Finno-Ugric World

The Theory of Rhythm in the Works by E. V. Gippius and Modern Approaches to the Problem (On the Example of Udmurt Traditional Music)

Irina M. Nurieva
Udmurt Federal Research Center, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Izhevsk, Russia

Introduction. The author of the article is the first to raise questions about the degree of continuity in the scientific ideas of E. V. Gippius, the possibility of correlating his scientific theory with the theory of rhythmic organization developed by his follower B. B. Efimenkova, as well as the practical significance of these scholars’ theoretical contributions for Udmurt ethnomusicology. This topic is relevant not only for Udmurt musical folklore, which was shaped by the monumental ideas of E. V. Gippius, but also for Russian ethnomusicology as a whole, as it addresses methodological issues in the study of orally transmitted music. The aim of the research is to analyze the theoretical approaches to the problem of rhythmic organization in traditional music by E. V. Gippius, Z. V. Ewald, and contemporary ethnomusicologists.

Materials and Methods. The comparative method was used in analyzing the theoretical approaches of various scholars to the problem of rhythmic organization in folk music. The desire to delve into the research logic, as well as to identify additional meanings and connotations in the authors’ arguments, required the use of textual analysis. The material for the research consisted of Russian scientific works by E. V. Gippius, Z. V. Ewald, and B. B. Efimenkova, dedicated to the problem of rhythm.

Results and Discussion. The study of the works of E. V. Gippius and Z. V. Ewald revealed that Udmurt music became a unique scientific experimental platform for developing the general theoretical principles that Gippius later expanded upon in his subsequent works. The innovation of his theory lies primarily in identifying quantitative rhythmics as an independent rhythmic system. The study of rhythmic systems was continued by Gippius’s student and follower, Borislava Borisovna Efimenkova, who developed a comprehensive theoretical concept of rhythm based on East Slavic folk songs. A comparative analysis of these two scientific concepts showed that in B. B. Efimenkova’s research, certain aspects of E. V. Gippius’s rhythmic classification were revised and presented in a somewhat different manner, raising questions and necessitating scientific discussion.

Conclusion. The study of rhythmic types, conducted using Udmurt traditional music, has demonstrated the possibility of comparing the scientific concepts of E. V. Gippius and B. B. Efimenkova, as well as the applicability of the rhythmic classification developed by B. B. Efimenkova on East Slavic material to Finno-Ugric, specifically Udmurt traditional music.

Keywords: Udmurt traditional music, E. V. Gippius, E. V. Evald, B. B. Efimenkova, quantitative musical-rhythmic system, typology of rhythm

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

For citation: Nurieva I.M. The Theory of Rhythm in the Works by E. V. Gippius and Modern Approaches to the Problem (On the Example of Udmurt Traditional Music). Finno-Ugric World. 2024;16(2):226–236. https://doi.org/10.15507/2076-2577.016.2024.02.226-236

The Image of a Man in Khanty Fairy Tales: Psycholinguistic Aspect

Margarita S. Vykhrystyuk
D. I. Mendeleev Tobolsk Pedagogical Institute, branch of the University of Tyumen, Tobolsk, Russia
Sofya V. Onina
Yugra State University, Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia
Inna V. Kovyazina
D. I. Mendeleev Tobolsk Pedagogical Institute, branch of the University of Tyumen, Tobolsk, Russia

Introduction. The scientific article presents, for the first time, an analysis of fairy tales in the Khanty language as a subject of psycholinguistic analysis of male personality traits. The analysis was conducted by creating a character-centered portrait of the man as the central figure in the artistic discourse of the Khanty people. The aim of the study is to provide a psycholinguistic characterization of the individual qualities of the man based on the texts of Khanty fairy tales.

Materials and Methods. The study is based on texts from Khanty folk tales such as “As Tyiikityvum Ver” (“The Origin of As Tyiik”) and “Mεŋkiketpa Ajpŏχlε” (“Mengki, the Giants, and Aj Pukhle”), as well as authorial tales like “Vўsхә ay Khily” (“The Merchant’s Youngest Grandson”), “Ietenkhătel Pelyak Pukh” (“The Boy from Where the Sun Rises…”), “Kasumikiputrat” (“Stories of an Old Khanty”), and “LεrPukhie” (“Boy-Koryeshok”). The methodological foundation of the research is based on the principles of systematicity and historicism, which view the literary text as a source of diverse, multi-level information from the perspective of the unity of content and form. The study integrates linguistic source analysis and functional-stylistic approaches, which together constitute a linguo-textological analysis of the works. In line with these approaches, descriptive methods (including observation, comparison, classification, and generalization) and comparative methods (in comparing the thematic integrity of the corpus of literary texts) are used in the research. Structural-semantic and component analysis methods were employed when analyzing the personal characteristics of men.

