Classical Mongolian

Short Description

This English-language textbook targets individuals interested in the Classical Mongolian script, as well as the language, culture, and history of the Mongolians residing in Mongolia, Russia, or the People's Republic of China. It does not assume prior knowledge of the modern Mongolian language or Cyrillic script nor does it aim to delve deeply into linguistic aspects. The textbook offers a contemporary and easily understandable introduction to the subject. The learning process is facilitated by numerous examples from everyday life, contributions addressing current social issues, and exceptional supplementary material.

Description

This English-language textbook is designed for individuals interested in the Classical Mongolian script and the language, culture, and history of the Mongolians around the world, whether in Mongolia, Russia, or the People's Republic of China. No prior knowledge of modern Mongolian or the Cyrillic script is required. It also refrains from delving deeply into complex linguistic aspects. Emphasizing accessible material, the easy-to-follow lessons offer a contemporary introduction to the language. Content related to the culture and history of the Mongolian people complement the linguistic lessons.
The textbook begins with a brief overview of the historical evolution of the Classical script before moving on to lessons about fundamental grammatical principles. The lessons feature simple instructions and many modern examples from everyday life. Illustrations in Classical script are consistently paired with English translations, as well as scholarly transliterations and Cyrillic transcriptions. This helps with learning the transliteration system while also supporting those already familiar with Cyrillic.
The lessons are supplemented by numerous accompanying materials that have never been published in any other textbook before. Such materials give learners the opportunity to explore Mongolian calligraphy, see various fonts, and acquire proficiency in typing the old script on a computer. Additionally, a curated selection of invaluable online resources is included, comprising dictionaries, news outlets, research materials, and historical texts. For those interested in the distinctive characteristics of Buryat, Kalmyk, Oirat, Barga, Khalkha, and Qinghai Mongolian dialects, the book contains illustrative examples for reading and comparative analysis. Furthermore, a replica of an archival document is provided to facilitate practice in deciphering and comprehending historical sources.
It is a great time to learn Classical Mongolian. From 2025, Mongolia plans to have all official documents written in both the Classical script and the Cyrillic script currently in use. Conversely, in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China, native language classes for ethnic Mongolian children have been significantly curtailed since 2020. This textbook is intended to contribute to Mongolian studies and the ongoing discourse on language and cultural policy in the academic world. The book also aims to foster debate on minority language policies throughout society.

Biographical Note

Studies: Dr. Ganchimeg Altangerel has obtained degrees in Russian Studies, German as a Foreign Language, Educational Sciences, and Central Asian Studies with a focus on Mongolian Studies from the University of Humanities in Ulaanbaatar, the Humboldt University, and the Technical University of Berlin.
PhD: She completed her doctorate in Central Asian Studies at Humboldt University in Berlin, focusing on the image of women and the living conditions of single mothers in contemporary Mongolia.
Research Focus: Her research focuses on the history and culture of Mongolians in China, Russia, and Mongolia, as well as on the process of sedentarization in Central Asia influenced by the Soviet Union.
Current occupation: Dr. Ganchimeg Altangerel represents the Mongolian Studies section at Humboldt University in Berlin, where she instructs courses in modern and Classical Mongolian, among other subjects. Presently, she is working on a research project exploring the sedentarization of Mongolians, delving into the transition from nomadic to sedentary lifestyles under Soviet influence in the 20th century.