Finno-Ugric World

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Original article

https://doi.org/10.15507/2076-2577.017.2025.01.056-066
EDN: https://elibrary.ru/tbomhf
УДК / UDC 81՚373.231

The Legacy of the Karelian Non-Calenderic Onomasticon in the Toponymy of the Syamozerye Region

A. A. Kongoeva
Petrozavodsk State University, Petrozavodsk, Russian Federation

Abstract

Introduction. In recent decades, scholars in Karelia have been actively conducting research on the toponymy and anthroponymy of the region. The reconstruction of lost Karelian names (both calendrical and non-calendrical) preserved in toponyms holds significant value in the context of cultural heritage preservation, which underscores the relevance of this study. The aim of the research is to analyze the Karelian non-calendrical onomasticon based on the toponymic material from the Syamozerye area, where the Karelian-Livvik population resides.

Materials and Methods. The primary source of material for this research was the data from the scientific toponymic database of the Institute of Language, Literature, and History of the Karelian Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences. In analyzing the etymology of toponyms, dialectal dictionaries of the Karelian language were employed. The preparation of the article utilized both descriptive methods and the method of onomastic etymology, which involves deciphering the origin of a toponym, i.e., identifying the corresponding lexeme of the language that either currently exists or once existed in the studied area.

Results and Discussion. The article analyzes the anthroponymic toponyms of the Syamozerye region, which stem from non-calendar Karelia names. The list comprises approximately 50 anthroponyms, predominantly male names, of which nearly half are zoonymic lexemes. Several anthroponymic toponymic stems with obscure etymologies are presented. The article discusses toponyms reflecting personal names and nicknames that denote negative traits of their bearers, as well as those derived from the names of fauna representatives. In addition to the national anthroponymicon, non-calendar names of Russian origin are also included. The anthroponyms are grouped into several lexical-semantic categories: reflecting external human characteristics; derived from lexemes indicating human qualities, including traits of character and behavior; originating from terms denoting human lifestyles; expressed through fauna-related lexicon. For each anthroponym, toponymic examples are provided along with etymological explanations.

Conclusion. The study of anthroponymy holds significant historical and cultural value. The analysis conducted and its findings will find application in Baltic-Finnish onomastics, including the compilation of toponymic dictionaries and lecture courses on the toponymy of Karelia. The etymology of many Sjamozersk-related anthroponymic toponyms and microtoponyms remains unclear and awaits further investigation in future studies.

Keywords: Karelian language, Livvi-Karelians, anthroponymy, oikonymy, microtoponymy, non-calendar names

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

For citation: Kongoeva A.A. The Legacy of the Karelian Non-Calenderic Onomasticon in the Toponymy of the Syamozerye Region. Finno-Ugric World. 2025;17(1):56‒66. https://doi.org/10.15507/2076-2577.017.2025.01.056-066

Information about the аuthor:

Anastasia A. Kongoeva, Cand.Sci. (Philol.), Associate Professor of the Department of Baltic-Finnish Philology, Petrozavodsk State University (33 Lenin Avenue, Petrozavodsk 185910, Russian Federation), ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5113-5552, SPIN-code: 8624-9308, anastasia20085@mail.ru

Author has read and approved the final manuscript.

Submitted 30.09.2024; revised 25.11.2024; accepted 02.12.2024.

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Original article

https://doi.org/10.15507/2076-2577.017.2025.01.047-055
EDN: https://elibrary.ru/tztzuu
УДК / UDC 81’362

The Formant -päi (-piäi) in Postpositional Cases (on the Example of Livvi and Ludian Dialects)

A. P. Rodionova, T. P. Boyko
Institute of Language, Literature and History, Karelian Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Petrozavodsk, Russian Federetion

Abstract

Introduction. In contemporary grammars of the newly standardized Karelian language, it is customary to distinguish two postpositional variants of the elative and ablative markers: -späi/-spiäi and -lpäi/-lpiäi. Another case, the additive, formed by the fusion of the illative ending with the formant -päi (-piäi), has not yet been incorporated into the grammatical framework of the Karelian language. The aim of this study is to refine the grammatical rules of the newly standardized variants of the Livvi and Ludian dialects of Karelian.

