Information to Conventional Script and Cyrillic Writing

Mongolia’s historical writing system has survived centuries of conquest, revolution, and modernization – but most individuals exterior Central Asia have by no means seen its elegant vertical script. The Mongolian alphabet represents one of many world’s most fascinating writing techniques, with letters that change form relying on their place and phrases that observe strict vowel concord guidelines.

This information explores each the normal Mongolian script and the trendy Cyrillic alphabet utilized in Mongolia at present, overlaying all the things from fundamental letter recognition to pronunciation suggestions and sensible workouts that will help you begin studying and penning this distinctive language.

Mongolian alphabet fundamentals

The Mongolian alphabet refers to 2 distinct writing techniques: the Cyrillic alphabet (used formally since 1941) and the conventional Mongolian script. Fashionable Mongolia primarily makes use of the Cyrillic-based alphabet consisting of 35 letters, which incorporates all 33 letters from Russian Cyrillic plus two extra characters distinctive to Mongolian sounds.

Conventional Mongolian script is written vertically from high to backside in columns that progress from left to proper. Regardless of now not being the official script of Mongolia, conventional Mongolian writing stays culturally important and continues to be taught in faculties.

• Official system: Cyrillic-based, horizontal, left-to-right

• Conventional system: Vertical script, top-to-bottom, related letters

• Cultural significance: Each techniques symbolize Mongolian identification in numerous contexts

That are the letters of the Mongolian Cyrillic alphabet?

Right here is the total record of Cyrillic letters utilized in fashionable Mongolian, the official script within the nation of Mongolia at present. It’s primarily based on the Russian Cyrillic alphabet, with two extra letters to symbolize distinctive Mongolian sounds: Үү and Өө.

That are the letters of the normal system?

The script consists of 35 fundamental letters (some sources fluctuate barely relying on dialect or orthographic conference), together with:

Mongolian Cyrillic vs. conventional script

Mongolian writing underwent a big shift in 1941 when the federal government formally adopted the Cyrillic alphabet, changing the normal script that had been used for hundreds of years. This transformation was a part of Soviet affect in Mongolia, designed to align the nation extra intently with the USSR and modernize literacy efforts.

In the present day, whereas Cyrillic dominates official paperwork, media, and training, the normal script maintains cultural significance and is experiencing a revival. The variations between these techniques prolong past their look:

• Path: Cyrillic reads left to proper – Conventional reads high to backside

• Character connection: Cyrillic has separate letters – Conventional has related flowing script

• Letter kinds: Cyrillic has fastened kinds – Conventional letters change form primarily based on place

• Variety of characters: Cyrillic has 35 letters – Conventional has 26 fundamental letters

Vowels and vowel concord

The Mongolian language follows vowel concord, a linguistic precept the place vowels in a phrase should belong to the identical class – both entrance or again vowels. This basic rule shapes Mongolian pronunciation and spelling in each writing techniques.

Mongolian has seven fundamental vowel sounds that may seem as brief vowels, lengthy vowels (written as doubles), or diphthongs (vowel combos). For instance, а is a brief vowel, аа is its lengthy model, and ай [ai] is a diphthong.

Vowel teams in Mongolian:

• Entrance vowels: э (e), ө (ö), ү (ü)

• Again vowels: а (a), о (o), у (u)

• Impartial vowel: и (i)

The pronunciation of ө (ö) in Mongolian is much like the “ea” in “earth” however with rounded lips, just like the German “ö” sound. When you establish whether or not a Mongolian phrase incorporates entrance or again vowels, you’ll be able to predict which vowel variants will seem all through the phrase.

Consonants and particular letters

The Mongolian Cyrillic alphabet consists of consonants that resemble their English counterparts in sound, akin to б (b), м (m), and т (t). This similarity helps English audio system rapidly acknowledge many Mongolian consonants.

A number of consonants have pronunciation patterns that change relying on their place inside phrases:

• Place-based sounds: The letter н (n) appears like English “n” earlier than vowels however shifts towards an “ng” sound on the finish of phrases

• A number of pronunciations: The letter г (g) has a tough “g” at first of phrases however a softer, throaty “gh” sound in closing positions

Mongolian Cyrillic additionally makes use of signal letters that modify pronunciation: the gentle signal ь palatizes the previous consonant, whereas the onerous signal ъ prevents palatalization. Mongolian pronunciation is neither Chinese language-like nor Russian-like however has its personal distinct sound system influenced by its Altaic language household origins.

Observe the Mongolian alphabet with workouts

Common follow is important to acknowledge and keep in mind the Mongolian alphabet’s letters and sounds. These workouts will make it easier to construct familiarity with each Cyrillic characters and vowel concord patterns.

Train 1: Determine vowel concord

Have a look at these Mongolian phrases and decide whether or not they comprise entrance vowels, again vowels, or each:

1. хөх (blue)

2. сайн (good)

3. өглөө (morning)

Train 2: Match Cyrillic letters to sounds

Match these Mongolian Cyrillic letters to their closest English sound equivalents:

1. ж = ?

2. ц = ?

3. ш = ?

Train 3: Observe studying

Attempt studying these easy Mongolian phrases aloud:

1. би (I)

2. та (you, formal)

3. ном (e-book)

When practising, concentrate on one letter group at a time somewhat than trying to memorize the complete alphabet directly. This method builds confidence steadily and prevents overwhelming your self.

Widespread errors with the Mongolian alphabet

Studying the Mongolian alphabet includes a number of widespread pitfalls that rookies ought to look ahead to:

• Vowel concord violations: Mixing back and front vowels throughout the similar phrase makes your speech incomprehensible to native audio system

• Letter confusion: Mistaking ө (ö) and ү (ü) for o and y modifications phrase meanings fully

• Place-based sounds: Forgetting that н (n) modifications to an “ng” sound on the finish of phrases impacts many widespread phrases

These errors can considerably affect communication, so it’s value taking time to grasp these distinctions early in your studying journey.

Preply may help you be taught quicker

Mastering the Mongolian alphabet requires constant follow and professional steerage to navigate its distinctive options. Studying with a tutor who can present fast suggestions on pronunciation and clarify cultural context makes the distinction between merely recognizing letters and actually understanding the language.

Preply’s on-line Mongolian tutors can customise classes to concentrate on alphabet mastery, pronunciation, and fundamental dialog expertise. They supply structured studying paths that construct in your progress whereas addressing particular challenges like distinguishing between similar-looking letters.

Discover a tutor and begin studying at present.

Solutions to Mongolian alphabet workouts

Solutions to Train 1

1. хөх (blue): Accommodates solely entrance vowels (ө)

2. сайн (good): Accommodates solely again vowels (а, й follows the again vowel rule)

3. өглөө (morning): Accommodates solely entrance vowels (ө)

Solutions to Train 2

1. ж = zh sound (just like the “s” in “measure”)

2. ц = ts sound (like “ts” in “cats”)

3. ш = sh sound (like “sh” in “ship”)

Solutions to Train 3

1. би (I): Pronounced much like “bee”

2. та (you, formal): Pronounced much like “tah”

3. ном (e-book): Pronounced much like “nohm”