Tungusic languages facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tungusic |
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| Geographic distribution: |
Siberia, Manchuria |
| Linguistic classification: | possibly Altaic (controversial)
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| Subdivisions: |
Northern
Southern
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| Ethnologue code: | 17-844 |
| ISO 639-5: | tuw |
 Geographic distribution
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The Tungusic languages are a group of languages. People speak them in parts of Siberia and Manchuria. These areas are mostly in Russia and China.
Some language experts believe they are part of a larger group. This group is called the Altaic languages. However, many other experts disagree.
Sadly, many Tungusic languages are in danger. This means fewer and fewer people speak them. Their future is not certain.
Contents
What Are Tungusic Languages?
Tungusic languages are a family of languages. They are spoken by different groups of people. These groups live across a large area in Asia.
Language experts study how these languages are alike. They look at words, sounds, and grammar. This helps them put languages into groups.
How Tungusic Languages Are Grouped
Language experts have different ways to group Tungusic languages. They look at how words are formed. They also study the sounds and vocabulary.
Northern Tungusic Languages
The Northern Tungusic group includes several languages. They are mostly spoken in central and eastern Siberia. Some are also spoken in northeastern China.
- Evenki: This is a major language in this group. It is spoken by the Evenks people. You can find them in Siberia and China.
- Even: This language is also known as Lamut. It is spoken in eastern Siberia.
Some languages are very similar to Evenki. They are sometimes seen as dialects of Evenki. Or they are very closely related languages.
- Oroqen
- Negidal
- Solon
- Manegir
Southern Tungusic Languages
The Southern Tungusic group has two main parts. These languages are spoken further south.
Southeast Tungusic
This group includes languages spoken near rivers and coasts.
- Nanai: Also known as Gold or Goldi. The Hezhen people speak this language.
- Akani
- Birar
- Kile
- Samagir
- Orok
- Ulch
- Oroch
- Udege
Southwest Tungusic (Jurchen-Manchu)
This group is very important for history.
- Manchu: This was the language of the Manchu people. They were powerful and started the Qing dynasty in China. The Qing Dynasty ruled China for a long time.
- Sibe: This language is spoken in Xinjiang, China. The people who speak Sibe are descendants of Manchu soldiers. These soldiers were sent there by the Qing Dynasty.
- Jurchen: This language is no longer spoken today. It was the language of the Jin Dynasty in China. Jurchen and Manchu are actually different stages of the same language.
See also
In Spanish: Lenguas tunguses para niños
