Some notes on Anatolian Ossetic
Journal name: Acta Orientalia
Original article title: Some notes on Anatolian Ossetic
ACTA ORIENTALIA is a journal focused on the study of Oriental languages, history, archaeology, and religions from ancient times to the present. The journal includes articles reviewed by a senior scholar in the relevant field.
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Fridrik Thordarson
Acta Orientalia:
(Founded in 1922 and published annually)
Full text available for: Some notes on Anatolian Ossetic
Year: 1971 | Doi: 10.5617/ao.5193
Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
1) Introduction
The paper "Some Notes on Anatolian Ossetic" by Fridrik Thordarson explores the linguistic characteristics of the Ossetic language spoken by a small group of Ossetes who settled in Anatolia during the 1860s. These immigrants, primarily of Iron descent, came as part of a larger migration from the Czarist Caucasus to Ottoman Turkey. Thordarson's research took place mainly in the Sivas region, revealing the fragile status and the distinctive features of the Ossetic language in this area.
2) Language and Demographic Overview
Thordarson estimates the number of Ossetic speakers in Turkey at around 4,000 to 5,000, although he suggests that the actual number may be lower. The Ossetes in Anatolia, mostly bilingual in Turkish, face a threat of language loss as younger generations become more familiar with Turkish, leading to a decline in fluency among the populace. The author notes that Ossetic is still spoken among the older generation in communities like Yenikoy but is increasingly rare among the youth, indicating a broader pattern of language endangerment.
3) Phonetic and Phonemic Features
The phonetic system of Anatolian Ossetic appears to align largely with the standard Caucasian Iron dialect but shows some phonetic variations. Thordarson outlines the vowel and consonant inventories, noting distinct pronunciations and the influence of Turkish on the Ossetic sound system. For instance, Turkish loanwords have influenced the vowel articulation, particularly in borrowed terms, revealing the contact effects between the two languages. The study underscores the phonological diversity and potential shifts in the sound system of Ossetic as a result of Turkish linguistic influence.
4) Morphological Characteristics
Thordarson explores the morphology of Anatolian Ossetic, detailing noun and verb structures alongside case usage. Specific patterns emerge regarding how nouns are pluralized and the use of different cases depending on the definitional status of the objects, whether definite or indefinite. The morphemic variation highlights areas where the language has adapted, especially in distinguishing between animate and inanimate objects. Additionally, the presence of Turkish loanwords indicates extensive borrowing in fields like agriculture and daily life, further demonstrating the dynamic nature of the language.
5) Socio-cultural Context and Language Preservation
The socio-cultural context of the Ossetes in Anatolia reveals their historical connection to the Caucasus and the preservation of their unique cultural identity. Despite the fading usage of their language, traditions regarding their ancestry are maintained, indicating the resilience of their cultural heritage. However, the author notes the difficulty in collecting folklore, such as Nart tales, suggesting a gap in the transmission of cultural narratives that typically accompany language. This tension between cultural memory and language loss illustrates the complexities involved in efforts to preserve the Ossetic language and identity in a rapidly changing context.
6) Conclusion
Thordarson鈥檚 notes on the Anatolian Ossetic language provide essential insights into the linguistic, demographic, and socio-cultural dynamics of this distinct community. As the language faces the threat of extinction, the study highlights the necessity of understanding its structural features and the impact of language contact with Turkish. The challenges of preserving linguistic heritage amid globalization and cultural assimilation underscore the urgency for documentation and revitalization efforts as the Ossetic language and culture navigate an uncertain future.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the origin of the Ossetes in Anatolia?
The Ossetes of Anatolia are descended from Mohammedan immigrants, known as Muhacir, who left the Czarist Caucasus in the 1860s and settled in Ottoman Turkey.
Where are the Ossetic settlements primarily located in Turkey?
Ossetic settlements are found mainly near Sivas, Yozgat, Erzerum, Kars, and Mus in Central and Eastern Anatolia, with families in various towns throughout the region.
What is the estimated population of Ossetic speakers in Turkey?
The Ossetic speaking population in Turkey is estimated to be about 4,000 to 5,000, but this is mostly guesswork and the actual number may be lower.
How do Turks generally refer to Ossetes?
Turks typically identify Ossetes with Circassians, often referring to them as Kusha(lar), while the indigenous name for the community is Iron.
What language do Ossetes in Turkey speak?
The language spoken by the Ossetes in Turkey is called Ironau, which is part of the Iron group of Ossetic dialects.
What challenges does the Ossetic language face in Anatolia?
The Ossetic language is at risk of disappearing as younger generations primarily speak Turkish, and the language is no longer taught to children.
What influence does Turkish have on the Ossetic language?
There are many Turkish loanwords in the Ossetic language, particularly in political, religious terms, and everyday vocabulary, which reflects both historical and sociological context.