Materials and Methods. The study is based on materials from the Open Corpus of the Veps and Karelian languages. Traditional linguistic research methods were employed, including the general scientific, comparative-contrastive, and comparative-historical methods. These approaches enabled the identification and validation of the legitimacy of using the newest postpositional case forms in the Karelian language.

Results and Discussion. The article examines the formation of new postpositional cases through the fusion of the postposition päi/päin with the local case marker. This process has contributed to the emergence of three cases in the Karelian language: elative, ablative, and additive. The first two have been incorporated into the newly standardized grammars of the Livvik dialect, while the additive case, despite its active use in spoken language, has not yet been formally included in grammatical descriptions. The Open Corpus of Veps and Karelian contains a substantial body of textual material, encompassing both dialectal texts and texts written in the standardized variants of the Karelian language. An analysis of newly written texts in the corpus reveals a lack of uniformity in the spelling of the additive case: the -päi/-piäi formant appears both as a single word and as a separate element.

Conclusion. Based on the conducted analysis, the authors propose incorporating the additive into the newly standardized grammar of the Karelian language. The findings of this study may be useful for refining orthographic rules for the newly standardized variants of Karelian, as well as for the development of educational materials for the Ludic dialect. A more in-depth corpus analysis in the future may further contribute to the adjustment of certain orthographic rules in these variants, which is particularly important for the Ludic dialect, as its unified literary form is still in the process of development.

Keywords: Elative, Ablative, Aditive, Livvi dialect, Ludian dialect, Karelian dialect proper, newly written language, Open corpus of Vepsian and Karelian languages, grammaticalization of postpositions

Funding: This publication has been prepared as part of the state-funded research project of the Karelian Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences (Project No. 124022000089-4, “Baltic-Finnic Languages of Northwestern Russia in the Context of Digitalization of Scientific Knowledge”).

For citation: Rodionova A.P., Boyko T.P. The Formant -päi (-piäi) in Postpositional Cases (on the Example of Livvi and Ludian Dialects). Finno–Ugric World. 2025;17(1):47‒55. https://doi.org/10.15507/2076-2577.017.2025.01.047-055

Information about the authors:

Aleksandra P. Rodionova, Cand.Sci. (Philol.), Researcher, Department of Linguistics, 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/0000-0001-5645-9441, SPIN-code: 6845-5181, santrar@krc.karelia.ru

Tatyana P. Boyko, Researcher, Department of linguistics, 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/0000-0001-5095-2921, SPIN-code: 6095-7017, tatjanboiko@yandex.ru

Authors’ contribution:

А. P. Rodionova – 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); oversight and leadership responsibility for the research activity planning and execution, including mentorship external to the core team; development of methodology.

T. P. Boyko – conducting a research and investigation process, specifically performing the data; presentation of the published work, specifically data visualization.

All authors have read and approved the final manuscript.

Submitted 26.08.2024; revised 14.01.2025; accepted 22.01.2025.

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Original article

https://doi.org/10.15507/2076-2577.017.2025.01.035-046
EDN: https://elibrary.ru/vbsesv
УДК / UDC 81-13

Collocations with the Nomination ‘‘Russia’’ in the Corpus of Finno-Ugric Internet Travelogues

N. A. Osmak
Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation

Abstract

Introduction. Despite the fact that the image of Russia in foreign discourse has repeatedly been the subject of scholarly attention, the Finno-Ugric material, including the peculiarities of travel notes and their modern counterpart (internet travel blogs), remains insufficiently explored. The aim of this study is to identify the key dominant elements that shape the perception of Russia in internet travel blogs by analyzing collocations with terms representing the country in Finnish.

Materials and Methods. The study is based on a subcorpus of Finnic-language internet travelogues about Russia, manually compiled from the internet using a full-sampling method. The corpus includes 31 texts, comprising a total of 24,288 word occurrences. The research employed discourse analysis methods, with sentiment analysis conducted automatically and text tone evaluated through expert assessment.

