kosheleva M.V. Participle Affixes in the Vepsian Language: Between Noun and Verb. Yearbook of Finno-Ugric Studies. 2018;12(2):19‒27. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) Available at: https://journals.udsu.ru/finno-ugric/article/view/2403 (accessed 30.05.2025).

Information about the authors:

Daniil Yu. Balandin, Lecturer of the Department of Baltic-Finnish Philology, Institute of Philology, Petrozavodsk State University (33 Lenin Prospekt, Petrozavodsk 185910, Russian Federation); Junior Research Fellow of the NORDICA Research and Educational Centre, Institute of Linguistics, Literature and History, Karelian Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences (11 Pushkinskaya St., Petrozavodsk 185910, Russian Federation), ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0003-0052-025X, SPIN-code: 7480-2928, idann205@gmail.com

Tatyana V. Pashkova, Dr.Sci. (Hist.), Cand.Sci. (Philol.), Associate Professor, Head of the Department of Baltic-Finnish Philology, Institute of Philology, Petrozavodsk State University (33 Lenin Prospekt, Petrozavodsk 185910, Russian Federation), ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0505-4767, SPIN-code: 9866-8566, tvpashkova05@mail.ru

Authors’ contribution:

D. Yu. Balandin – ideas; formulation or evolution of overarching research goals and aims; preparation and creation of the published work, specifically writing the initial draft (including substantive translation); development of methodology; conducting a research and investigation process, specifically performing the data; verification of the reproducibility of the research results within the framework of the objectives of the research.

T. V. Pashkova – ideas; formulation or evolution of overarching research goals and aims; oversight and leadership responsibility for the research activity planning and execution, including mentorship external to the core team; conducting a research and investigation process, specifically performing the data; preparation and creation of the published work by those from the original research group, specifically critical review, commentary or revision – including pre- or post-publication stages; verification of the reproducibility of the research results within the framework of the objectives of the research.

All authors have read and approved the final manuscript.

Submitted 16.06.2025; revised 26.08.2025; accepted 03.09.2025.

Скачать (pdf)

Original article

https://doi.org/10.15507/2076-2577.018.2026.01.032-044
https://elibrary.ru/bfogbe
УДК / UDC 81’42:398.32:811.511.151

Markers of the Sacred in the Texts of Mari Prayers through the Prism of the Correlation between the Verbal and the Non-Verbal

L. A. Abukaeva
Mari State University, Yoshkar-Ola, Russian Federation

Abstract

Introduction. In connection with society’s return to traditional spiritual values and the revival of prayer practices, new processes are emerging in the religious life of Mari believers. In line with contemporary trends in the social sciences and humanities (theolinguistics, linguotheology, linguoculturology, and discourse studies), it is necessary to undertake a comprehensive analysis of the religious practices and prayer texts of the Mari ethnic religion, which contain the most ancient layer of cultural codes. Their decipherment will make it possible to determine the ways and means of “translating” archaic meanings into a language accessible to the modern generation, while preserving the identity and subjectivity of the people. Despite the existence of studies in ethnography, folklore, and linguoculturology, many meanings embedded in Mari rites, rituals, and mythology remain concealed or have been misinterpreted. The aim of this study is to identify and describe markers of the sacred in prayer texts by establishing the correlation between verbal and non-verbal components within the sacred dimension of the prayer practices of the Mari ethnic religion.

Materials and Methods. The study drew on prayer texts published in nineteenth-century missionary periodicals and ethnographic literature, as well as in scholarly and popular scientific works of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries; materials from the scientific manuscript archive of the Mari Research Institute of Language, Literature and History named after V. M. Vasiliev, and the author’s field data. The research was conducted using a complex of scholarly methods, including the comparative-historical, contrastive, and descriptive approaches, as well as linguocultural analysis. Their application made it possible to elucidate the significance and semantic content of linguistic signs in their connection with the nonverbal component of rituals.

Results and Discussion. In religious rituals and prayer texts, the Mari people’s conceptions of the sacred, the divine, and that which possesses absolute value are articulated and preserved. Attitudes toward the sacred are reflected in the principles and rules governing behavior both in preparation for prayer and in the performance of the ritual itself. The observance of strict prohibitions ensures the inviolability of the sacred grove and the correctness of ritual actions. Euphemisms and periphrastic designations referring to animals and birds as offerings, according to believers’ views, make it possible to present to the gods those gifts that are deemed pleasing: lopka saŋga ‘broad forehead’ (ram); surt kÿdyr ‘domestic grouse’ (hen). By distinguishing the divine from the mundane, epithets in Mari prayer texts emphasize the purity, integrity, and inviolability of the offerings. Words denoting sacred objects and phenomena are endowed with the same epithets that function with the lexeme yumo ‘god’: oš(o) ‘white, bright’, poro ‘good’, kugu ‘great’.

Conclusion. A comprehensive analysis of the sacred texts and rituals of the Mari ethnic religion makes it possible to identify meanings and significances that are being lost, to decode the information they contain regarding value orientations, and to determine the causes underlying the transformation and desacralization of ritual practices. In the long term, research attention should be directed toward a structural-semantic analysis of stable verbal constructions and clichés that shape the composition of prayers and define the specific functioning of sacred components within ritual practice.

Keywords: Mari language, Mari ethnic religion, ritual of prayer, prayer, sacredness, markers of sacredness

Funding: The publication was prepared within the framework of the implementation of the Russian Science Foundation grant No. 25-28-00064 “Sacral texts of the Mari ethnic religion as a linguistic and cultural phenomenon”.

Conflict of interest: The author declares no conflict of interest.

For citation: Abukaeva L.A. Markers of the Sacred in the Texts of Mari Prayers through the Prism of the Correlation between the Verbal and the Non-Verbal. Finno–Ugric World. 2026;18(1):32‒44. https://doi.org/10.15507/2076-2577.018.2026.01.032-044

REFERENCES

1. Alekseeva Y.M. Textmental Categories of the Gospel Parable (Based on German and Russian). Philology. Theory & Practice. 2024;17(3):713‒719. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://doi.org/10.30853/phil20240101
2. Astafurova T.N., Olyanitch A.V. Lingua-Semiotics of Sacredness: Sign, Word, Text. Science Journal of Volgograd State University. Linguistics. 2009;(1):80‒87. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://www.elibrary.ru/kzmgxx
3. Kazakov G.A. [Sacred Vocabulary in the Language System: Monograph]. Moscow; 2016. 142 р. (In Russ.)
4. Vorob’eva S.N. Sacredness (Sacred) as a Constitutive Quality of Religious Discourse. Philology: Scientific Researches. 2019;(6):140‒149. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://doi.org/10.7256/2454-0749.2019.6.31121
5. Shkuran O.V. Language Units with Sacred Semantics: Linguoculturological and Lexicographic Aspects. RUDN Journal of Language Studies, Semiotics and Semantics. 2019.10(2):336‒352. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://www.elibrary.ru/ztkkcu
6. Pashkov S.M. Sacredness as a Factor of Text Formation in Religious Communication. Bulletin of the Moscow Region State University. Ser.: Linguistics. 2023;(1):90–99. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://doi.org/10.18384/2310-712X-2023-1-90-99
7. Pashkov S.M. Sacredness as a Category of Religious Consciousness in Lexicosemantic Perspective: The Case of the English Language. Izvestia: Herzen University Journal of Humanities & Sciences. 2024;(213):276‒288. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://www.doi.org/10.33910/1992-6464-2024-213-276-288
8. Cook C. Psychiatry in Scripture: Sacred Texts and Psychopathology. The Psychiatrist. 2012;36(6):225‒229. https://doi.org/10.33910/1992-6464-2024-213-276-288
9. Stein G. The Hidden Psychiatry of the Old Testament. Hamilton Books (Rowman & Littlefield); 2018. 610 p. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.2019.210
10. Stein G. Did Ezekiel Have First-Rank Symptoms? The British Journal of Psychiatry. 2009;194(6):551. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.194.6.551
11. Hannabuss S. The Hidden Psychiatry of the Old Testament By George Stein. Hamilton Books (Rowman & Littlefield). 2018. 610 pp. The British Journal of Psychiatry. 2020;216(2):121. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.2019.210
12. Popov N.S. To the Question of Formation and Development of Mari Traditional Religion. Finno-Ugrovedenie. 2020;(61):148–157 (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) Available at: https://marnii.ru/zhurnal/vypuski/ (accessed 20.08.2025).
13. Kaliev Yu.A. [Mari Mythological Consciousness. Phenomenology of Traditional Worldview: Monograph]. Yoshkar-Ola; 2003. 216 р. (In Russ.) Available at: https://clck.ru/3RqrGq (accessed 20.08.2025).
14. Abukaeva L.A. [The Conceptosphere of the Mari Ethnic Religion: Monograph]. Yoshkar-Ola; 2024. Р. 7‒9. (In Russ.)
15. Kudryavtsev V.G. Cult Places of Mari as a Symbol of Cultural Identity. Yearbook of Finno-Ugric Studies. 2019;13(4):678‒687. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://doi.org/10.35634/2224-9443-2019-13-4-678-687
16. Shutova N.I. Sacred Sites of the Mari in Udmurtia and Udmurt Chapels: The Problems of Study. In: [Mari Traditional Religion: History and Modernity: Materials of the All-Russian Scientific and Practical Conference Dedicated to the Year of the Cultural Heritage of the Peoples of Russia]. Yoshkar-Ola; 2022. P. 50‒72. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://doi.org/10.51254/978-5-94950-120-7_2022_03
17. Konovalova N.I. Creative Syncretism of Speech Genres of Threat and Appeasement in Sacred Texts of Traditional Folk Culture. Ural Journal of Philology. Ser.: Language. System. Personality: Linguistics of creativity. 2020;29(2):257‒269. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://doi.org/10.26170/ufv20-02-23
18. Abukaeva L.A. [Prohibitions in the Mari Worldview System: Monograph]. Yoshkar-Ola; 2018. Р. 33‒65. (In Russ.) https://www.elibrary.ru/yrowaz
19. Abukayeva L.A. Worship Bans in the Mari System of Thoughts. Vestnik of the Mari State University. 2014;(2):72‒76. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://www.elibrary.ru/tdupql
20. Tolstaya S.M. [The Image of the World in Text and Ritual: Monograph]. Moscow; 2015. 528 р. (In Russ.)
21. Sadikov R.R., Minniyakhmetova T.G. Things in the Space of Udmurt Sacrifices: On the Border of the Utilitarian and the Sacred. Yearbook of Finno-Ugric Studies. 2022;16(2):295–305 (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://doi.org/10.35634/2224-9443-2022-16-2-295-305
22. Abukaeva L.A. Mari People – Silver People: Information Potential of the Mari Word Shi ‘Silver / Silvery’. Yearbook of Finno-Ugric Studies. 2025;19(2):156–163. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://doi.org/10.35634/2224-9443-2025-19-2-156-163

Information about the author:

Lyubov A. Abukaeva, Dr.Sci. (Philol.), Associate Professor, Head of the Center of Uralic Languages Studies, Mari State University (1 Lenin Square, Yoshkar-Ola 424000, Russian Federation), ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9622-6770, SPIN-code: 2749-3625, sylne@mail.ru

The author has read and approved the final manuscript.

Submitted 19.09.2025; revised 29.10.2025; accepted 06.11.2025.

