The development history of Manchu language

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to analyze the evolution of the Manchu language from its origins to the present day, to identify its characteristics and interactions with surrounding languages and cultures at various historical stages. The methodological basis of the proposed study is general scientific methods such as observation, description, induction, deduction, analysis, synthesis, as well as paradigmaticsyntagmatic analysis of model structures, comparative analysis of structural models to identify similar characteristics or features, translation analysis to determine ways of reproducing categories, and statistical research methods. Scientific novelty. The historical stages of development of the Manchu language as the native language of the Manchus are analyzed. It is shown that the Manchu language, as the native language of the Manchu people, reflects changes in Manchu culture and the process of ethnic integration throughout its development. It has been determined that the early Manchu language originated from the Tungusic language and was closely related to the languages of the Suiren, Wuzhe, and other ethnic groups. It was transmitted mainly in oral form. Research results. It has been determined that after the Manchus came to power at the end of the 16th century, Nurhaci ordered the creation of Manchu writing based on the Mongolian alphabet. Later, thanks to Da Hai's reform, a Manchu script with punctuation marks was developed, which improved the accuracy of phonetic reproduction. However, in the middle and late Qing dynasty, the Sinicization of the Manchu people and the decline of Manchu language education led to the deterioration of the Manchu language and a significant decrease in the number of its speakers. The modern Manchu language is in danger of disappearing. Only in some villages inhabited by Manchus has a limited oral tradition been preserved. The government and the public are actively taking measures to preserve the language, such as conducting a census of Manchus, creating special funds, and organizing cultural events. However, language preservation still faces problems such as a lack of resources.