Results and Discussion. The analysis of collocations related to the concept of “Russia” revealed their axiological significance. The frequent use of the word form Venäjä (Russia) contributes to the stereotyping of the country as a cultural space for tourism, while also highlighting the de-stereotyping process through the personal experiences of travelers. The term Neuvostoliitto (Soviet Union) emphasizes the historical era. Sentiment analysis demonstrated the neutrality of the collocations, which together form a multifaceted image of Russia in online travel blogs.

Conclusion. The results of this study refine and complement research in the field of the representation of the concept of “Russia” in Finnish linguistic culture. The data obtained through sentiment analysis of contexts and their expert evaluation may be used in the further development of algorithms for automatic text sentiment analysis.

Keywords: Russocentric discourse, Finnish, Russia, collocations, sentiment analysis

Funding: The research was supported by an internal grant of the Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia; grant 1VG “Russian culture through the prism of foreign languages: universal and language-specific mechanisms”.

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

For citation: Osmak N.A. Collocations with the Nomination “Russia” in the Corpus of Finno-Ugric Internet Travelogues. Finno-Ugric World. 2025;17(1):35‒46. https://doi.org/10.15507/2076-2577.017.2025.01.035-046

Information about the аuthor:

Natalya А. Osmak, Cand.Sci. (Philol.), Head of the Department of Languages of Northern Europe, Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia (48 Moyka Embankment, St. Petersburg 191186, Russian Federation), ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1436-6225, SPIN-code: 5134-8922, nataliaosmak@herzen.spb.ru

Author has read and approved the final manuscript.

Submitted 23.11.2024; revised 16.12.2024; accepted 23.12.2024.

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Original article

https://doi.org/10.15507/2076-2577.017.2025.01.021-034
EDN: https://elibrary.ru/wskmuf
УДК / UDC 81’443:811.511.152.2

Morphonological Features in the Paradigm of the Main Declension in the Suzgar Type of Moksha Dialects in the Ruzaevsky Area

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

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

N. V. Ivanova
Admiral Senyavin Maritime Technical Academy, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation

Abstract

Introduction. The Moksha dialects of the Ruzaevsky district in the Republic of Mordovia are unique in their composition, as they encompass all three types of dialects – äkaing, ekaing, and ikaing – within a relatively small geographical area. To date, the dialects of the Ruzaevsky region have not been studied in depth, and there is a notable absence of research focused on morphonological features in the paradigm of nominal declension. The aim of this study is to examine the paradigm of the primary declension in the Moksha dialects of the Suzgariy type and identify their morphonological characteristics.

Materials and Methods. The study was based on dialectal speech samples collected by the authors during field expeditions to the Ruzayevsky district of the Republic of Mordovia, as well as data from the dictionary collection of the Department of Mordvin Languages at the Philological Faculty of National Research Mordovia State University. The dialectal material was analyzed using a combination of synchronic-descriptive, comparative-historical, and structural research methods.

Results and Discussion. The analysis of the available dialectal material has shown that the Suzgar type of speech is an “eka” dialect. It is less archaic compared to the “äka” dialects of the Levzhin region. In the dialects under study, within the paradigm of the primary declension, under the influence of certain phonetic processes during the agglutination of relational affixes, the initial noun stems exhibit varied behavior: in some cases, the stem is preserved, in others, there is lengthening or shortening. Historical stems may be restored, there can be a systematic voicing of the final voiced consonant of the stem, the vowel of the stem is preserved in some phonetic positions, and in others, it is reduced to a mid-height vowel, with shifts in the articulation of the final vowel towards the back of the mouth.

Conclusion. For the first time in Mordovian linguistics, the authors explore the morphonological features of the dialects from this region. The study of the features of the Suzgar dialects within the paradigm of the primary declension will reveal the distinguishing characteristics of this dialect type in the area of nominal inflection and, to some extent, contribute to the understanding of the development of the dialectal system of the Ruzaevsky region. This article contributes to the study of the dialectal morphonology of the Moksha language and enriches the general theory of this linguistic phenomenon.