Скачать (pdf)

Original article

https://doi.org/10.15507/2076-2577.018.2026.01.022-031
https://elibrary.ru/cylyrs
УДК / UDC 81’367.625:811.511.112:811.511.115

The Functioning of the Second and Third Infinitives in the Veps Language: A Corpus-Based Study Using the VepKar Corpus

M. V. Kosheleva
Petrozavodsk State University
Institute of Linguistics, Literature and History, Karelian Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Petrozavodsk, Russian Federation

Abstract

Introduction. The Veps language, as a language with a relatively recent written tradition, requires special attention in terms of the analysis of its grammatical structure. This study forms part of a broader investigation of Veps as the language of an indigenous minority people, conducted with the aim of its revitalisation. The need to examine and further elaborate the rules governing the use of non-finite verbal forms in Veps is conditioned by the insufficient degree of research not only on non-finite forms themselves, but also on the syntactic system of the Veps language as a whole. The aim of the present study is to analyse the functioning of the Veps II and III infinitive forms on the basis of data from the Open Corpus of Veps and Karelian Languages (VepKar).

Materials and Methods. The article analyses instances of the use and functioning of the second and third infinitives in Vepsian dialectal texts drawn from the Open Corpus of the Vepsian and Karelian Languages. The comparative and descriptive methods employed in the study made it possible to identify and present patterns and differences in infinitive usage across dialects. The corpus-based approach was used to establish statistics on the frequency of these forms within sentences, while grammatical and syntactic analysis enabled the identification of regularities in the syntactic functioning of infinitives.

Results and Discussion. The study identifies dialectal features in the use of case forms of infinitives, as well as their semantic functions and frequency of occurrence. In Veps, two forms of the second infinitive are distinguished – the inessive and the instructive – and four forms of the third infinitive – the illative, inessive, abessive, and elative – whose semantic meanings correspond to case functions. The inessive form of the second infinitive is the most productive across all Veps dialects compared to the instructive form and exhibits dialect-specific semantic differentiation: in Eastern and Southern Veps dialects, the final function is predominant, whereas in Northern and Central dialects the temporal function prevails. The illative form of the third infinitive demonstrates the highest productivity in all dialects. The low productivity of the remaining case forms is evidenced by their infrequent occurrence in the Corpus texts. Overall, the productivity of the forms under consideration shows only minor variation across dialects.

Conclusion. The obtained results contribute to a deeper understanding of the morphological system of the Veps language and broaden insights into the variability of infinitival constructions in its dialectal varieties. The study is significant for further research on the syntactic systems of Finno-Ugric languages and their dialectology.

Keywords: corpus linguistics, Vepsian language, II infinitive, III infinitive, syntactic functions of infinitives

Funding: The financial support for the research was provided from the federal budget for the implementation of the state assignment of the Karelian Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

Conflict of interest: The author declares no conflict of interest.

For citation: Kosheleva M.V. The Functioning of the Second and Third Infinitives in the Veps Language: A Corpus-Based Study Using the VepKar Corpus. Finno–Ugric World. 2026;18(1):22‒31. https://doi.org/10.15507/2076-2577.018.2026.01.022-031

REFERENCES

1. Vodyasova L.P. Infinitive Sentences as a Means of Verbalization of Emotionality in the Text of Fiction. The Humanities and Education. 2020;11(4):131‒135. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://elibrary.ru/fefucn
2. Vodyasova L.P. Syntactic Functions of the Infinitive in the Modern Erzya Language. Philology. Theory & Practice. 2023;16(7):2138‒2144. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://doi.org/10.30853/phil20230320
3. Onina S.V. Imperative Constructions with Infinitive in the Khanty Language. Philology. Theory & Practice. 2017;(12):133‒138. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://elibrary.ru/zrqxlh
4. Нamunen M. Juosten vai juoksemalla? Infiniittisten ten- ja malla- rakenteiden semantiikkaa ja murrejakaumaa. Sananjalka. 2017;59(59):125–153. (In Finn.) https://doi.org/10.30673/sja.66630
5. Ylikoski J. Remarks on Veps purposive non-finites. Journal de la Société Finno-Ougrienne. 2004;(90):231–276. (In Fr.)
6. Ivanova G.P. Polypredicative Constructions with Infinitive in Inessive Case in Veps Language (Compared with Finnish Language). Siberian Journal of Philology. 2013;(3):205–220. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) Available at: https://philology.nsc.ru/journals/spj/article.php?id=877 (accessed 15.12.2025).
7. Kosheleva M.V. [Syntactic Functions of the Instrumental Form of the II Infinitive in the Veps Language]. Filologicheskie issledovaniya. 2020;12. (In Russ.) Available at: http://academy.petrsu.ru/journal/article.php?id=3783 (accessed 12.12.2025).
8. Kosheleva M.V. Syntactic Functions of the Inessive of II Infinitive in the Veps Language: Dynamics of Development. Finno-Ugric World. 2020;12(3):242–249. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://doi.org/10.15507/2076-2577.012.2020.03.242-249
9. Zaitseva N.G., Mullonen I.I. Development of the Dialectal Areas of Vepsian: “Vepsian Linguistic Atlas”. Voprosy Jazykoznanija. 2018;(6):85–103. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://doi.org/10.31857/S0373658X0002021-2
10. Kosheleva M.V. Features of the Functioning of the I Infinitive in the Veps Language Based on the Materials of the Open Corpus of Veps and Karelian Languages. Finno-Ugric World. 2023;15(4):408–420. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) Available at: https://csfu.mrsu.ru/ru/archives/4788 (accessed 12.12.2025).
11. Novak I.P. Basic Vocabulary of the Karelian and Vepsian Languages in the Linguistic and Geographical Aspect. Bulletin of Ugric Studies. 2021;11(1):90–101. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.)
12. Novak I.P. Determining Regular Phonetic Correspondences in the Karelian Dialects. Consonantism. Ural-Altaic Studies. 2024;(1):42–85. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://doi.org/10.37892/2500-2902-2024-52-1-42-85
13. Boyko T.P., Zaitseva N.G., Krizhanovskaya N.B., Krizhanovsky A.A., Novak I.P., Pellinen N.A., et al. The Linguistic Corpus VepKar is a Language Refuge for the Balticfinnish Languages of Karelia. Transactions of the Karelian Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences. 2021;(7):100–115. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://elibrary.ru/mowaeh
14. Zaitseva N.G., Krizhanovskaya N.B. Corpus Linguistics in the Baltic-Finnic Research Area (the Corpus of the Veps Language and the Open Corpus of the Veps and Karelian Languages). Nordic and Baltic Studies Review. 2018;(3):264‒273. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://doi.org/10.15393/j103.art.2018.1062
15. Zaitseva N.G. [Essays on Veps Dialectology (Linguogeographical Aspect): Monograph]. Petrozavodsk; 2016. 395 р. (In Russ.)
16. Kosheleva M.V. Infinitive Constructions with the Semantics of Direction in the Veps Language. Proceedings of Petrozavodsk State University. 2021;43(7):71–77. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://doi.org/10.15393/uchz.art.2021.682

Information about the author:

Maria V. Kosheleva, Cand. Sci. (Philol.), Senior Lecturer of the Department of Baltic-Finnic Philology, Petrozavodsk State University (33 Lenin Prospekt, Petrozavodsk 185910, Russian Federation); Junior Research Fellow of the Linguistics Section, Institute of Language, Literature and History, Karelian Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences (11 Pushkinskaya St., Petrozavodsk 185910, Russian Federation), ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0007-9468-9580, SPIN-code: 2277-0930, koshelevamasha@bk.ru

The author has read and approved the final manuscript.

Submitted 22.06.2025; revised 27.08.2025; accepted 03.09.2025.

Download (pdf)

Original article

https://doi.org/10.15507/2076-2577.018.2026.01.008-021
https://elibrary.ru/dkqhqi
УДК / UDC 81’373:81’282.2(470.345)

Possessive Suffixes as a Means of Expressing the Category of Possession in the Dialects of the Ruzaevka Area of the Republic of Mordovia

L. P. Vodyasova
Mordovian State Pedagogical University named after M. E. Evseviev, Saransk, Russian Federation

G. S. Ivanova
National Research Mordovia State University, Saransk, Russian Federation

Abstract

Introduction. The dialects of the Ruzaevsky District of the Republic of Mordovia (the Ruzaevsky area) are characterized by a well-developed system of possessive suffixes, which constitute the main means of expressing the category of possession. The absence of studies devoted to the system of suffixes of this type in this area determines the relevance of the present research, aimed at describing their specific features within the paradigms of noun declension. The aim of the study is to identify similarities and differences in the system of possessive suffixes in the dialects of the Ruzaevsky area.

Materials and Methods. The study, based on materials collected during dialectological expeditions to villages of the Ruzaevsky District of the Republic of Mordovia, relied on the synchronic-descriptive method (for analyzing the current state of the suffixal paradigm) and the structural method (for identifying patterns of variation and relationships between elements of the system). The processing of field data was carried out using methods of quantitative analysis and participant observation, which made it possible to minimize the observer’s influence and to record the natural spontaneous speech of dialect speakers.

Results and Discussion. The dialects of the Ruzaevka area are heterogeneous: one group exhibits features of the central dialect, the second shows characteristics of a transitional dialect, and the third reflects features of the south-eastern dialect as well as the north-western group of the western dialect. This heterogeneity is caused by synchronic as well as historical phonetic processes that have operated in the dialects of the Moksha language at different stages of their development. The heterogeneity of the phonetic system is also reflected in morphological markers. As a result of the study, interdialectal variants of possessive formants in the dialects of the Ruzaevsky District were identified. In Mordovian linguistics, the system of possessive suffixes in this area is examined for the first time.

Conclusion. The collected dialectal material, which will subsequently be incorporated into the cross-platform system Lingvodoc, enabled the authors to analyze the forms of nouns expressing possessive relations, to identify the variants of possessive suffixes within the case paradigms of possessive declension, and to describe their morphological properties. As a result of the study, data were obtained that refine the specific features of the dialectal category of possession and broaden scholarly understanding of this universal linguistic category.

Keywords: dialect, the Ruzaevka dialect area, possessiveness, possessive suffix, agglutination, allomorph

Funding: The publication was prepared within the framework of the implementation of the Russian Science Foundation grant No. 25-28-00193 “Digital description of Moksha dialects of the Ruzaevsky district of the Republic of Mordovia”.

Conflict of interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

For citation: Vodyasova L.P., Ivanova G.S. Possessive Suffixes as a Means of Expressing the Category of Possession in the Dialects of the Ruzaevka Area of the Republic of Mordovia. Finno–Ugric World. 2026;18(1):8‒21. https://doi.org/10.15507/2076-2577.018.2026.01.008-021