Results and Discussion. Through the analysis of psycholinguistic and stylistic means of representing the image of a man in Khanty folk and authored tales, it was found that a man is depicted as the head of a large family, a protector, a provider, the master of the house, a fisherman, and a hunter, without whom it would be difficult for a woman with children to survive in the harsh climatic conditions. The Khanty man is endowed with a range of ethnic, social, historical, and geographical characteristics that, on the one hand, are inextricably linked to his language, and on the other, are influenced by psychological manifestations.

Conclusion. The scientific article presents, for the first time, a psycholinguistic analysis of the personal characteristics of the collective image of a man in Khanty folk tales through the creation of a character-centric portrait of an artistic figure as an object of artistic discourse. The research results contribute to the field by applying an integrated approach to the historical-linguistic study of the male image in Khanty tales from the perspectives of psycholinguistics and literary studies. The psycholinguistic analysis of the personal characteristics of the collective male image in Khanty folk tales allowed for the creation of a character-centric portrait of a figure as an object of artistic discourse, endowed with unique qualities.

Keywords: psycholinguistics, fairy tales of the Khanty peoples, male images, characterization of a man’s personality, external speech, inner speech, psycholinguistic characteristics, representation, character-centric portrait, Khanty language

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

For citation: Vykhrystyuk M.S., Onina S.V., Kovyazina I.V. The Image of a Man in Khanty Fairy Tales: Psycholinguistic Aspect. Finno-Ugric World. 2024;16(2):214–225. https://doi.org/10.15507/2076-2577.016.2024.02.214-225

Fire in the Ritual Culture of the Mordovinias: Origins, Traditions, Scope

Galina А. Kornishina
National Research Mordovia State University, Saransk, Russia

Introduction. The ritual sphere of ethnic culture has traditionally been a subject of study in ethnology. In recent decades, new research approaches have emerged in this area, with a particular focus on the understanding that ritual practices in modern contexts serve as important factors of identification. This is especially relevant for the Mordovians, among whom assimilation processes are rapidly progressing. The goal of this study is to identify the origins, ritual functions, and the original and contemporary significance of fire and its derivatives (such as ash, charcoal, smoke, etc.) in the rituals of the Mordvin people.

Materials and Methods. The methodological foundation of the work consisted of traditional methods such as the comparative-historical and historical-genetic approaches. These methods allowed for a thorough examination of the phenomena under study and, using logical and heuristic techniques, enabled the reconstruction of development trends of the object being studied. Additionally, field research methods and the analysis of historiographical works and sources were employed.

Results and Discussion. It is noted that the use of fire and its derivatives was quite extensive: they served as protective charms, could be used as remedies, and united participants in ritual actions. This widespread ritual use of fire was closely linked to the solar cult, i.e., the perception of fire as a celestial element capable of influencing human life. The material manifestation of the solar cult was the sacred candles known as shtatolas. These candles were associated with the image of the supreme Mordovian god, Shkay-Nishke, who was himself considered a solar deity.

Conclusion. The ritual functions of fire in the ceremonial culture of the Mordvins are gradually transforming: by the present time, the magical rituals involving bonfire flames and the domestic hearth have almost disappeared, replaced by church candles used in many modern ceremonies. The results of this research may be useful for a more comprehensive understanding of the evolution of the traditional worldview of the Mordvin people, their connections with other ethnic groups, and certain aspects of their spiritual and material culture.

Keywords: Mordovians, ritual culture, solar cult, Shkai – Nishke, fire deities, ritual fires, sacred candles – shtatols, hearth

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

For citation: Kornishina G.A. Fire in the Ritual Culture of the Mordvinias: Origins, Traditions, Scope. Finno-Ugric World. 2024;16(2):203–213. https://doi.org/10.15507/2076-2577.016.2024.02.203-213

Temnikovskaya Zaseka: Border Service and Frontier Line in the Defense System of the “Ukraine” of the Russian State in the 16th – First Third of the 18th Century

Elena P. Lezina
National Research Mordovia State University, Saransk, Russia

Introduction. The Temnikovskaya Zaseka is the least studied part of the Great Zasechnaya Line, highlighting the relevance of introducing its preserved archival descriptions into scientific circulation and analyzing the border and guard services in this area of the Mordovian region (in the interfluve of the Sura, Moksha, and Tsna rivers). The purpose of the study is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the Temnikovskaya Zaseka within the system of defense of the Russian state in the 16th–17th centuries.

Materials and Methods. The research is based on the analysis of the only known manuscript source preserved in the Central State Archive of the Republic of Mordovia, which contains a description of the Temnikov defensive line. In examining the border service in the city of Temnikov and the defensive line, the method of analyzing regulatory documents from the 16th–17th centuries, which governed this service, was employed; these documents are found in the “Acts of the Moscow State, published by the Imperial Academy of Sciences” (1890). A range of methods was used in the study: comparative-historical, logical, systemic-structural, systems analysis, and regulatory document analysis.

Results and Discussion. The scientific discourse has introduced a description of the Temnikovskaya Zaseka, highlighting its place and role within the fortified line of the Bolshaya Zasechnaya Cherta. During the study, the exact location of the Temnikovskaya Zaseka was clarified, along with the precise locations of the Nogai and Chizhikov Temnikovskaya Zasechnaya Gates. An analysis of the border and guard services in the Mordovia region was conducted, demonstrating the role of the Temnikovskaya Fortress in the organization of the protection and defense of Russian borders.