Keywords: Moksha language, dialect, declension paradigm, morphological features, base, affix, assimilative processes

Funding: The publication was prepared within the framework of the implementation of the RSF grant № 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: 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. https://doi.org/10.15507/2076-2577.017.2025.01.021-034

Information about the authors:

Galina S. Ivanova, Dr.Sci. (Philol.), Professor, Department of the Mordovian Languages, 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

Lyubov P. Vodyasova, Dr.Sci. (Philol.), Professor, 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

Natalja V. Ivanova, Cand.Sci. (Philol.), Lecturer, Department of the English Languages, Admiral Senyavin Maritime Technical Academy (189 Narodnogo Opolcheniya Prospect, St. Petersburg 198260, Russian Federation), ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6860-1003, nataliva1990@mail.ru

Author`s contribution:

G. S. Ivanova – ideas; formulation or evolution of overarching research goals and aims; 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.

L. P. Vodyasova – ideas; formulation or evolution of overarching research goals and aims; development of methodology.

N. V. Ivanova – conducting a research and investigation process, specifically performing the data.

All authors have read and approved the final manuscript.

Submitted 02.01.2025; revised 16.02.2025; accepted 22.02.2025.

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Original article

https://doi.org/10.15507/2076-2577.017.2025.01.008-020
EDN: https://elibrary.ru/ybeiab
УДК / UDC 336.741.21:811.511.1

The Etymological Layers of Currency Unit Names in the Mordovian Languages

S. Maticsák
University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary

Abstract

Introduction. The Middle Volga region was under the dominance of Turkic peoples for an extended period before becoming part of the Russian Empire in the 16th century. These historical circumstances significantly influenced all aspects of Mordovian life, as evidenced by the substantial number of Turkic and Russian loanwords in the language, including borrowed names for currency units. However, this layer of vocabulary has not been the subject of detailed study by historical linguists. The aim of this research is to trace the origins of Mordovian coin names and classify them into three etymological layers: Russian, Turkic, and Mordovian.

Materials and Methods. The article analyzes the etymology of 19 currency unit names, drawing on data from Mordvinic dictionaries from the 19th to the 21st century. The study employs the historical-comparative method, which has made it possible to distinguish three etymological layers.

Results and Discussion. The Mordovian people established early contacts with the Turkic populations of the region. Through trade relations, the term tengge entered the Mordovian language as a designation for currency. While it ceased to function as a monetary unit in the early 20th century, its plural form persists in the Russian language as dengi (money). Among Russian currency names, ruble and kopeck are commonly used in Mordovian, though research indicates that the Mordovian people were also familiar with and to some extent used the names of coins such as groshe, reshet, and treshnik, among others. Lexicographic analysis further reveals that certain words of Mordovian origin have either functioned or previously functioned as currency names. Examples include ašo (white), kičkeŕe (crooked), śav (awn), and čapo (notch). Particular attention is given to the Erzya word ur, which originally meant “squirrel”. Since squirrel pelts were used as a means of payment before the advent of formal monetary circulation, the term eventually acquired the meaning of “money”. A similar linguistic development is observed in other Finno-Ugric languages.

Conclusion. Further research on this issue should encompass the study of the etymology of currency names in other Finno-Ugric languages of Russia. Such an approach would provide a comprehensive understanding of the development of this lexical layer, the mechanisms and chronology of lexical borrowings, as well as the underlying motivations behind the naming of currency units.

Keywords: history of Mordovian culture, Erzya, Moksha, etymology of names of currencies, Russian and Tatar loanwords

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

For citation: Maticsák S. The Etymological Layers of Currency Unit Names in the Mordovian Languages. Finno-Ugric World. 2025;17(1):8–20. https://doi.org/10.15507/2076-2577.017.2025.01.008-020

Information about the author:

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

Author has read and approved the final manuscript.

Submitted 24.09.2024; revised 09.12.2024; accepted 17.12.2024.