REFERENCES

1. Ivanova G.S., Vodyasova L.P. Inflectional Potential of the Demonstrative Declension in the Transitional Dialect of the Moksha Language. Bulletin of Ugric Studies. 2023;13(1):63‒72. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://doi.org/10.30624/2220-4156-2023-13-1-63-72
2. Ivanova G.S., Vodyasova L.P., Ivanova N.V. Morphonological Features in the Paradigm of the Main Declension in the Suzgar Type of Moksha Dialects in the Ruzaevsky Area. Finno-Ugric World. 2025;17(1):21‒34. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://doi.org/10.15507/2076-2577.017.2025.01.021-034
3. Ivanova G.S., Vodyasova L.P., Ivanova N.V. Formation of the Vocalism System of the Moksha Subdialects of the Ruzaevsky Area. Bulletin of Ugric Studies. 2025;15(2):238–246. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://doi.org/10.30624/2220-4156-2025-15-2-238-246
4. Ivanova G.S., Ivanova N.V., Saigutina K.I. Phonetic System in Ruzaevka Subdialects of Perkhlyay Type (Comparative Aspect). The Humanities and Education. 2025;16(2):137–143. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://www.elibrary.ru/bkvbgb
5. Krasnoschekov E.V. Possesive Declension in the Mongolian Language. Fundamental research. 2014;(12‒7):1586‒1591. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) Available at: https://fundamental-research.ru/ru/article/view?id=36408 (accessed 07.11.2025).
6. Davletshina S.M. Structural Peculiarities Analysis of the Category of Possessiveness. Tomsk State Pedagogical University Bulletin. 2018;(8):51–56. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) Available at: https://vestnik.tspu.ru/archive.html?year=2018&issue=8&article_id=7149 (accessed 07.11.2025).
7. Däbritz C.L. Predicative Possession in Dolgan. Tomsk Journal of Linguistics and Anthropology. 2018;(2):29‒38. (In Eng.) https://doi.org/10.23951/2307-6119-2018-2-29-38
8. Christie J.J. Locative, Possessive and Existential in Swahili. Foundations of Language. 1970;6(2):166‒177.
9. Lyons J. A Note on Possessive, Existential and Locative Sentence. Foundations of Language. 1967;3(4):390‒396.
10. Torotoev G.G., Torotoevа S.G. Linguistic Annotation of Grammatical Categories of Sakha: Nouns. Journal of Siberian Federal University. Humanities and Social Sciences. 2022;15(3):329–336. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://doi.org/10.17516/1997-1370-0360
11. Fedotova N.L. On the Non-Possessive Use of Possessive Suffixes in Central and Southern Selkup. Ural-Altaic Studies. 2017;(2):67–78. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) Available at: https://iling-ran.ru/library/ural-altaic/ua2017_25.pdf (accessed 07.11.2025).
12. Ryabov I.N., Agafonova N.A., Ryabova G.V. A Comparative Analysis of the Expression of Possessive Relations in the Erzya Dialects of the Kochkurovo District, Republic of Mordovia. Finno-Ugric World. 2024;16(4):392–407. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://doi.org/10.15507/2076-2577.016.2024.04.392-407
13. Tsygankin D.V. The Details of Expression of a Number of Owners and Possessed in the Category of Possessively in the Dialects of Erzya Language. Bulletin of Ugric Studies. 2015;(2):88‒95. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) Available at: https://vestnik-ugrovedenia.ru/sites/default/files/vu/cygankin_d.v_1.pdf (accessed 07.11.2025).
14. Strielkowski W., Korneeva E.N., Sherstobitova A.A., Platitzyn A.Yu. Strategic University Management in the Context of Digitalization: The Experience of the World’s Leading Universities. Integration of Education. 2022;26(3):402–417. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://doi.org/10.15507/1991-9468.108.026.202203.402-417
15. Kondratyeva N.V., Pushina N.I. Functioning of the Finno-Ugric Languages of the Russian Federation in the Epoch of Digitalization. Bulletin of Ugric Studies. 2022;12(2):377‒385. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://doi.org/10.30624/2220-4156-2022-12-2-377-385
16. Gudoshnikova A.A., Ageeva G.M. Internet Social Media on Finno-Ugric Issues. Ogarev-online. 2014;17(2). (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) Available at: https://sciup.org/147248664 (accessed 12.09.2025).
17. Mosin M.V., Mosina N.M. The Consonant System in the Middle of the Finno-Ugric Word Stem in the Mordovian Languages. Bulletin of Ugric Studies. 2020;10(2):282‒291. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://doi.org/10.30624/2220-4156-2020-10-2-282-291
18. Vodyasova L.P., Ivanova G.S. Non-Actualized and Actualized Members of a Sentence in the Modern Erzya Language. Bulletin of Ugric Studies. 2022;12(4):607–615. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://doi.org/10.30624/2220-4156-2022-12-4-607-615

Information about the authors:

Lyubov P. Vodyasova, Dr.Sci. (Philol.), Professor, Professor of the Department of the Native Language and Literature, Mordovian State Pedagogical University named after M. E. Evseviev (11A Studencheskaya St., Saransk 430007, Russian Federation), ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6767-6337, SPIN-code: 8388-6461, LVodjasova@yandex.ru

Galina S. Ivanova, Dr.Sci. (Philol.), Professor of the Department of Mordovian Languages and Literature, National Research Mordovia State University (68 Bolshevistskaya St., Saransk 430005, Russian Federation), ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7717-543X, SPIN-code: 9672-5363, galina17-05@yandex.ru

Authors’ contribution:

L. P. Vodyasova – ideas; formulation or evolution of overarching research goals and aims; preparation and creation of the published work, specifically writing the initial draft (including substantive translation); conducting a research and investigation process, specifically performing the data; verification of the reproducibility of the research results within the framework of the objectives of the research.

G. S. Ivanova – development of methodology; conducting a research and investigation process, specifically performing the data; verification of the reproducibility of the research results within the framework of the objectives of the research.

All authors have read and approved the final manuscript.

Submitted 08.11.2025; revised 12.01.2026; accepted 19.01.2026.

Download (pdf)

Original article

The Historical Legacy on the Pages of Census Books

Review: [Alatyr District Census Books of 1688, 1696, and 1710]. Compilers: V. D. Kochetkov, S. V. Vidiaykin, O. I. Mariskin. Saransk: Research Institute for Humanities; 2024. 654 p.

L. G. Skvortsova
National Research Mordovia State University, Saransk, Russian Federation

Abstract

This review is devoted to a significant event in the historiography of the Mordovian region: the 2024 publication of the set of census books from the Alatyr district, dating from the late 17th to the early 18th century, prepared by historians V. D. Kochetkov, S. V. Vidiaykin and O. I. Mariskin. The volume comprises the “Census of Prince Vasily Putyatin of the Year 196 (1688)”, the “Census Book of the Year 7204 (1696) by Stolonik and Voyevoda Semyon Fyodorovich Griboyedov, of Mordovian Villages in Alatyr District”, and the “Census and Tax Assessment Books by Stolonik Prince A. A. Bolkhovsky of Russian Peasants in Villages and Hamlets of Alatyr District, Settled on Abandoned Mordovian Lands” (1710). The publication of these primary sources opens new avenues for an in-depth examination of the region’s socio-economic processes within the context of Petrine reforms. This edition has been made possible through funding from the Talina Social Projects Support Foundation (founded by V. S. Biryukov) as part of the patriotic socio-cultural project “In the Name of the Future!”.

Information about the author:

Larisa G. Skvortsova, Cand.Sci. (Hist.), Associate Professor of the Department of Economic History and Information Technology, National Research Mordovia State University (68 Bolshevistskaya St., Saransk 430005, Russian Federation), ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7372-5331, SPIN-code: 8313-2914, skvorcova@isi.mrsu.ru

The author has read and approved the final manuscript.

Submitted 10.11.2025; accepted 17.11.2025.

Download (pdf)

Original article

Trends in Urbanization Processes in the National Republics of the Ural-Volga Region During the Late 20th and Early 21st Centuries

G. F. Akhmetova
Ufa University of Science and Technology, Ufa, Russian Federation
Institute of Strategic Researches of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Bashkortostan, Ufa, Russian Federation

Abstract

Introduction. Urbanization constitutes a significant factor shaping the contemporary state and future trajectories of a nation’s demographic and social development. The consequences of urbanization processes include the expansion of cities, the intensification of agglomeration trends, and alterations in the size, distribution, and composition of the population. The latter is of particular relevance for the Indigenous peoples of the national republics of the Ural-Volga region – specifically the Finno-Ugric and Turkic groups – who experienced a relatively late integration into the urban milieu. The objective of this research is to identify the key patterns in the distribution, dynamics, and proportion of the urban population within the national republics of the Ural-Volga region from the second half of the 20th century to the early 21st century. This article provides a novel comparative analysis of urbanization processes, examining both the general population and the Indigenous peoples of these republics through an ethnic lens for the period under review.

Materials and Methods. Using descriptive statistics, the author analyzes data from the 1989, 2002, 2010, and 2020 Soviet and Russian national censuses, current demographic records, and regional strategic planning documents to identify key trends in agglomeration processes. The analysis focuses on six national republics of the Ural-Volga region: those with indigenous Finno-Ugric (Mari El, Mordovia, Udmurtia) and Turkic populations (Bashkortostan, Tatarstan, Chuvashia).

Results and Discussion. The republics under examination exhibit a center-periphery pattern in the development of their urban settlement networks. A distinct group of core cities has emerged, situated within the most socio-economically advanced territories of these republics, where agglomeration processes are underway. The distribution of the urban population reflects a pan-Russian trend of population concentration in major cities, regional capitals, and agglomerations. The national republics are distinguished by the specific dynamics in the scale and level of urbanization, observable for both the total population and the titular ethnic groups. The Republic of Tatarstan and the Udmurt Republic exemplify two contrasting trends: the former demonstrates a consistent increase in both the size and proportion of the urban population, whereas the latter experiences a decline. In the remaining republics, the dynamics of absolute and relative urbanization metrics are less stable, with periods of growth periodically alternating with decline, and vice versa; the nature of these changes can vary significantly.

Conclusion. A comparative regional analysis of these issues allows for an examination of how specific regional and ethnic populations are integrated into the urban milieu. This approach is instrumental in identifying prospects for socio-demographic development and in devising effective policy mechanisms for national, social, and demographic governance, aimed at safeguarding demographic potential during urbanization.

Keywords: Ural-Volga region, national Republic, urban population, urbanization, Bashkirs, Tatars, Chuvash, Mari, Mordvins, Udmurts

Funding: The article was carried out as part of a research program related to the study of the ethnocultural diversity of Russian society and aimed at strengthening the all-Russian identity in 2023‒2025 (headed by Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences V.A. Tishkov).

Conflict of interest: The author declares no conflict of interest.

For citation: Akhmetova G.F. Trends in Urbanization Processes in the National Republics of the Ural-Volga Region During the Late 20th and Early 21st Centuries. Finno–Ugric World. 2025;17(4):496‒512. https://doi.org/10.15507/2076-2577.017.2025.04.496-512

