Alyutors facts for kids
| Нэмэлу nəməlʔu |
|
|---|---|
| Regions with significant populations | |
 Russia
|
482 (2010) |
| Languages | |
| Alyutor | |
| Religion | |
| Shamanism | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Koryaks, Chukchi, Kereks, Itelmens | |
The Alyutors (Russian: Алюторцы) are a group of people who live in the Russian Far East. They call themselves nəməlʔu in their own language. Most Alyutors live on the Kamchatka Peninsula in a place called Koryak Okrug. They were once thought to be a part of the Koryaks, another group of people in the region.
Sometimes, you might see their name spelled as Olyutors or Olutors. There's also a settlement called Olyutorka where many Alyutor people used to live.
In 2010, about 482 people officially identified as Alyutors in Russia. However, some people believe there might be as many as 2,000 to 3,000 Alyutors living in Russia today.
Contents
The Alyutor Language: A Unique Voice
The Alyutors traditionally spoke the Alyutor language, also known as Nymylan. This language is part of the Chukotko-Kamchatkan languages family. Sadly, less than 10% of Alyutors speak their native language today. Most now speak the Koryak language or Russian instead.
For a long time, the Alyutor language was thought to be a dialect of the Koryak language. But now, many experts in Russia believe it is a separate language all on its own.
Alyutor History and Way of Life
The Alyutors are mentioned in some of the very first stories about Russians coming to Kamchatka. In 1697, Russian Cossacks asked the Alyutors to pay taxes. The Alyutors bravely stood up for themselves in the years that followed. After some difficult times in 1751, the number of Alyutors became smaller.
They also faced challenges from the Chukchi people, who sometimes took their reindeer herds. By the late 1700s, the Alyutors lived quite separately from others. This helped them stay safe from diseases like smallpox, which affected many other groups. Living apart also helped them keep their traditional way of life strong.
Traditional Activities and Homes
Traditionally, the Alyutors were very skilled in many activities. They raised reindeer, fished in rivers, and hunted animals for food and furs. They also set traps to catch animals.
Their settlements were usually built along rivers on high spots. This gave them a good view of the area around them. Until the 1800s, their homes were special Octagon-shaped earth houses. These homes had vertical walls and could fit three to five families!
Changes in Modern Times
Starting in the 1950s and continuing into the 1970s, many Alyutor children went to boarding schools. This meant they spent less time learning their native language and traditions. During the time of the Soviet Union, many Alyutors became teachers, doctors, geologists, and even animal care specialists.
Today, some Alyutor traditions, culture, and art are at risk. This is partly because the number of reindeer has decreased, which affects their traditional way of life. Most Alyutors practice Shamanism, which involves spiritual beliefs, and also Orthodox Christianity.
See also