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Ethnic Symbols of the Finno-Ugrians and Its Functions (on the Example of the Erzya and Moksha Semiotic Codification Systems)

V. I. Rogachev, N. V. Karabanova
Mordovian State Pedagogical University named after M. E. Evseviev, Saransk, Russian Federation

Information about the authors:

Vladimir I. Rogachev, Dr.Sci. (Philol.), Professor of the Department of Literature and Methods of Teaching Literature, Mordovian State Pedagogical University named after M. E. Evseviev (11A Studentskaya St., Saransk 430007, Russian Federation), ORCID: https://orcid.org/00000-0003-2830-8667, SPIN-code: 3220-7165, rogachev-v@bk.ru

Nadezhda V. Karabanova, Cand.Sci. (Philol.), Head of the Department of Literature and Methods of Teaching Literature, Mordovian State Pedagogical University named after M. E. Evseviev (11A Studentskaya St., Saransk 430007, Russian Federation), ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0712-5493, SPIN-code: 2482-4354, nadiakarabanova@yandex.ru

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The Memory of the Hero of the Great Patriotic War and the Soviet Union, Ivan Borin, a Native of Mordovia, Still Lives

A. G. Burnaev
National Research Mordovia State University
Saransk, Russian Federation

Information about the author:

Alexander G. Burnaev (16.11.1954 – 30.10.2024), Dr.Sci. (Arts), Professor of the Department of Theater Arts and Folk Art Culture, National Research Mordovia State University (68 Bolshevistskaya St., Saransk 430005, Russian Federation), ORCID: https//orcid.org/0000-0002-2295-9699, SPIN-code: 6024-8005, burnaevag@mail.ru

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Formation of the Mordovian Autonomy within Russia

V. K. Abramov
Independent Researcher

Information about the author:

Vladimir K. Abramov, Dr.Sci. (Hist.), Professor, Honored Scientist of the Republic of Mordovia, Independent Researcher, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3259-6502, SPIN-code: 5209-2424, abramovvk@mail.ru

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Treasures of the Mordovian musical epic

O. A. Pashina
The State Institute for Art Studies, Moscow, Russian Federation

Book review: Boyarkin N.I., Boyarkina L.B. [The Mordovian Musical Epic. Field Research]. Saransk: Izdatel’stvo Mordovskogo universiteta; 2024. 500 p.

Information about the author:

Olga A. Pashina, Dr.Sci. (Arts), Academic Secretary, The State Institute for Art Studies (5 Kozitsky Lane, Moscow 125375, Russian Federation), ORCID: https//orcid.org/0000-0003-4189-5835, SPIN-code: 3630-7405, opash@sias.ru

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In Memory of E. S. Kiuru – Scholar and Translator (on the 95th Anniversary of His Birth)

V. P. Mironova
Institute of Language, Literature and History, Karelian Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Petrozavodsk, Russian Federetion

Funding: The financial support for the research was carried fulfillment of the state order (№124022000077-1).

Information about the author:

Valentina P. Mironova, Cand.Sci. (Philol.), Senior Research Fellow, Folklore and Literary Studies Sector (with a Phonogram Archive), Institute of Language, Literature and History, Karelian Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences (11 Pushkinskaya St., Petrozavodsk 185910, Russian Federation), ОRCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6310-5561, SPIN-code: 5058-0427, tutkija@mail.ru

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Original article

DOI: https://doi.org/10.15507/2076-2577.016.2024.04.484-496
EDN: https://elibrary.ru/nsnugl
УДК / UDC 398.5

Ethnofuturism and Traditional Udmurt Ideas about the Future

B. V. Anfinogenov
Research Institute of National Education, Izhevsk, Russian Federation

Abstract

Introduction. The problem of the traditional ideas of the Udmurt people about time and space, including their attitude to the future, is significant for modern science. Despite the numerous publications on this issue, there is practically no research on the refraction of traditional Udmurt ideas about the future in the Udmurt ethnofuturist movement, and their vision of the future of ethnic culture in this context. The purpose of the study is to try to fill this gap by examining and analyzing exactly what traditional ideas exist in Udmurt culture and how ethnofuturists use them in their work.

Materials and Methods. The research material was the works devoted to the topic of the future in the traditional Udmurt culture, as well as sources (articles in periodicals, collections, catalogs), where the vision of the future by ethnofuturists is presented. The study was conducted based on a comparative analysis of the sources and the phenomena described in them. During field research, the interview method was used.