REFERENCES

1. Sassen S. The Global City: New York, London, Tokyo. Princeton: Princeton University Press; 2001. 480 р. Available at: https://clck.ru/3P4ccR (accessed 10.07.2025).
2. Robinson J. Global and World Cities: A View from off the Map. International Journal of Urban and Regional Research. 2002;26(3):531–554. https://doi.org/10.1111/1468-2427.00397
3. Haase A., Rink D., Grossmann K., Bernt M., Mykhnenko V. Conceptualizing Urban Shrinkage. Environment and Planning A. 2014;46:1519–1534. https://doi.org/10.1068/a46269
4. Fol S., Cunningham Sabot E. Urban Decline and Shrinking Cities: A Critical Assessment of Approaches to Urban Shrinkage. Annales de Geographie. 2010;4(674):359–383. https://doi.org/10.3917/ag.674.0359
5. Vishnevsky A.G. [Sickle and Ruble: Conservative Modernization in the USSR]. Moscow; 2010. P. 78–111. (In Russ.)
6. Nefedova T.G., Polyan P.P., Treivish A.I. [City and Village in European Russia: One Hundred Years of Change: Monograph]. Moscow; 2001. 560 p. (In Russ.)
7. Cherkasov A.A. [Ethnic Aspects of Urbanization in Russia]. Stavropol; 2016. 240 p. (In Russ.)
8. Uvarov S.N. The Ethnic Factor of Urbanization in Udmurtia in the Second Half of the XX Century. In: [Demographic Potential of the EAEU Countries: Collection of Articles from the VIII Ural Demographic Forum]. Vol. 1. Yekaterinburg; 2017. Р. 161–166. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.)
9. Ivanov V.P. [Dynamics of the Distribution and Population of the Chuvash in the Regions of Russia in the 20th Century]. Regionology. 2005;(3):191‒197. (In Russ.) https://elibrary.ru/mbbvld
10. Soloviev E.V., Shabykov V.I. The Influence of Urbanization on the Dynamics of Linguistic Behavior of Non-Russian Ethnic Groups of the Republic of Mari El. POISK: Politika. Obshhestvovedenie. Iskusstvo. Sociologiya. Kul’tura. 2019;(75):42–51. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://elibrary.ru/lfnarc
11. Belyaeva N.F. Modern Ethnic-Demographic Processes of Mordovian Rural Population. Humanitarian: Actual Problems of the Humanities and Education. 2017;(3):33–43. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://elibrary.ru/zigbbx
12. Kuseev R.G., Danilko E.S. (eds) [Bashkirs]. Moscow; 2015. 662 р. (In Russ.)
13. Mokshin N.F., Fedyanovich T.P., Khristolyubova L.S. (eds) [Peoples of the Volga and Ural regions: Komi-Zyryans. Komi-Permians. Mari. Mordvins. Udmurts]. Moscow; 2000. 579 р. (In Russ.)
14. Urazmanova R.K., Cheshko S.V. (eds) [Tatars]. Moscow; 2001. 583 р. (In Russ.)
15. Ivanov V.P., Korostelev A.D., Yagafova E.A. (eds) [Chuvash]. Moscow; 2017. 654 р. (In Russ.)
16. Bushuev A.S., Gabdrakhmanova G.F., Zagidullin I.K., Izmailov B.I. [Tatars in Population Censuses]. Kazan; 2021. 75 p. (In Russ.)
17. Safin F.G, Mukhtasarova E.A, Khaliullina A.I. Ethno-Linguistic and Ethno-Demographic Development of Finno-Ugric Nations in the Ural-Volga Region. Finno-Ugric World. 2019;11(2):152–167. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://doi.org/10.15507/2076-2577.011.2019.02.152-167
18. Fauzer V.V. The Finno-Ugric People in the Modern World. Yearbook of Finno-Ugric Studies. 2011;(3):111–125. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://elibrary.ru/oqrhlt
19. Uvarov S.N. Udmurts: Assimilation or Depopulation? (To the Results of the All-Russian Population Census of 2021). Finno-Ugric World. 2023;15(4):461–471. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://elibrary.ru/toonsd
20. Gabdrakhmanova G.F., Alos I Font E. On the Question of Fixing the National-Language Composition of the Population in the All-Russian Population Census 2020–2021. Sociological Studies. 2024;(1):28–39. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://doi.org/10.31857/S0132162524010032
21. Tishkov V.A. Counting the Peoples or Deconstructing Population Censuses. Ethno Review. 2023;(4):183-211. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://doi.org/10.31857/S0869541523040085
22. Chudinovskikh O.S. On the Issue of the Possibility of Studying Migration Based on the Materials of the 2020 All-Russia Population Census. Demographic Review. 2025;12(2):4–34. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://doi.org/10.17323/demreview.v12i2.27489
23. Chernysh M.F., Markin V.V., Baymurzina G.R. Small Towns of Russia: New Challenges, Social Problems and Prospects: Monograph. Moscow; 2021. 598 р. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.19181/monogr.978-5-89697-378-2.2021
24. Rybakovsky O.L. Reproduction of the Population of the Regions of Russia in 1992–2024: Results, Components, Factors. Population. 2024;27(4):4–17. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://doi.org/10.24412/1561-7785-2024-4-4-17

Information about the author:

Guldar F. Akhmetova, Cand.Sci. (Hist.), Senior Researcher, Ufa University of Science and Technology (32 Zaki Validi St., Ufa 450076, Russian Federation), Leading Researcher, Institute of Strategic Researches of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Bashkortostan (20/1 50 let Oktyabrya St., Ufa 450005, Russian Federation), ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9367-0246, SPIN-code: 8427-0965, aguldar@yandex.ru

The author has read and approved the final manuscript.

Submitted 07.04.2025; revised 25.08.2025; accepted 08.09.2025.

Download (pdf)

Original article

The Udmurt Ritual Belt “Zar” and Its Tripartite Composition: A Semantic Inquiry

L. A. Molchanova
Udmurt State University, Izhevsk, Russian Federation

Abstract

Introduction. In the contemporary, rapidly changing world, the process of globalisation inevitably leads to the erosion of ethnic distinctiveness and the unique features of individual cultures. Consequently, the examination of national traditions and cultural values acquires particular significance. This article examines the semantics of the tripartite composition of the Udmurt ritual belt, known as the “zar”. Primary focus is given to the social processes reflected in mythological narratives and folk art, including so-called “textile folklore” – the patterns of traditional embroidery. The aim of the research is to analyse the semantics of the embroidered composition of the “zar” ritual belt.

Materials and Methods. Traditional costume and its ornamentation possess a semiotic nature; consequently, this study employs a semiotic approach, which entails three analytical aspects: syntactics, pragmatics, and semantics. The historical-genetic method was utilized to examine the phenomenon within its historical development, alongside methods of aesthetic anthropology, which investigates the meaning-generating functions of art.

Results and Discussion. The tripartite composition featuring a central female figure constitutes one of the fundamental ornamental schemas in traditional applied arts. This schema is characterized by a central figure flanked on both sides by two secondary ones. To reveal the profound semantics of this composition, the author turns to the dawn of human history, a period when the archetypes that later formed the basis of universally prevalent mythological, folkloric, and ornamental narratives were first germinating and taking shape. The stages in the formation of the dual-clan organization – the first human community – are examined. It is precisely this “social substance” that is reflected in the symbolism of the tripartite composition.

Conclusion. This article examines the ornamental scheme and narrative depicted in the three-part composition traditionally embroidered on the ritual belt known as a zar. The research will prove valuable to historians, ethnographers, art historians, and those with a general interest in folk art. The findings can be utilised in the preparation of general works on the history and theory of Finno-Ugric folk art, the development of specialised courses on Udmurt ethnography and traditional art within educational institutions, the creation of museum exhibitions, and the design of contemporary apparel featuring ethnic motifs.

Keywords: ornament, tradition, deep semantics, social matter, archetype, totemism, mythology

Conflict of interest: The author declares no conflict of interest.

For citation: Molchanova L.A. The Udmurt Ritual Belt “Zar” and Its Tripartite Composition: A Semantic Inquiry. Finno–Ugric World. 2025;17(4):481‒495. https://doi.org/10.15507/2076-2577.017.2025.04.481-495

REFERENCES

1. Atamanov-Egrapi M.G. [The Origin of the Udmurt People: Monograph]. Izhevsk; 2017. (In Russ.)
2. Kosareva I.A. [The Art of Pattern Weaving of the Udmurt People: Album-Monograph]. Izhevsk; 2020. (In Russ.)
3. Shutova N.I. The Origin and Semantics of the Lunar Sign TOLEZYO. Bulletin of the Udmurt University. Ser.: History and Philology. 2015;25(4):87‒94. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://elibrary.ru/uhskyf
4. Likhacheva L.L. The Udmurt Ritual Towel in the Exposition and Exhibition Practice of the Museum of Local Lore. Yearbook of Finno-Ugric Studies. 2017;11(4):115‒127. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) Available at: https://journals.udsu.ru/finno-ugric/article/view/1991 (accessed 23.01.2025).
5. Bortnicova N.V. Udmurt Fancy Culture. Semantics of Female Image. In: [In the World of Science and Art: Issues of Philology, Art History, and Cultural Studies: Collection of Articles Based on the Materials of the XXXIII International Scientific and Practical Conference No. 2]. Novosibirsk; 2014. P. 86‒93. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.)
6. Vakhrusheva A.V. [Natural Images in the Udmurt Ornament]. In: [Culture and Ecology – the Foundations of Russia’s Sustainable Development. Human Capital as a Key Resource of the Green Economy. Part 1: Proceedings of the International Forum]. Yekaterinburg; 2018. P. 369‒373. (In Russ.)
7. Dinces L.A. [The Image of the Serpent Fighter in Russian Folk Embroidery]. Etnograficheskoe obozrenie. 1948;(4):36‒53. (In Russ.) Available at: https://eo.iea.ras.ru/issue/17795/ (accessed 23.01.2025).
8. Denisova I.M. Phyto-Anthropomorphous World Model in Russian Folk Crafts. Etnograficheskoe obozrenie. 2003;(5):68‒86. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) Available at: https://eo.iea.ras.ru/issue/12008/ (accessed 23.01.2025).
9. Kortovich A.V. Ternary Composition of Archaic Type in Decoration of Russian Folk Textiles. Cultural Heritage of Russia. 2016;(1):37‒43. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://www.elibrary.ru/vszfgj
10. Bobykina N.Yu. [The Origin of Embroidered Ornaments: Monograph]. Moscow; 2014. 208 p. (In Russ.)
11. Nechaeva A.S. Methodological Approaches to the Study of Ornament in the Modern Humanitarian Knowledge. Journal of Clothing Science. 2020;5(1):1‒12. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) Available at: https://kostumologiya.ru/15ivkl120.html (accessed 23.01.2025).
12. Palaguta I.V. Ornament as a Special Kind of Art. Art & Culture Studies. 2020;(1):45–59. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) Available at: https://artculturestudies.sias.ru/upload/iblock/13e/hk_2020_1_45_64_palaguta.pdf (accessed 23.01.2025).
13. Akkuratova O.L., Roganova D.A. The Research of the Russian Folk Ornament and Its Adaptation in the Modern Design. Textile Industry Technology. 2019;(3):233–237. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://www.elibrary.ru/qtxjku
14. Shcherbakova T.L. Innovations in Ornamental Culture as a Process of Loss of the Sacred (on the Example of Russian Textile Ornament of the XVIII – Early XX Centuries). Izvestia Ural Federal University Journal. Ser. 1: Issues in Education, Science and Culture. 2021;27(4):139‒148. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) Available at: https://journals.urfu.ru/index.php/Izvestia1/article/view/5516 (accessed 23.01.2025).
15. Fayzullina E.Ye. Ornament as an Educational Material and a Source of Creativity in the Professional Training of Costume Designers. Culture and Education: Scientific and Informational Journal of Unibersities of Culture and Arts. 2023;(4):134‒142. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) Available at: https://sciup.org/ornament-kak-uchebnyj-material-i-istochnik-tvorchestva-v-professionalnoj-144163004 (accessed 23.01.2025).
16. Molchanova L.A. [Udmurt Folk Costume (History and Symbolism): Monograph]. Izhevsk; 2006. (In Russ.)

Information about the author:

Lyudmila A. Molchanova, Cand.Sci. (Hist.), Associate Professor of the Department of Computer Technologies and Art Design, Udmurt State University (1 Universitetskaya St., Izhevsk 426034, Russian Federation), ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8379-3450, SPIN-code: 3742-2207, lusmolchan@mail.ru

The author has read and approved the final manuscript.

Submitted 01.04.2025; revised 18.08.2025; accepted 25.08.2025.

Download (pdf)

Original article

Statutory and Customary Law in Governing Marriage and Divorce among Pagan Populations in the Ufa Province from the Mid-19th to the Early 20th Century

Sh. N. Isyangulov
Ufa Federal Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Ufa, Russian Federation

Abstract

Introduction. In the contemporary context, characterized by a crisis of the institutions of family and marriage, there has been a corresponding intensification of legal governance concerning matrimony and dissolution. This trend has spurred growing scholarly interest in the historical regulation of familial and marital relations by the Russian state in previous centuries, including its application among diverse ethno-confessional populations. Within this framework, an examination of the regulation of marital and divorce proceedings among the pagan communities of the Ufa province during the post-reform period is of considerable significance. Such an investigation offers critical insights not only into the evolution of domestic legislation and local pagan matrimonial customs but also helps to elucidate the distinctive features of the integration process of certain Finno-Ugric peoples into the imperial state structure. The aim of this study is to examine the regulation of marriage and divorce among the pagan population of the Ufa province (before 1865, the Orenburg province) through both imperial Russian legislation and customary law during the late imperial period (second half of the 19th and early 20th centuries).