Glossary definitions and references:
Oriental and Historical glossary list for 鈥淪ome notes on Anatolian Ossetic鈥�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of History, Linguistics, Religion, Philosophy, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism etc.
1) Language:
Language features prominently in Anatolian Ossetic, with specific distinctions and vocabulary noted in the provided text, including terms such as 'fronau' for 'Ossetic language' and discussions on phonological and morphological aspects of the dialect.
2) House:
House refers to the term 'aazar' in Anatolian Ossetic, with specific usage in examples showing locative case as in 'astarj hazari ma mad cari' indicating residence.
3) Future:
Future tense in Anatolian Ossetic can be conveyed using the periphrasis -inag (future participle) with the present tense of the verbum substantivum, an accepted method for indicating future actions, like 'rasom sinemama coewinag dan'.
4) Iron:
'Iron' refers to the indigenous name for the Ossetes, 'Iron,' and the name they call their language, 'Ironau'. It highlights the cultural identity and linguistic heritage of the Ossetes.
5) Shiva (Siva):
[see source text or glossary: Siva]
6) Wine:
'Wine' is expressed as 'sarab' in Anatolian Ossetic, an example of Turkish loanwords in the vocabulary, indicating the cultural exchange between Turkish and Ossetic speakers.
7) Book:
'Book' is referred to as 'cinig'or 'kitab' in Anatolian Ossetic, illustrating bilingual influences and the context where it might be used, like 'kasini' meaning 'to read'.
8) Village:
'Village' is translated as 'qoeu' in Anatolian Ossetic. The word is essential for describing the living settings of Ossetes in Turkey, mentioned in phrases identifying villagers like 'qaugag'.
9) Glass:
'Glass' translates to 'aguza' in Anatolian Ossetic. It's used in context such as 'yu aguza sarab' meaning 'a glass of wine', reflecting everyday vocabulary.
10) Bala:
[see source text or glossary: Bala]
11) Child (Children):
Child is 'sivallon' in Anatolian Ossetic. This term is used to express segments of social life and family structures within the Ossetic communities in Turkey.
12) Finger:
'Finger' is denoted as 'k'ux' in Anatolian Ossetic, with specific names for various fingers like 'index finger' as 'dikkag k'ux' and 'ring finger' as 'kastar k'ux'.
13) Drink:
'Drink' corresponds to 'nuwazin', with its usage depicted in contexts like wanting to drink, showing verbs' practical application.
14) Sleeping (Sleep):
'Sleep' is denoted by 'findi kanin' and 'baixsittan' for the preterite tense, showcasing the verb's functionality in various tenses.
15) Conversation:
'Conversation' or 'Discussion' is stated as '(w)unaffa' in Anatolian Ossetic. It is important in social interactions described in the text.
16) Darkness:
'Darkness' is 'taling' in Anatolian Ossetic, with context usage such as warnings not to go out into the 'darkness'.
17) Fight:
'Fight' in Anatolian Ossetic is depicted as 'fxalin', used in verbs like 'wi ya bastai tiaci fxali' showcasing its application.
18) Woman (Women):
'Woman' corresponds to '(w)us' in Anatolian Ossetic, indicating marital status contextually.
19) Tree:
[see source text or glossary: Tree]
20) Diet:
[see source text or glossary: Diet]
21) Soup:
'Soup' is denoted as 'bas' in Anatolian Ossetic, with examples such as the word comparison for different nouns, displaying its use in the language.
22) Rain (Rainy):
'Rain' translates to 'warin wari' in Anatolian Ossetic, expressing weather conditions vital for daily communication.
23) Milkman (Milkmen):
'Milkman' is translated as 'aasiirzi' in Anatolian Ossetic, reflecting Turkish influence on the term, as it's akin to Turkish 'sutcu'.
24) Weather:
'Weather' translates to 'bon', used specifically to indicate the state of weather conditions, integral in daily life communication.
25) Summer:
'Summer' is referred to as 'walzag' in Anatolian Ossetic, used in conveying seasonal shifts and related activities.
26) Heaven:
'Heaven' is denoted by 'arf' in Anatolian Ossetic, reflecting abstract concepts important in cultural and religious dialogues.
27) Memory:
[see source text or glossary: Memory]
28) Window:
'Window' is referenced as 'ruzing' in Anatolian Ossetic. It is a part of terms describing aspects of households, often used with the term 'ambarzan', meaning 'curtain'.
29) Garden:
'Garden' is 'caaaradon' in Anatolian Ossetic, involved in locative phrases, showcasing its interface in daily activities.
30) Sugar:
'Sugar' is 'azin' in Anatolian Ossetic. It forms part of everyday vocabulary, indicating items of daily consumption.
31) Sword:
'Sword' is referred to as 'aasarigard' in Anatolian Ossetic, used within instrumental case to explain usage like in hitting with a sword.