Results and Discussion. The study proves that some modern manifestations and forms of the ethnofuturist movement are associated with the image of the future in traditional culture. The traditional Udmurt model of a bright and ideal future is presented in the concepts of ethnofuturist festivals and the manifesto of ethnofuturists. In traditional culture, there are also examples of a negative (eschatological) scenario of the future, recorded, for example, in the ending of the Udmurt epic and some legends. A reflection on the future of their people close to them is found in the works of poets and writers close to the ethnofuturist movement.

Conclusion. The author’s conclusions contribute to the development of modern ethnological science in the context of studying the relationship of new cultural phenomena in the life of the Udmurt people and their traditional culture and worldview. The materials of the article can be useful to ethnologists, cultural scientists, art historians, folklorists, socio-cultural workers, and anyone interested in modern Udmurt ethnic culture.

Keywords: ethno-futurism, Udmurtia, Udmurts, ethnic culture, image of the future, Udmurt folklore, folk prognostication, modern ethnic culture

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

For citation: Anfinogenov B.V. Ethnofuturism and Traditional Udmurt Ideas about the Future. Finno-Ugric World. 2024;16(4):484–496. https://doi.org/10.15507/2076-2577.016.2024.04.484-496

Information about the author:

Bogdan V. Anfinogenov, Junior Researcher, Research Institute of National Education (73 M. Gorky St., Izhevsk 426051, Russian Federation), ORCID: https://orcid.оrg/0009-0000-0861-3504, SPIN-code: 2500-6460, bogdananf@mail.ru

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Original article

DOI: https://doi.org/10.15507/2076-2577.016.2024.04.471-483
EDN: https://elibrary.ru/ngaqnc
УДК / UDC 398.42:008

Sacred Spaces of the Mari Culture. Signs and Typologization of the Mythologized Landscape

G. Yu. Ustyantsev
Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russian Federation

D. Yu. Efremova
Timofey Evseev National Museum of the Republic of Mari El, Yoshkar-Ola, Russian Federation

T. L. Serebrennikova
GBOU “School No. 1329”, Moscow, Russian Federation

Abstract

Introduction. Amid growing interest from the public and researchers in the pre-Christian, nature-centered beliefs of the peoples of the Volga region, issues related to the perception of natural landscapes and their use in ritual practices have gained renewed relevance. The study aims to propose key factors for the qualitative description of the sacred landscape of contemporary Mari communities: the degree of development, the orderliness of the locus, its mythological image, and its role in ritual practices. Based on these factors, the authors present their own typology of sacred toposes within Mari culture.

Materials and Methods. The article is based on the field materials of the Department of Ethnology (the Faculty of History of Lomonosov Moscow State University) in 1995, 2021-2023 and the Complex Expedition of the National Museum (the Republic of Mari El named after T. Evseev). The geography of research covers Mari El, Bashkortostan, and the Kirov region. The main methods are the collection of texts about the landscapes (folklore texts, interviews) and their narratological analysis, visual fixation of monuments.

Results and Discussion. As criteria for describing spaces the authors analyze their physical characteristics, the image in folklore, the practices and mythological characters associated with them, and the degree of anthropogenic influence. The ambivalent properties of sacred landscapes and the process of creating new sacred toposes are revealed in the article. The internal organization of sacred groves and their role in the religious life of local communities are described in detail. The authors identify five categories of spaces: sacred groves; unorganized sacred loci; symbolic burial sites of the Mari heroes; “bad places”; active and abandoned burial sites. At the same time, the researchers note the variability of natural landscape objects and the possibility of combining features of different types in one monument.

Conclusion. The conclusions made by the authors contribute to the development of ethnological research of Mari religious practices and mythological representations. The materials of the article can be useful in describing and systematizing the landscapes of traditional culture, in studying the interaction of people and nature within the framework of ritual actions.