Materials and Methods. This article is based on previously unpublished documents from central and local institutions, specifically, the Department of Spiritual Affairs of Foreign Faiths of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Office of the Governor-General, and the Provincial Administration, which are being introduced into scholarly discourse for the first time. The research also draws upon the Code of Laws of the Russian Empire and the Complete Collection of Laws of the Russian Empire. The study employs research methods such as the historical-genetic, historical-legal, and chronological approaches, which have made it possible to demonstrate the dynamics of the legislative regulation of marriages and divorces among pagans in the Ufa province from the second half of the 19th to the early 20th century, as well as the changes that occurred in the customary legal practices of this sphere. The comparative-historical method was used to illustrate the differences between the status of pagans and that of other confessions.

Results and Discussion. The predominant role of customary law norms in regulating marriage and divorce among pagans has been identified. From a legislative standpoint, the marital and family relations of pagans in the Ufa Province during the post-reform period were regulated relatively weakly: only the age for entering a first marriage for young men and women was subject to regulation. The incorporation of pagans into the Bashkir Host in 1855 implied strict control over their family life. In particular, it was the military command during the cantonal period of administration (1855–1865) that granted permission for divorce. This period also marked the beginning of the transition to legal regulation of marital and family relations among the local pagans. During the post-reform period, divorces, by order of the Governor-General, were to be decided at a village assembly. In practice, decisions on divorce, with the consent of both parties, were made by a council of elders; in the absence of such consent, the matter was resolved by the village assembly. In legal terms, until 1917, the marriages and divorces of pagans in the Ufa Province remained unregulated by statute: matrimony and divorce proceedings were primarily governed not by laws, but by local by-laws, which often contradicted official law. State intervention in the sphere of marital and family relations remained minimal.

Conclusion. The author’s conclusions provide a more profound insight into the politico-legal status of pagans in the Ufa Governorate within the Russian Empire from the mid-19th to the early 20th century, revealing the dynamics of legislation and customary legal practices in the sphere of family and marital relations among the local pagan population. The obtained results contribute to the further study of policy regarding family and marriage among the Finno-Ugric peoples of the region and the country.

Keywords: Pagans of Ufa province, marriage and family relations, legal regulation of marriage and divorce, Mari, Udmurts

Conflict of interest: The author declares no conflict of interest.

For citation: Isyangulov Sh.N. Statutory and Customary Law in Governing Marriage and Divorce among Pagan Populations in the Ufa Province from the Mid-19th to the Early 20th Century. Finno-Ugric World. 2025;17(4):470‒480. https://doi.org/10.15507/2076-2577.017.2025.04.470-480

REFERENCES

1. Isyangulov Sh.N. Divorces among Pagans of the Ufa Province in the Post-Reform Period. The Problems of Oriental Studies. 2022;(2):27–34. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://doi.org/10.24412/2223-0564-2022-2-27-34
2. Isyangulov Sh.N. Polygamous marriages of Muslims and Pagans in Ufa province in the second half of the XIX – early XX century. Vestnik of Orenburg State Pedagogical University. Electronic Scientific Journal. 2024;(4):157–168. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://doi.org/10.32516/2303-9922.2024.52.11
3. Migranova D.N. Marriage Unions of Pagan Teptyars of the Ufa Province in the Second Half of the 19th – Early 20th Centuries: Analysis of Age Dynamics. The Problems of Oriental Studies. 2024;(4):55–62. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://doi.org/10.24412/2223-0564-2024-4-55-62
4. Migranova D.N. The Introduction of Metric Books among the Pagan Population of the Orenburg Province. Herald of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Bashkortostan. 2024;52(3):21–29. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://doi.org/10.24412/1728-5283-2024-3-21-29
5. Migranova D.N. Seasonal Dynamics of Marriage and Birth Rates of the Pagan Population of the Orenburg Province in the First Half of the 19tn Century According to Metric Books. Bulletin of Udmurt University. Ser.: History and Philology. 2025;35(1):65–72. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://doi.org/10.35634/2412-9534-2025-35-1-65-72
6. Aminov I.I., Dedyukhin K.G., Usievich A.R. Legal Regulation of Family and Marital Relations in Udmurtia during the Period of Russian Empire. Bulletin of Udmurt University. Ser.: Economics and Law. 2015;25(5):78–85. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://elibrary.ru/umnaib
7. Sushkova Iu.N. Marriage and Family Customs of the Finno-Ugric Peoples of the Volga Region: Legal and Anthropological Analysis (Late XIX – Early XX Century). Finno-Ugric World. 2022;14(1):87–99. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://doi.org/10.15507/2076-2577.014.2022.01.87-99
8. Mikhailova-En’kka E. Divorce Customs of the Chuvash and Finno-Ugric Peoples of the Volga-Ural Region According to the Sources of the 16th–19th Centuries: Ethnographic Aspect. Kunstkamera. 2024;(3):189–206. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) Available at: https://clck.ru/3PR3YK (accessed 22.02.2025).
9. Goncharov Yu.M. The Reglamentation of Divorce According to the Russian Legislation of the XIXth – the Beginning of the XXth Centuries. Altai Law Journal. 2018;(1):13–18. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://elibrary.ru/xptsjv
10. Ambartsumov I.V. [Problems and Conflicts of Marriage Law in the Russian Empire (Late 19th – Early 20th Century)]. Christian Reading. 2013;(1):39–113. (In Russ.) https://elibrary.ru/rudeir
11. Ambartsumov I.V. The Issue of Interfaith Marriages in Stolypin’s Government, the Holy Synod and the State Duma (1906–1909). Humanitarian Scientific Bulletin. 2017;(1):4–23. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://elibrary.ru/xvneiz

Information about the author:

Shamil N. Isyangulov, Cand.Sci. (Hist.), Senior Researcher of the Institute of History, Language and Literature, Ufa Federal Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences (71 Oktyabrya Prospekt, Ufa 450054, Russian Federation), ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5691-5566, SPIN-code: 4515-4143, isangul-schamil@mail.ru

Author has read and approved the final manuscript.

Submitted 26.05.2025; revised 25.08.2025; accepted 01.09.2025.

Download (pdf)

Original article

The Formation of a Spiritual Hierarchy in the Process of Institutionalization of Clergyin the Mari Traditional Religion (20th–21st Centuries)

R. A. Saberov
National University of Science and Technology “MISIS”, Moscow, Russian Federation
Kozma Minin Nizhny Novgorod State Pedagogical University, Nizhny Novgorod, Russian Federation

R. V. Shizhensky
Pushkin Leningrad State University, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation
Nizhny Novgorod branch of the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration,Nizhny Novgorod, Russian Federation

Abstract

Introduction. The organizational and legal formalization of the Mari Traditional Religion’s administrative system, which began in the 20th century, achieved legitimate status in the early 21st century with the establishment of the Centralized Religious Organization of the Mari Traditional Religion in the Republic of Mari El. A key research problem is the absence in scholarly discourse of both legal and field-based sources that reflect the evolutionary mechanisms behind the formation of the Mari ethnic religion’s organizational structure during this period. Understanding these mechanisms is essential for preserving cultural identity, ensuring the legal protection of prayer leaders, developing effective governance models, and adapting traditional practices to contemporary social and legislative realities. The aim of this study is to define the trajectory of development for the organizational and legal forms of the Mari traditional priesthood in the 21st century.

Materials and Methods. This study is based on archival records, field ethnographical materials, as well as the foundational documents of centralized organizations and local communities of the Mari traditional religion. In their work, the authors employed the principles of historicism, civilizational and systemic approaches, source analysis of documentary materials, the hermeneutic method, and the case-study method. This methodological framework enabled the identification of the specific characteristics in the development of the institution of clergy within the Mari traditional religion during the period under investigation.

Results and Discussion. The revival of the Mari traditional religion in the 1990s was accompanied by the establishment of an institutional structure and a hierarchical system of clergy. By the end of the second decade of the 21st century, a stable, multi-level hierarchical system had taken shape. This system includes the legal formalization of the clergy’s status and mechanisms for interaction with state institutions. Currently, the search continues for legal models to support and legitimize the activities of clergy serving local religious communities within the Mari ethno-religion. The findings indicate a historical continuity in the evolution of the Mari ethnic tradition and its organizational-legal forms, aligned with the objectives of harmonizing state-confessional relations in the Russian Federation.

Conclusion. Since the beginning of the 21st century, the revival of the Mari Traditional Religion in the Republic of Mari El has been characterized by a significant strengthening of its institutional structures and organizational components. By the end of the 2010s, a stable hierarchy of clerical activity had been established. This process of institutionalization is attributed not only to the legal formalization of the clergy’s status but also to the creation of an administrative apparatus within the Centralized Religious Association of the Mari Traditional Religion in the Republic of Mari El. These developments have contributed to a more structured religious system, enhancing its legitimacy and efficacy in performing religious functions. The findings of this study can inform the development of state-confessional relations at the level of constituent entities of the Russian Federation. Furthermore, they may serve as a starting point for expanding the geographical scope of research in search of new primary sources on this subject.

Keywords: Mari traditional religion, religious minister, hierarchy of religious ministers, religious organization, legal registration

Conflict of interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

For citation: Saberov R.A., Shizhensky R.V. The Formation of a Spiritual Hierarchy in the Process of Institutionalization of Clergyin the Mari Traditional Religion (20th–21st Centuries). Finno–Ugric World. 2025;17(4):454‒469. https://doi.org/10.15507/2076-2577.017.2025.04.454-469

REFERENCES

1. Abukaeva L.A. [The Conceptosphere of the Mari Ethnic Religion]. Yoshkar-Ola; 2024. 364 р. (In Russ.)
2. Alybina T. I. [Transformation of the Mari Religious Tradition in the Post-Soviet Period: Dissertation … Dr.Sci. (Philos.)]. Tartu; 2017. 219 p. (In Russ.)
3. Kutsaeva M.V. [Orthodox Pagan Syncretism in the Religious Life of the Mari Diaspora of the Moscow Region]. Zhivaya starina. 2023;(1):46–50. (In Russ.) https://www.elibrary.ru/vytzla
4. Sadikov R.R., Ilikaev A.S. On Issue of Defining Religious Systems of Finno-Ugriс Peoples of Volga Region. Yearbook of Finno-Ugric Studies. 2023;17(3):408–418. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://www.elibrary.ru/fuzhno
5. Pozdeev I.L. Mari of Udmurtia: Factors of Preserving Traditional Culture in Modern Conditions. Nauchnyi dialog. 2021;(12):380–395. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://doi.org/10.24224/2227-1295-2021-12-380-395
6. Egorov V.A. [Mari Traditional Religion and Modern Art]. Personality. Culture. Society. 2024;26(1–2):71–78. (In Russ.) https://www.elibrary.ru/dlikcb
7. Saberov R.A. Exploring the Developmental Trajectory of the Institution of Clergy in the Mari Traditional Religion in the 1950s–1960s (Based on Materials from the Mari Research Institute of Language, Literature, and History). Finno-Ugric World. 2025;17(1):90‒98. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://doi.org/10.15507/2076-2577.017.2025.01.090-098
8. Shizhensky R.V., Saberov R.A. [On the Question of the Functional Features of Religious Leaders of Modern Paganism: Russian-Mari Parallels]. Kazanskaya nauka. 2015;(9):61‒63. (In Russ.) https://www.elibrary.ru/umeuyj
9. Shkalina G.E. [The Sacred World of the Mari]. Yoshkar-Ola; 2019. 303 p. (In Russ.)
10. Popov N.S. To the Question of Formation and Development of Mari Traditional Religion. Finno-Ugrovedenie. 2020;(61):148‒157. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://www.elibrary.ru/rcowjv
11. Chemyshev E.V. Traditional Mari Beliefs at the Turn of the XX‒XXI Centuries. Bulletin of the Research Institute of Humanities by the Government of the Republic of Mordovia. 2021;(1):109–119. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://www.elibrary.ru/zmwgyh
12. Ustyantsev H.Yu. Religious and Mythological Beliefs of the Mari Priesthood. Gods, Souls and Other Worlds. Folklore: Structure, Typology, Semiotics. 2025;8(2):10–30. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://doi.org/10.28995/2658-5294-2025-8-2-10-30
13. Egorov V.A. Autochthonous Mari Traditional Religion as a Possible All-Russian Traditional Religion. In: Shizhensky R.V. (ed) [Paganism in Modern Russia: Experience of Interdisciplinary Research]. Kaliningrad; 2023. P. 40‒54. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://www.elibrary.ru/zyjnuw
14. Hoppal M. [Shamans – Cultures – Signs]. Tartu; 2015. 240 p. (In Russ.)
15. Harva W. [Beliefs and Mythology of the Peoples of Northern Eurasia]. Moscow; 2022. 354 p. (In Russ.)
16. Luerhmann S. Recycling Cultural Construction: Desecularisation in Postsoviet Mari El. Religion, State & Society. 2005;33(1): 35–56. https://doi.org/10.1080/0963749042000330857
17. Luerhmann S. A Dual Struggle of Images on Russia’s Middle Volga: Icon Veneration in the Face of Protestant and Pagan Critique. In: Ch. Hann, H. Goltz (eds) Eastern Christians in Anthropological Perspective. Berkeley: University of California Press; 2010. Р. 56‒78.
18. Khvastunova Yu.V. [Modern Tengrianism (on the Example of V. A. Sat’s Version of Tengrianism in the Altai Republic)]. Colloquium Heptaplomeres. 2018;(5):33–43. (In Russ.) https://www.elibrary.ru/vrvbog
19. Kataeva E.Yu., Nikitina O.N. [Udmurt Paganism in the Republic of the Late 20th and Early 21st Centuries]. In: [Humanities: Issues and Development Trends: Collection of Scientific Papers Based on the Results of the International Scientific and Practical Conference]. Issue IV. Krasnoyarsk; 2017. P. 14‒19. (In Russ.) https://www.elibrary.ru/zxlqtf
20. Abukayeva L.A. The Prayer Invocations of Adherents of the Mari Ethnic Religion: Forms and Meanings. Finno-Ugric World. 2025;17(2):140‒151. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://doi.org/10.15507/2076-2577.017.2025.02.140-151