32) Money:
'Money' translates to 'axca' in Anatolian Ossetic. It's an everyday term reflecting economic transactions within the dialect.
33) White:
'White' corresponds to '(w)urs' in Anatolian Ossetic, useful in describing colors and physical attributes in daily conversations.
34) Black:
'Black' is described as 'sau' in Anatolian Ossetic, essential for descriptive purposes in the language.
35) Kushi (Kusi):
[see source text or glossary: Kusi]
36) Kani:
[see source text or glossary: Kani]
37) Agas:
[see source text or glossary: Agas]
38) Soul:
'Soul' translates to '(w)nd' in Anatolian Ossetic, reflecting important cultural and metaphysical elements in the language.
39) Fire:
'Fire' is translated as 'zing' in Anatolian Ossetic. It's an elemental term essential in several aspects of domestic and communal life.
40) Nail:
'Nail' is referred to as 'nix' in Anatolian Ossetic, made visible in everyday vocabulary regarding body parts and practical uses.
41) Milk:
'Milk' corresponds to 'aasiir' in Anatolian Ossetic, with derivative terms like 'aasiirzi' (milkman) illustrating occupational vocabulary.
42) Star:
[see source text or glossary: Star]
43) Snow:
'Snow' is 'mit wari' in Anatolian Ossetic, denoting weather conditions significant for everyday communication.
44) Atam:
[see source text or glossary: Adam]
45) Middle finger:
Middle finger is translated as 'astukag k'ux' in Anatolian Ossetic, detailing specific terminologies for different fingers.
46) Three persons:
[see source text or glossary: Three persons]
47) Ring finger:
Ring finger translates to 'kastar k'ux' in Anatolian Ossetic. It showcases detailed terminology for parts of the body.
48) Wild boar:
Wild boar is termed 'sau birey' in Anatolian Ossetic, indicating the unique descriptors for fauna within the language.
49) Doorkeeper (Door-keeper):
Door-keeper is translated as 'duwvari qaqqanag', illustrating specific occupational lexicon in Anatolian Ossetic.
50) Possession:
[see source text or glossary: Possession]
51) Discussion:
'Discussion' is 'wunaffa' in Anatolian Ossetic, relevant in social interactions and in understanding complex nouns and their usage.
52) Knowledge:
'Knowledge' translates to 'zonin' in Anatolian Ossetic, highlighting verbs denoting intellectual activities.
53) Half-open:
[see source text or glossary: Half-open]
54) Mountain:
'Mountain' is 'xox' in Anatolian Ossetic, which denotes geographic features essential for descriptive language.
55) Epidemic:
Epidemic translates to 'vasga niz' in Anatolian Ossetic, addressing public health concepts within the language.
56) Interior:
[see source text or glossary: Interior]
57) Illness:
'Illness' is rendered as 'niz' in Anatolian Ossetic. It is important for medical and health-related discussions.
58) Disease:
'Disease' likewise translates to 'niz' in Anatolian Ossetic, useful in the same contexts as 'illness', for discussing health.
59) Grammar:
[see source text or glossary: Grammar]
60) Dialect:
[see source text or glossary: Dialect]
61) Evening:
'Evening' is translated as '(y)lzar' in Anatolian Ossetic, a temporal term relevant in daily scheduling and routines.
62) Sparrow:
'Sparrow' is translated as 'sirdone'iu' in Anatolian Ossetic, reflecting the names of fauna in local lexicon.
63) Matika:
[see source text or glossary: Matika]
64) Masina (Mashina):
'Masina' refers to a mode of transport but has ambiguous meaning in the provided text, potentially referring to a bus or train.
65) Forest:
'Forest' is referred to as 'qeed' in Anatolian Ossetic, essential in describing natural landscapes.
66) Flower:
'Flower' is called 'dindag' in Anatolian Ossetic. This is useful in vocabulary pertaining to nature and the environment.
67) Branch (Branches):
[see source text or glossary: Branch]
68) Family:
[see source text or glossary: Family]
69) Donkey:
'Donkey' is rendered as 'axarg' in Anatolian Ossetic, part of the local fauna vocabulary.
70) Throat:
'Throat' is termed as 'cura' in Anatolian Ossetic, important in everyday health-related discussions.
71) Pigeon:
[see source text or glossary: Pigeon]
72) Health:
Health is discussed using 'zinad' in Anatolian Ossetic, crucial for expressing well-being and medical conditions.
73) Valley:
'Valley' is noted as 'bidir' in Anatolian Ossetic, a geographical term necessary for terrain description.
74) Ratta:
[see source text or glossary: Ratta]
75) Basta (Bashta):
'Basta' signifies 'country', used to describe larger geographical and political units within Anatolian Ossetic.
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 128]