Keywords: sacred geography, sacred groves, traditional Mari beliefs, Mari mythology, Mari folklore

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

For citation: Ustyantsev G.Yu., Efremova D.Yu., Serebrennikova T.L. Sacred Spaces of the Mari Culture. Signs and Typologization of the Mythologized Landscape. Finno-Ugric World. 2024;16(4):471–483. https://doi.org/10.15507/2076-2577.016.2024.04.471-483

Information about the authors:

German Yu. Ustyantsev, Cand.Sci. (Hist.), Assistant, Department of Ethnology, Lomonosov Moscow State University (27, bld. 4 Lomonosovsky Prospekt, Moscow 119991, Russian Federation), ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0655-312, SPIN-code: 6318-2400, ustyan-93@mail.ru

Diana Yu. Efremova, Cand.Sci. (Hist.), Deputy Director for Research, Timofey Evseev National Museum of the Republic of Mari El (153 Sovetskaya St., Yoshkar-Ola 424006, Russian Federation), ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3235-5001, SPIN-code: 7558-3396, diana-efremva@yandex.ru

Tamara L. Serebrennikova, Teacher, GBOU “School 1329” (10 Nikulinskaya St., Moscow 119602, Russian Federation), ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0008-3553-3620, serebrennikovatl@sch1329.ru

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Original article

DOI: https://doi.org/10.15507/2076-2577.016.2024.04.459-470
EDN: https://elibrary.ru/msbrzb
УДК / UDC 94(470.51) ̒ ̒ 1989/2021’’:314.5

Marriage Structure of the Population of Udmurtia in 1989–2021

A. I. Azhigulova
Orenburg State Pedagogical University, Orenburg, Russian Federation

S. N. Uvarovb
Udmurt State Agricultural University, Izhevsk, Russian Federation

Abstract

Introduction. The article presents, for the first time, a historical and demographic study of the marital status of the population of Udmurtia from 1989 to 2021. The relevance of the topic is due to its insufficient study and the need to understand the reasons behind the sharp decline in the Udmurt population over the last two inter-census periods. The aim of the research is to identify the characteristics of changes in the marital structure of the Udmurt population in the Udmurt Republic during the period from 1989 to 2021.

Materials and Methods. The methodological foundation of the study is based on general scientific methods such as analysis, comparison, induction, and deduction. The following specialized scientific methods were also applied: comparative-historical, chronological, and statistical. The source base includes both published and unpublished census materials.

Results and Discussion. After reaching its peak in 1989, the population of Udmurts, as well as the proportion of those who are married, began to decline. However, among the Udmurts, the latter indicator decreased less significantly compared to the entire population of Udmurtia. Despite the widespread increase in cohabitation, it is too early to speak of informal relationships replacing the institutions of marriage and family. Moreover, current trends indicate growing trust in official marriages. Since 2002, both the number and proportion of those who have never been married have decreased. Marriages among Udmurts were more stable, as evidenced by the lower proportion of divorces.

Conclusion. Compared to the overall population of Udmurtia, the marital status of the Udmurt people was characterized by a lower proportion of divorced individuals, the absence of cohabitation trends, and fewer instances of remarriage. Largely due to these factors, the birth rate among the Udmurt people is higher. However, certain factors, such as the increasing proportion of divorced/separated individuals and the growing number of widowed Udmurts, raise concerns, highlighting the need for improvements in state policy regarding family and marriage.

Keywords: institution of marriage, marital structure, marital status, Udmurts, Udmurt Republic

Funding: The research was conducted with the support of the Russian Science Foundation Grant No. 23-28-01604 (available at https://rscf.ru/en/project/23-28-01604/) at the Udmurt State Agricultural University.

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

For citation: Azhigulova A.I., Uvarov S.N. Marriage Structure of the Population of Udmurtia in 1989–2021. Finno-Ugric World. 2024;16(4):459–470. https://doi.org/10.15507/2076-2577.016.2024.04.459-470

Information about the authors:

Albina I. Azhigulova, Cand.Sci. (Hist.), Associate Professor of the Department of General History and Methods of Teaching History and Social Studies, Orenburg State Pedagogical University (19 Sovetskaya St., Orenburg 460014, Russian Federation), ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0008-1345-8447, SPIN-code: 3390-8207, azhigylova@mail.ru

Sergey N. Uvarov, Cand.Sci. (Hist.), Associate Professor, Head of the Department of Social and Humanitarian Disciplines, Udmurt State Agricultural University (11 Studencheskaya St., Izhevsk 426069, Russian Federation), ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6451-9245, SPIN-code: 7293-2112, sergey.uvarov@mail.ru