Information about the аuthors:

Rushan А. Saberov, Senior Lecturer of the Departments of Social Sciences and Technologies, National University of Science and Technology “MISIS” (bld. 1, 4 Leninsky Prospekt, Moscow 119049, Russian Federation), Departments of Russian History and Auxiliary Historical Disciplines, Kozma Minin Nizhny Novgorod State Pedagogical University (1 Ulyanova St., Nizhny Novgorod 603005, Russian Federation), ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1502-3718, SPIN-code: 3600-9212, saberow@yandex.ru

Roman V. Shizhensky, Dr.Sci. (Philos.), Chief Scientific Officer of the Scientific Research Center for Religious Studies and Ethnopolitical Studies, Pushkin Leningrad State University (bld. A, 10 Petersburg highway, St. Petersburg 196605, Russian Federation), Head of the Research Laboratory of Ethno-Religious Research, Nizhny Novgorod branch of the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (46 Gagarin Avenue, Nizhny Novgorod 603950, Russian Federation), ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8765-2241, SPIN-code: 8358-7337, heit@inbox.ru

Authors’ contribution:

R. A. Saberov – ideas; formulation or evolution of overarching research goals and aims; development of methodology; conducting a research and investigation process, specifically performing the data; preparation and creation of the published work, specifically writing the initial draft (including substantive translation); preparation and creation of the published work by those from the original research group, specifically critical review, commentary or revision – including pre- or post-publication stages; presentation of the published work, specifically data visualization.

R. V. Shizhensky – ideas; formulation or evolution of overarching research goals and aims; oversight and leadership responsibility for the research activity planning and execution, including mentorship external to the core team; conducting a research and investigation process, specifically performing the data; preparation and creation of the published work by those from the original research group, specifically critical review, commentary or revision – including pre- or post-publication stages; verification, whether as a part of the activity or separate, of the reproducibility of results and other research outputs and other research outputs.

All authors have read and approved the final manuscript.

Submitted 11.08.2025; revised 29.09.2025; accepted 03.10.2025.

Скачать (pdf)

Original article

The Problem of Localizing the Southern Border of the Middle Izh Dialects of the Udmurt Language: Phonetic and Dialectological Analysis

V. V. Elyshev
Udmurt Federal Research Center of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Izhevsk, Russian Federation

Abstract

Introduction. The relevance of this study is determined by the limited scholarly attention given to the transitional dialects of the Udmurt language within Udmurt dialectology, coupled with the ongoing processes of assimilation and the levelling of dialectal features under contemporary conditions. Consequently, the task of conducting a comprehensive investigation of dialectal zones, including the delineation of the boundaries of these transitional dialects, is of paramount importance. The precise demarcation of their geographical distribution is essential not only for the description and comparison of dialectal idioms but also for the reconstruction of linguistic and historical processes characteristic of the Udmurt language. The aim of this research is to determine the southern boundary of the Middle Izh dialects, situated within the transitional area between the central dialects and the southern dialect of the Udmurt language, through the identification of their distinct phonetic and morphological features.

Materials and Methods. The empirical foundation of this study is comprised of dialectological texts collected by the author and by students of Udmurt State University across nine settlements in the Malopurginsky District of the Udmurt Republic. The methodological framework of the research incorporates synchronic-descriptive, comparative, and auditory-analytical methods. These approaches enabled the systematic recording and description of the dialects under investigation in their contemporary state, as well as a comparative analysis with other dialects of the Udmurt language. The collection of dialectological material was conducted utilizing the method of participant observation, which ensured the acquisition of representative data through the recording of speakers’ spontaneous speech in a naturalistic setting.

Results and Discussion. The analysis of dialectal data revealed that the vernaculars within the studied linguistic area generally possess a similar phonological system. However, it was established that the vernaculars of the villages of Aksakshur, Bagrash-Bigra, Gozhnya, and Kuregovo exhibit specific linguistic phenomena – such as the presence of a glottal stop and consonant voicing – which distinguish them from other dialects. These features provide a basis for their classification within the Southern dialect of the Udmurt language and allow for the demarcation of the southern boundary of the Middle Izh sub-dialects through the villages of Baysitovo, Minderovo, Kechur, and Kulaevo.

Conclusion. The author presents the first scientifically grounded delineation of the southern boundary of the Middle Izh dialects within Udmurt linguistics. This refinement of their geographical distribution provides a foundation for subsequent comprehensive study. The article constitutes a significant contribution to the field of Udmurt dialectology and, more broadly, to the general theory of Permic linguistics.

Keywords: Udmurt dialectology, Middle Izh subdialects, border of Middle Izh subdialects, phonetic features of the middle dialects of the Udmurt language

Conflict of interest: The author declares no conflict of interest.

For citation: Elyshev V.V. The Problem of Localizing the Southern Border of the Middle Izh Dialects of the Udmurt Language: Phonetic and Dialectological Analysis. Finno-Ugric World. 2025;17(4):442‒453. https://doi.org/10.15507/2076-2577.017.2025.04.442-453

REFERENCES

1. Ivanov V.A. On the Prospects of Writing in the Beserman Language. Yearbook of Finno-Ugric Studies. 2025;19(1):18–32. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://doi.org/10.35634/2224-9443-2025-19-1-18-32
2. Maksimov S.A. Besermyan-Komi Isoglosses as Evidence for Past Contacts between Peoples. Linguistica Uralica. 2025;(2):89‒105. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://doi.org/10.3176/lu.2025.2.02
3. Sazhina S.A. Upper Kama Dialect of the Komi-Permyak Language: Peculiarities of Vocalism. Bulletin of Ugric Studies. 2024;14(3):489‒497. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://doi.org/10.30624/2220-4156-2024-14-3-489-497
4. Kondratieva N.V., Sokolova O.L. Dynamic Processes in the Phonetic System of Present-Day Dialects of Udmurt (on the Material of Central Dialects). Finno-Ugric World. 2019;11(4):391–402. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://doi.org/10.15507/2076-2577.011.2019.04.391-402
5. Arkhangelskiy T.А. Application of Dialectometric Method to the Classification of Udmurt Dialects. Ural-Altaiс Studies. 2021;(2):7‒20. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://www.elibrary.ru/ttggdm
6. Karpova L.L. [Dialects of the Northern Dialect of the Udmurt Language: Formation and Current State: Monograph]. Izhevsk; 2020. (In Russ.)
7. Karpova L.L., Lyukina N.M. Besermyan Language Characteristics in Northern Udmurt Dialects. Bulletin of Udmurt University. Ser.: History and Philology. 2023;33(6):1267‒1279. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://www.elibrary.ru/ygtdaw
8. Karpova L.L., Lyukina N.M. [On some Northern Udmurt Morphological Features in the Besermyan Language]. Kazanskaya nauka. 2025;(2):281‒284. (In Russ.) https://www.elibrary.ru/kxdjye
9. Maуtinskaya K.E. [Historical and Comparative Morphology of the Finno-Ugric Languages]. Moscow; 2016. 264 p. (In Russ.)
10. Karpova L.L. Phonetic Markers of the Upper Cheptsa Dialect of the Udmurt Language. Yearbook of Finno-Ugric Studies. 2023;17(4):462‒473. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://www.elibrary.ru/zsxcyq

Information about the author:

Vladimir V. Elyshev, Postgraduate Student of the Udmurt Institute of History, Language and Literature, Udmurt Federal Research Center of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (4 Lomonosova St., Izhevsk 426034, Russian Federation), ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-3482-5944, SPIN-code: 3970-9260, elyschev.vladimir2016@yandex.ru

The author has read and approved the final manuscript.

Submitted 01.08.2025; revised 06.10.2025; accepted 14.10.2025.

Download (pdf)

Original article

Mapping as a Tool for Investigating a Local Toponymic System

I. I. Mullonen
Ural Federal University, Yekaterinburg, Russian Federation Institute of Language, Literature and History, Karelian Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Petrozavodsk, Russian Federation

Abstract

Introduction. The relevance of the cartographic method in toponymy is justified by the spatial nature of the naming process itself, which is realized within discrete geographical objects. Despite this, in studies devoted to local toponymic systems, cartographic analysis is used only sporadically. The aim of this research is to demonstrate the effectiveness of comprehensive microtoponym mapping for solving both purely toponymic tasks and broader tasks of an ethnocultural nature.

Materials and Methods. The research material was the Card Index of Karelia Toponyms, in which a significant portion of the microtoponyms are linked to topographic maps. Based on the card index data, an electronic resource – the “Toponymy of Karelia” geographic information system (GIS) – was created, which enables the mapping of toponymy within local topo-systems. The study employs maps of various formats as illustrations, ranging from standard maps of the “Atlas of Karelia” (scale 1 cm = 1 km) to field sketches and electronic maps in the OpenStreetMap format. In addition to the cartographic method itself, the methodology of etymological reconstruction and semantic analysis was employed.

Results and Discussion. This article examines three applications of the method of comprehensive microtoponym mapping. Its contribution to solving core toponymic tasks (problems of nomination) is illustrated by the route-based perspective that mapping reveals. The potential of comprehensive microtoponymic mapping for extracting ethnocultural information is also demonstrated. Through the areal distribution of microtoponyms with Russian and Karelian-derived stems, the primary routes of Russian linguistic influence into the specific local territory of the historical Vyrozero Volost in Zaonezhye are outlined. Localization is often a decisive factor in determining toponymic origin. The article demonstrates its use in establishing the Sami roots of two island toponyms (Oryatsaari and Pellotsaari), which encapsulate the idea of the islands’ position relative to the center of an island archipelago in the Ladoga region. A geographical motivation is proposed for the toponymic stem Akka- (Gen. Akan-) meaning ‘old woman’ or ‘crone’, prompted by a linguistic metaphor.