Conclusion. The study of the history of the Temnikovskaya defensive line provides a more detailed demonstration of the experience of border service and the defense system of the Russian state from the 16th to the first third of the 18th century. It illustrates the nationwide processes through the example of the defense organization of the Mordovian region, adding new nuances and creating a comprehensive picture of the development of the Russian state.

Keywords: Temnikovskaya zaseka, guard service, village service, border line, border service, fortress cities, Mordovian Region, Russian state in the XVI-XVII centuries

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

For citation: Lezina E.P. Temnikovskaya Zaseka: Border Service and Frontier Line in the Defense System the “Ukraine” of the Russian State in the 16th – First Third of the 18th Century. Finno-Ugric World. 2024;16(2):191–202. https://doi.org/10.15507/2076-2577.016.2024.02.191-202

Original article
doi: 10.15507/2076-2577.016.2024.03.178-190

The Protection of Childrenʼs Health in Karelia in the Early 1920s

Aleksandra V. Chebakovskaуa
Institute of Language, Literature and History, Karelia Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Petrozavodsk, Russia

Introduction. The child health protection system represented a complex of organizational and legal measures aimed at providing the necessary conditions for the full development of a healthy child, which included not only the treatment of diseases but also the implementation of preventive measures. Despite existing challenges in organizing quality medical care for children, the fundamental ideas for protecting children’s health were established in the first half of the 1920s and were further developed in the following period. The aim of this research is to reconstruct the measures undertaken by the new government to protect the health of the younger generation in the early years of Soviet power (based on materials from Karelia).

Materials and Methods. Based on a collection of archival materials and published sources, measures aimed at addressing the issue of high child mortality and morbidity are demonstrated. The preparation of the article utilized systematic, comparative-historical, and problem-chronological methods.

Results and Discussion. The factors affecting the situation of the child population in Karelia have been analyzed; indicators of child mortality and its causes, birth rates, and natural population growth are presented, and the sanitary-epidemiological state of the region is described. The state measures taken to address child health protection issues are examined, including actions aimed at creating and developing a network of institutions providing medical and preventive care to children, which led to a decrease in child mortality and an increase in birth rates.

Conclusion. The fundamental areas of focus in the work on protecting children’s health were chosen to be screening, prevention, and vaccination. The conclusions drawn by the author contribute to the study of the child healthcare system in the early period of the Soviet era.

Keywords: child health, infant mortality, fertility, morbidity, prevention, Karelia

Funding: The research was funded from the federal budget as part of the state project of the Karelian Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

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

For citation: Chebakovskaуa A.V. The Protection of Children’s Health in Karelia in the Early 1920s. Finno-Ugric World. 2024;16(2):178–190. https://doi.org/10.15507/2076-2577.016.2024.02.178–190

Proper Names in the Poetry of Marina Slugina

Svetlana V. Sheyanova
National Research Mordovia State University, Saransk, Russia

Introduction. In Finno-Ugric studies, there is a noticeable lack of research on literary onomastics, and the semantic functions of proper names within the structure of literary texts are insufficiently explored. The purpose of this article is to identify the types of onyms in the works of M. Slugina and to determine their functional and semantic features.

Materials and Methods. The study material consisted of works by M. Slugina from the poetry collection “Tyust” (“Shades”). The research employed traditional linguistic methods: descriptive, functional-semantic, comparative-historical, as well as modern approaches to the study of literary texts – interpretative and gender-based.

Results and Discussion. The types of onyms in M. Slugina’s poetic texts have been identified, the core and periphery of the onomastic space in her works have been outlined, and a semantic analysis of onomastic vocabulary has been conducted. It is noted that the core of the onomastic space in M. Slugina’s poetry consists of anthroponyms and toponyms (including oikonyms, choronyms, and hydronyms), while the periphery includes mythonyms, zoononyms, urbanonyms, dryonyms, theonyms, cosmonyms, hemeronyms, chrononyms, geortonyms, and religious-cultural toponyms. In the author’s works, these serve text-forming, stylistic (informational-stylistic, emotional-stylistic), evaluative, aesthetic, symbolic, and conceptual functions.

Conclusion. The results of this study can be useful for further research into poetic onomastics within Finno-Ugric linguistics.

Keywords: literary onomastics, proper names, onym, semantics of the name, function of the onym, M. Slugina, modern Mordovian poetry

Funding: The study was supported by the Russian Science Foundation grant No. 24-28-00098 “Mordovian women’s literature: specificity of the representation of the gender picture of the world, national and artistic originality”, https://rscf.ru/project/24-28-00098/.

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

For citation: Sheyanova S.V. Proper Names in the Poetry of Marina Slugina. Finno-Ugric World. 2024;16(2):165–177. https://doi.org/10.15507/2076-2577.016.2024.02.165-177