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Original article

DOI: https://doi.org/10.15507/2076-2577.016.2024.04.444-458
EDN: https://elibrary.ru/krpjmq
УДК / UDC 303.423(=511.1)

Finns-Ingermanlanders and Cross-Cultural Dynamics of the Suburban Area
of Saint Petersburg

V. L. Martynov, , I. E. Sazonova
Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation
O. A. Balabeykinab, L. A. Korolyovb
Saint-Petersburg State University of Economics, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation

Abstract

Introduction. Cross-culturality has always been and remains a defining feature of territories where representatives of various ethno-cultural groups interact. In Northwestern Russia, this process has reached its greatest development in Saint Petersburg and its suburbs. While the cross-culturality of the city has been studied to some extent by researchers, the intersection of cultures in the suburban area has been explored far less frequently. The aim of this study is to identify and characterize manifestations of cross-culturality in the suburban areas of Saint Petersburg, using the residential zones of the Finns-Ingermanlanders as a case study..

Materials and Methods. The research object is the areas of compact settlement of the Finns-Ingermanlanders within the suburban zone of Saint Petersburg, where almost the entire subethnic group was concentrated. To assess the cross-cultural characteristics of the selected region, an original system of indicative indicators was developed and applied, serving as the basis for a criterion analysis. The materials utilized include census data, publicly available information from official websites of various organizations (religious, museum-related, etc.), as well as data collected in the field through the participant observation method.

Results and Discussion. The authors tested a methodology for the criterial assessment of a region’s cross-cultural characteristics, using the example of the area inhabited by the Finns-Ingermanlanders population in Saint Petersburg and certain districts of the Leningrad Region. Indicators such as the quantitative and qualitative components of the toponymic system, the number of Lutheran religious infrastructure objects, the ethnic composition of the population in historical and contemporary contexts, and the presence of museum exhibits and tourist routes thematically linked to the material culture of the Finnish-Ingrians were utilized.

Conclusion. The authors’ conclusions contribute to the development of research on ethno-confessional topics related to Finns who lived in areas adjacent to St. Petersburg. The proposed model for assessing the cross-cultural nature of the region is universal and can be applied to other locations. The materials of the article may be useful in the development of thematic tourist routes covering the suburban areas of St. Petersburg.

Keywords: сross-culturalism, St. Petersburg, suburban zone, Finns-Ingermanlanders, settlement system, toponymy, Evangelical Lutheran Church

Funding: The research was carried out at the expense of a joint grant from the Russian Science Foundation and the St. Petersburg Science Foundation (project No. 23-27-10001 “St. Petersburg Suburbs: Nature and people”).

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

For citation: Martynov V.L., Balabeykina O. A., Korolyov L. A., Sazonova I.E. Finns-Ingermanlanders and Cross-Cultural Dynamics of the Suburban Area of Saint Petersburg. Finno-Ugric World. 2024;16(4):444–458. https://doi.org/10.15507/2076-2577.016.2024.04.444-458

Information about the authors:

Vasilii L. Martynov, Dr.Sci. (Geogr.), Professor of the Economic Geography Department, Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia (48 Moyka Embankment, St. Petersburg 191186, Russian Federation), ORCID: https://orcid.оrg/0000-0002-7741-1719, SPIN-код: 9227-2168, lwowich@herzen.spb.ru

Olga A. Balabeykina, Associate Professor of th Department of Regional Economics and Environmental Management, Saint-Petersburg State University of Economics (21 Sadovaya St., St. Petersburg 191023, Russian Federation), ORCID: https://orcid.оrg/0000-0001-9520-8880, SPIN-код: 4227-4627, olga8011@yandex.ru

Luka A. Korolyov, Bachelor of International Relations, Department of International Relations and Political Science, Saint-Petersburg State University of Economics (21 Sadovaya St., St. Petersburg 191023, Russian Federation), ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0005-1117-0464, lukakorolyov@gmail.com

Irina E. Sazonova, Cand.Sci. (Geogr.), Associate Professor, Department of Economic Geography, Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia (48 Moyka Embankment, St. Petersburg 191186, Russian Federation), ORCID: https://orcid.оrg/0000-0002-3456-1223, SPIN-код: 2903-0743, iesazonova@herzen.spb.ru