Conclusion. The method of continuous mapping of local topo-systems allows for a more in-depth understanding of the nature of toponymic nomination and also facilitates the identification of etymological, cultural-historical, and other information embedded in the localization of toponyms. In this regard, the experience of the approaches outlined in the article is useful for application in other toponymic expeditions. The research results contribute to the development of the cartographic method, as well as to the study of toponymic nomination within a local toponymic system.

Keywords: toponymy, local toponymic system, cartographic method, Karelian language, Sami substrate, etymology, motivation

Funding: The publication was prepared within the framework of the implementation of the Russian Science Foundation No. 23-18-00439 “Onomasticon and the linguocultural history of European Russia” (2023‒2025), https://rscf.ru/project/23-18-00439/

For citation: Mullonen I.I. Mapping as a Tool for Investigating a Local Toponymic System. Finno-Ugric World. 2025;17(4):430‒441. https://doi.org/10.15507/2076-2577.017.2025.04.430-441

REFERENCES

1. Gordova, Yu.Yu., Herzen O.A., Herzen A.A., Kostovska S.K. Usage of Cartographic Methods in Place-Name Study (History of the Problem and Actual Research). InterCarto. InterGIS. 2021;27(4):520–537. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://doi.org/10.35595/2414-9179-2021-4-27-520-536
2. Kabinina N.V. Popular Toponymic Geometry (with Reference to Lake Names of Arkhangelsk Region). Problems of Onomastics. 2013;(2):60‒90. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://elibrary.ru/item.asp?id=21026436
3. Sobolev A.I. Geographical Approaches to the Study of Hydronymy: Potamonyms of Southeastern Lake Onega Region in Comparison with Adjacent Areas. Acta Linguistica Petropolitana. 2024;20(2):252–294. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://doi.org/10.30842/alp23065737202252294
4. Herzen A.A. Old Maps of the Northern Black Sea Region and the Cartographic Approach in Solving Historic-Geographical Tasks. In: Nature and Society: Socio-Natural Interaction in the World-Historical Process. 2020;(43):13–25. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://doi.org/10.29003/m1940.s-n_history_2020_43/13-25
5. Dmitrijev A.V. Analysis of Place Names for the Historical Toponymic Dictionary of West Ingermanland. Linguistica Uralica. 2020;56(4):241–257. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://dx.doi.org/10.3176/lu.2020.4.01
6. Ankudinov I.Yu. Localization of Toponyms of XII–XV Centuries Novgorod Land Acts. In: [Onomastics of the Volga region: Proceedings of the XVII International Scientific Conference]. Veliky Novgorod; 2019. P. 118‒120. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://elibrary.ru/mzamjb
7. Kuznetsova R.S., Senator S.А. Creating a Toponymic Map of the Middle Volga Region Based on the Materials of the P. S. Pallas Expedition of 1768–1769. Problems of Onomastics. 2021;18(2):237‒259. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://doi.org/10.15826/vopr_onom.2021.18.2.028
8. Kukushkin K.V., Selin A.A., Sablin I.V. Geoinformatic Techniques application on the example of the Russian-Swedish Border Drawn According to the 1617 Treaty of Stolbovo. Nordic and Baltic Studies Review. 2017;(2):228–235. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://doi.org/10.15393/j103.art.2017.762
9. Kuzmin D. Vienan Karjalan asutushistoria nimistön valossa. Helsinki: Unigrafia Oy; 2014. 346 s. (In Finn.) Available at: https://helda.helsinki.fi/items/9023207d-2def-4241-a076-ca2672f3a5b1/full (accessed 20.01.2025).
10. Makarova A.А. On the Mapping of Local Ethnic Groups in Belozerye with Reference to Onomastic Data. Izvestia. Ural Federal University. Ser. 2: Humanities and Arts. 2017;19(4):63‒83. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://doi.org/10.15826/izv2.2017.19.4.064
11. Zakharova E.V., Kuzmin D.V., Mullonen I.I., Shibanova N.L. [Toponymic Models of Karelia in the Spatio-Temporal Context]. Moscow; 2018. 272 p. (In Russ.)
12. Mallat K. Naiset rajalla. Kyöpeli, Nainen, Naara(s), Neitsyt, Morsian, Akka ja Ämmä Suomen paikannimissä. Suomalaisen Kirjallisuuden Seuran Toimituksia 1122. Helsinki; 2007. 232 s. (In Finn.)
13. Mullonen I.I. Motivation vs Remotivation as a Source of Ethnocultural Information (Based on Place Names of Karelia). Problems of Onomastics. 2019;16(3):61–77. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://doi.org/10.15826/vopr_onom.2019.16.3.031

Information about the author:

Irma I. Mullonen, Dr.Sci. (Philol.), Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS), Professor, and Lead Researcher of the Toponymic Laboratory, Department of Russian Language, General Linguistics, and Speech Communication, Ural Federal University (19 Mira St., Yekaterinburg 620002, Russian Federation), Chief Researcher of the Ethnology Sector, Institute of Language, Literature and History, Karelian Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences (11 Pushkinskaya St., Petrozavodsk 185910, Russian Federation), ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5279-4880, SPIN-code: 3231-5653, irma.mullonen@mail.ru

Author has read and approved the final manuscript.

Submitted 22.08.2025; revised 06.10.2025; accepted 17.10.2025.

Download (pdf)

Original article

A Contrastive Analysis of the Vocabulary of the Izhma Dialect of the Komi-Zyryan Language (Based on Materials from M. A. Castrén’s Dictionary and Modern Audio Documentation)

О. N. Bazhenova
Ivannikov Institute for System Programming of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation

Yu. V. Normanskaya
Institute of Linguistics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation

Abstract

Introduction. Currently, there is no verified basis for assessing the accuracy of early field recordings of the Izhma dialect of the Komi-Zyrian language or for determining the facts of phonetic changes that have actually occurred in the dialect over a nearly two-hundred-year period. Despite the existence of individual descriptions, the scientific literature on the Izhma dialect of the Komi language lacks systematic research based on a direct comparison of historical material with digital audio recordings, which provide more accurate documentation of speech parameters. A gap remains in understanding the dynamics of dialectal vocalism and consonantism, as well as the mechanisms of their evolution. This article seeks to fill this lacuna by integrating sources from different periods into a unified digital format, LingvoDoc, and creating a methodological foundation for future historical-phonetic reconstructions. The aim of the study is to identify phonetic correspondences and describe processes that may indicate both the preservation of archaic features and the gradual formation of new tendencies in the development of the dialect.

Materials and Methods. The research material comprised M. A. Castrén’s dictionary, presented in the book “Elementa grammatices Syrjaenae” (1844; critical edition 2022) – 1,146 lexical units, and the audio dictionary of the dialect of the village of Beloyarsk, Priuralsky District, Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug (2012) – 1,455 lexical entries, including phonological transcription and audio recordings. The comparison was carried out using the LingvoDoc digital platform, employing the tools “Inventory of Phonemes/Allophones,” “Spectrogram Analysis Results,” “Search for Cognates in Different Dialects of One Language,” and “Cognate Analysis”. The analysis was conducted in stages: first, regular correspondences between the 19th and 21st-century data were identified, followed by the clarification of positional patterns.

Results and Discussion. A comparison of the data from the experimental-phonetic analysis of the modern Beloyarsk dialect with the materials from M. A. Castren’s dictionary demonstrates the high accuracy of his documentation. Thus, the double vowel graphemes recorded by Castren, although not always corresponding to distinct phonemes in the modern dialect, in most cases correspond to longer vocalic realizations. Of particular interest is the grapheme ä: previously, it could have been considered an irregular notation with no direct parallels either in Proto-Komi or in modern dialects; however, the analysis has shown that its usage followed positional rules. The study also established the approximate timeframe for the development of labial harmony in the Izhem dialect (late 20th – early 21st century). Alongside general trends characteristic of many Komi-Zyrian dialects, specifically Izhem innovations such as ӧ > ɒ have been identified. The modern consonant inventory is supplemented by peripheral sounds [f], [x], [ɣ], found primarily in borrowed vocabulary.

Conclusion. A comparison of M. A. Castren’s dictionary with contemporary audio material of the Beloyarsk village dialect allows us to speak of regular phonetic correspondences and generally consistent directions of change in the vocalism and consonantism of the Izhma dialect. The integration of instrumental analysis using Praat and the digital environment LingvoDoc has proven effective for verifying historical recordings and clarifying positional patterns. The obtained results establish a foundation for further comparative studies within the area of Komi-Zyrian dialects and for a more detailed interpretation of the observed processes.

Keywords: Ižma dialect, Komi-Zyryan language, phonetic correspondences, vocalism, consonantism, M. A. Castrén’s dictionary, audio dictionary, LingvoDoc, diachrony

Funding: The research was funded by the Russian Science Foundation grant No. 25-78-20002 “Capabilities of Artificial Intelligence for Comparative-Historical Study of Low-Resource Languages of the Peoples of the Russian Federation”.

Conflict of interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

For citation: Bazhenova О.N., Normanskaya Yu.V. A Contrastive Analysis of the Vocabulary of the Izhma Dialect of the Komi-Zyryan Language (Based on Materials from M. A. Castrén’s Dictionary and Modern Audio Documentation). Finno–Ugric World. 2025;17(4):412–429. https://doi.org/10.15507/2076-2577.017.2025.04.412-429

REFERENCES

1. Novak I.P., Normanskaja J.V. Determining Regular Phonetic Correspondences in the Karelian Dialects. Vocalism. Ural-Altaic Studies. 2023;(3):56–96. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://doi.org/10.37892/2500-2902-2023-50-3-56-96
2. Koshelyuk N.A. The “Phonology” Option of the LingvoDoc Platform as a Verification Method (Based on the Data of the Sosva Dialect of the Mansi Language). Proceedings of the Institute for System Programming of the RAS. 2022;34(6):165‒172. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://doi.org/10.15514/ISPRAS-2022-34(6)-12
3. Doleeva A.O., Kukanova V.V. Kalmyk Wordbook by J. H. Klaproth: A Grapho-Phonetic Analysis of the Graphemes a and ä. Oriental Studies. 2024;17(3):644–663. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://doi.org/10.22162/2619-0990-2024-73-3-644-663
4. Normanskaja Y.V., Borisenko О.D., Beloborodov I.B., Avetisyan А.I. The Software System LingvoDoc and the Possibilities It Offers for Documentation and Analysis of Ob-Ugric Languages. Doklady Mathematics. 2022;504:60–82. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://www.elibrary.ru/tvikkz
5. Khamidullin A.R. The Subregional Identity of the Izhma Komi as an Aspect of its Ethnodemographic Dynamics. Etnografia. 2024;(2):195–213. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://www.elibrary.ru/fuycyz
6. Fedotova I.V., Moldanova I.M. Basic Vocabulary of the Kazym Dialect of the Khanty Language: Experience of Collecting Field Data for the Tasks of Comparative Historical Linguistics. Bulletin of Ugric Studies. 2023;13(4);733–742. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://doi.org/10.30624/2220-4156-2023-13-4-733-742
7. Moldanova I.M. Khanty Language: From Paper Manuscripts to Digital Platforms. Yearbook of Finno-Ugric Studies. 2024;18(1):109–114. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://www.elibrary.ru/hdwbnq
8. Novak I.P. Determining Regular Phonetic Correspondences in the Karelian Dialects. Consonantism. Ural-Altaic Studies. 2024;(1):42–85. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://doi.org/10.37892/2500-2902-2024-52-1-42-85
9. Punegova G.V. [Features of the Implementation of Palatalized Consonants /s’/ and /z’/ in the Russian Speech of Komi Bilinguals]. In: [Permistics XI: Dialects and history of the Permian Languages in Interaction with Other Languages: Materials of the XI International Symposium]. Perm; 2006. P. 185‒191. (In Russ.)
10. Krivonogov V.P. Modern Ethnic Processes among the Komi-Izhma People of the Kola Peninsula. Proceedings of the Komi Science Centre Ural Branch Russian Academy of Sciences. Ser.: Historical Demography. 2023;(8):117–124. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://doi.org/10.19110/1994-5655-2023-8-117-124
11. Janhunen J. Manuscripta Castreniana: A General Preface to the Series. Helsinki: Finno-Ugrian Society; 2017. 28 p. Available at: https://www.sgr.fi/manuscripta/items/show/880 (accessed 16.10.2025).
12. Leinonen M. Russian Influence on the Ižma Komi Dialect. International Journal of Bilingualism. 2010;13(3):309–329. https://doi.org/10.1177/1367006909346612

Information about the authors:

Olga N. Bazhenova, Cand.Sci. (Philol.), Research Fellow of the Laboratory “Linguistic Platforms”, Ivannikov Institute for System Programming of the Russian Academy of Sciences (25 Aleksandra Solzhenitsyna St., Moscow 109004, Russian Federation), ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5666-2260, SPIN-code: 9727-6031, bazhenova-olga2011@mail.ru

Yuliya V. Normanskaya, Dr.Sci. (Philol.), Senior Research Fellow, Head of the Laboratory “Linguistic Platforms”, Ivannikov Institute for System Programming of the Russian Academy of Sciences (25 Aleksandra Solzhenitsyna St., Moscow 109004, Russian Federation), Leading Research Fellow of the Department of Ural-Altaic Languages, Institute of Linguistics of the Russian Academy of Sciences (bld 1, 1 Bolshoy Kislovsky Lane, Moscow 125009, Russian Federation), ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2769-9187, SPIN-code: 2598-4190, julianor@mail.ru

Authors’ contribution:

O. N. Bazhenova – preparation and creation of the published work, specifically writing the initial draft (including substantive translation); ideas; formulation or evolution of overarching research goals and aims; verification, whether as a part of the activity or separate, of the reproducibility of results and other research outputs and other research outputs.

Yu. V. Normanskaya – oversight and leadership responsibility for the research activity planning and execution, including mentorship external to the core team; verification, whether as a part of the activity or separate, of the reproducibility of results and other research outputs and other research outputs.

All authors have read and approved the final manuscript.

Submitted 17.08.2025; revised 13.10.2025; accepted 17.10.2025.

Download (pdf)

Original article

The Vocabulary of Town-Twinning: A Corpus Analysis of the Press in Soviet Karelia (1960s–1980s)

K. M. Bogacheva
Institute of Language, Literature and History, Karelian Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Petrozavodsk, Russian Federation

Abstract

Introduction. The study of the functions of town-twinning city terminology in the regional press of the Soviet period constitutes a relevant scholarly issue. Existing historiography has not addressed this aspect, creating a necessity for the integration of linguistic analysis with a critical examination of Soviet ideology. The reconstruction of the mechanisms of propagandistic influence in the Soviet press allows for a deeper understanding of the nature of historical media discourses, while the analysis of materials from Karelian newspapers provides an opportunity to identify the specificities of how the image of international cooperation was formed, as well as the enduring linguistic patterns of the Soviet era. The aim of this research is to delineate the specific features and mechanisms through which the lexicon of town-twinning relations functioned within the local-historical and broader political context of the period.

Materials and Methods. This study examines the vocabulary of town-twinning ties in the press of Soviet Karelia, drawing on corpora of articles from the newspapers Leninskaya Pravda and Komsomolets (1960–1980). The methodology is based on an integration of corpus technologies (using the Sketch Engine manager) and traditional discourse analysis. The text corpus was processed using the following tools: Word List (for frequency analysis), N-grams (to identify formulaic phrases), and Word Sketch Differences (to analyse contrasts in collocations). This integrated approach enabled the translation of qualitative observations into quantitatively verifiable data.

Results and Discussion. The discourse of twinning in the Karelian press during the second half of the 20th century possessed a strictly hierarchical structure. The dominant ideologeme, fulfilling mythologizing and legitimizing functions, was “friendship”. The term “twin city” occupied a subordinate position, functioning as a technical status marker with limited, situational combinability. Consequently, the propaganda of twinning in the republican press was realized through the sacralization of the “friendship” ideologeme and the ritualization of the “twin city” term. The obtained results demonstrate the efficacy of the corpus manager Sketch Engine for processing large volumes of newspaper texts and identifying statistical patterns. The identified mechanisms reflect the general principles of constructing ideological reality within Soviet media discourse.

Conclusion. This study presents the first comprehensive analysis of the vocabulary of town-twinning relations in the press of Soviet Karelia. A methodology integrating corpus technologies and critical discourse analysis was tested, offering a means to broaden the methodological toolkit for studying the language of Soviet newspapers. The identification of the hierarchical subordination of the term “pobratim” (twin) to the ideologeme “druzhba” (friendship) as a key mechanism of ideological discourse deepens our understanding of the principles of reality construction in the Soviet press. The findings are significant for research in Soviet linguistics and media discourse and can be applied to the study of ideological influence mechanisms in both central and regional media.

Keywords: vocabulary of Soviet newspapers, Sketch Engine, Soviet press, town-twinning, twin city, Karelian Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic

Funding: The financial support for the research was provided from the federal budget for the implementation of the state assignment of the Karelian Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences (№ 124022000029-0, 2024–2026).

Conflict of interest: The author declares no conflict of interest.

For citation: Bogacheva K.M. The Vocabulary of town-twinning: A Corpus Analysis of the Press in Soviet Karelia (1960s–1980s). Finno-Ugric World. 2025;17(4):398–411. https://doi.org/10.15507/2076-2577.017.2025.04.398-411

REFERENCES

1. Raeva T.V. “Friendship is not Afraid of Distance”: Features of the Presentation of Activity of the Union of Soviet Friendship Societies in the Central Press of the Brezhnev Period. Upravlenie v sovremennyh sistemah. 2017;(4):39–46. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) Available at: https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/druzhbe-ne-strashny-rasstoyaniya-osobennosti-osvescheniya-deyatelnosti-soyuza-sovetskih-obschestv-druzhby-v-tsentralnyh-gazetah (accessed 20.07.2025).

2. Lavrushina N., Malmi M., Tirri S. Let’s Write History of Twinning between Karelian and Finnish Municipalities. Nordic and Baltic Studies Review. 2021;(6):479–482. https://doi.org/10.15393/j103.art.2021.2026

3. Yurchak A. [It was Forever, until It Ended. The Last Soviet Generation]. Moscow; 2014. 664 p. (In Russ.)

4. Dobrosklonskaya T.G. [Medialinguistics: Theory, Methodology, and Research Directions: Monograph]. Moscow; 2020. 178 р. (In Russ.) https://www.elibrary.ru/cqkwes

5. Vasilieva V.V. High Technology of Soviet Industrial News. Vestnik of Saint Petersburg University. Ser. 2. 2014;(4):175–181. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://elibrary.ru/teaoen

6. Kupina N.A. [The Totalitarian Language: A Dictionary and Speech Reactions: Monograph]. Yekaterinburg; 2015. 185 р. (In Russ.) https://www.elibrary.ru/uwomsx

7. Sheigal E.I. [The Semiotics of Political Discourse]. Moscow; 2004. 326 р. (In Russ.)

8. Brakman S., Garretsen H., Oumer A. Town Twinning and German City Growth: CESifo Working Paper No. 4754. Category 8: Trade Policy. 2014. Available at: https://www.ifo.de/DocDL/cesifo1_wp4754.pdf (accessed 25.07.2025).

9. Furmankiewicz M. Town-Twinning as a Factor Generating International Flows of Goods and People – the Example of Poland. Belgeo. 2005;(1‒2):145–162. https://doi.org/10.4000/belgeo.12466

10. Lavrushina N., Shlapeko E. Public Participation in Sister-Cities Relations: The Case of Petrozavodsk. In: Frankenberger R., Chernenkova Е. (eds) Local Governance and Public Wellbeing. Comparing Russian and German Examples. Baden-Baden: Nomos; 2020. P. 229–238.

11. Cremer R.D., De Bruin A., Dupuis A. International Sister-Cities: Bridging the Global-Local Divide. The American Journal of Economics and Sociology. 2001;60(1):377–401. https://elibrary.ru/euayrr

12. Matthews R. Taiwan Island and Sister Cities Paradiplomacy. 2013. Available at: https://www.academia.edu/3697173/Taiwan_Island_and_sister_cities_paradiplomacy (accessed 25.07.2025).

13. Zelinsky W. The Twinning of the World: Sister Cities in Geographic and Historical Perspective. Annals of the American Association of Geographers. 1991;81(1):1–31. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8306.1991.tb01676.x

14. Mishlanova S.L., Permyakova T.M. “Sister-Cities” in Different Cultures – “Brothers” or “Sisters”? Perm University Herald. Russian and Foreign Philology. 2010;(3):46‒51. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://elibrary.ru/mspvhl

15. Geger A.E., Chupahina Yu.A., Geger S.A. [Computer Programs for Analyzing Qualitative and Mixed Data]. St. Petersburg sociology today. 2015;(6):374–383. (In Russ.) Available at: https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/kompyuternye-programmy-dlya-analiza-kachestvennyh-i-smeshannyh-dannyh (accessed 20.07.2025).

16. Konstantinov G.E. Changes of Soviet Propaganda Paradigm and Its Reflections in Periodical Press in the 1920s – 1940s. Humanitarian Research. History and Philology. 2022;(6):22–30. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://doi.org/10.24412/2713-0231-2022-6-22-30

17. Biyumena A.A. Nominative Vocabulary in the Printed Media Discourse of the Soviet Period. Bulletin of Chelyabinsk State University. 2020;(3):21–30. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://doi.org/10.24411/1994-2796-2020-10303

18. Novikova A.A. Sketch Engine and TermoStat Tools for Automatic Term Extraction. International Journal of Open Information Technologies. 2020;8(11):73–79. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://doi.org/10.25559/INJOIT.2307-8162.08.202011.73-79

19. Kilgarriff A., Baisa V., Bušta J., Jakubíčeket M., Kovář V., Michelfeit J., et al. The Sketch Engine. Lexicography. 2014;1(1):7–36. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40607-014-0009-9

20. Rayskina V.A. Means of Axiological Positioning of Masculinity in Medieval Literary Discourse (on the Material of DECT and BFM-GRAAL Corpuses). Bulletin of Tomsk State University. 2018;(432):14–23. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) https://doi.org/10.17223/15617793/432/2

21. Glinkina L.A. Frequency as an Important Characteristic of Lexicography and Phraseography. Journal of Historical, Philological and Cultural Studies. 2011;(3):7–11. (In Russ., abstract in Eng.) Available at: https://pifk.magtu.ru/doc/pifk-03-2011.pdf (accessed 20.07.2025).

22. Khizova M.A. [The Concept of “Friendship” in Russian and English Linguistic Cultures: Dissertation … Cand.Sci. (Philol.)]. Krasnodar; 2005. 198 р. (In Russ.)

23. Kupina N.A. [Precedent Formulas of the Soviet Era in the Language of a Modern Newspaper: To the Problem of Dialogicity]. Philological Studies. 2010;2. (In Russ.) https://elibrary.ru/qesxro

Information about the author:

Ksenia M. Bogacheva, Postgraduate Student, Junior Researcher of the History Department, Institute of Language, Literature and History, Karelian Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences (11 Pushkinskaya St., Petrozavodsk 185910, Russian Federation), ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0008-0447-9983, SPIN-code: 1953-3715, bogachevakm@gmail.com

The author has read and approved the final manuscript.

Submitted 13.08.2025; revised 25.09.2025; accepted 29.09.2025.