Introduction. The article examines the role of the ethnic factor in the cross-civilizational dialogue between Russia and Mongolia with evidence from the Republic of Buryatia. The latter federal subject is a border region located in the ‘overlapping’ zone of Russian and Mongolian civilizations, i.e. serves as somewhat an outpost of both the latter. This may actualize the question of competition (combination) between ethnic, civil and civilizational identities for Buryat residents of the Republic. Materials and methods. The methodological research basis is compiled from elements of social constructivism and civilizational political science. In 2024, an expert survey (structured in-depth interviews) was conducted among representatives of science and education of the Republic of Buryatia (N=13). Results. The survey reveals that experts tend to perceive the Republic of Buryatia as a bridge for cross-civilizational cooperation between Russia and Mongolia — given that such cooperation mainly covers the fields of science, culture and education. Experts are not inclined to exaggerate the importance of ethnic and religious affinities between Buryats and Mongolians. Russian civil identity is reported to have taken complete shape among the Buryat, and to date they belong — to a greater extent — to the Russian civilization, which, in particular, has manifested itself during the Special Military Operation. Quite a share of the experts also confirmed the importance of regional identity for representatives of all ethnic groups inhabiting Buryatia. Conclusions. As for practical use of categories inherent in civilizational political science, the experts positively assessed the prospect of their implementation in program documents on national (ethnic) policies. Meanwhile, it is necessary to undertake research efforts to clarify key concepts and integrate them into the education system so that the use of the category ‘Russian civilization’ should contribute to both the protection of our country’s cultural diversity and the consolidation of society.

Introduction. Goals. The article introduces some investigation findings and publishes new materials from the ‘mustached’ kurgans of Northern Saryarka obtained during three field seasons (2022–2024) at the Baubek Batyr-2 and Abakai burial sites. Materials and methods. The paper focuses on archaeological excavation materials from a total of three seasons at the designated sites. The work employs an interdisciplinary approach that comprises tools of remote sensing, morphometric analysis, and those of traditional archaeological research. Results. All the three investigated complexes have been identified as Type Ia according to the Grudochko typology. Particular attention is paid to the application of contemporary methods and techniques, including high-precision geodetic survey, multi-altitude UAV aerial photography, and advanced geoinformation analysis. Data processing in Agisoft Metashape Professional has made it possible to create highly detailed digital elevation models (DEM) and orthophotomaps. The use of the Openness topographic index in SAGA GIS to identify and analyze stone ridges (‘mustaches’) has become a key research element. This has secured the objective identification and mapping of these ritual constructions that are not always discernible during ground surveys. The dating materials for kurgans at Baubek Batyr-2 consisted of ceramic vessels ― a ribbed pot and an imported jug ― as well as results of a radiocarbon analysis into osteal remains conducted at the University in Poznań. Typological analogies and the obtained radiocarbon age (1575 ± 30) make it possible to date the two kurgans to the 5th century AD. The ‘mustached’ kurgan at Abakai with absent material finds is tentatively dated to the 5th–7th centuries AD. The applied interdisciplinary approach has not only refined the dating and cultural attribution of the sites but also demonstrated somewhat high effectiveness of the involved techniques for documenting and interpreting complex ritual sites.

Introduction. Ustuu-Khuree Monastery rightfully holds a special place in the history of Tuva. As the largest monastery in Western Uriankhai, in the early twentieth century it became a spiritual enlightenment center to serve as starting point for a number of prominent state and public figures of the Tuvan People’s Republic. The monastery’s structure, Buddhist education system and clergy have been described in fairly great detail by historians and religion scholars. However, the interaction between Ustuu-Khuree-based clergy and priests of Mongolia and Tibet remains somewhat understudied to date. Only the introduction of previously unknown historical sources into scientific circulation makes it possible to establish that there had been close spiritual ties between Ustuu-Khuree and Labrang Monastery (Tibet). Goals. The article attempts a detailed description of Tuvan-Tibetan spiritual ties through the example of cooperation between Ustuu-Khuree and Labrang. To facilitate this, the paper shall clarify the dates of Tibetan clerics’ visits to Tuva, consider forms, methods and results of their activities in the region. Materials and methods. The main historical sources are unique interrogation records of Tuvan priests who would be charged with counterrevolutionary crimes over the years. So, the latter specify the date when two Tibetan Lamas from Labrang — Fourth Nyendak San and Fifth Denbiy Nyima Kuntang Rinpoche characterized as revered reincarnate spiritual masters — arrived in Tuva at the invitation of Daa Khoshun’s ruler Khaidip and local Buddhist hierarchs. Both general scientific and specific historical research methods and approaches have been employed. The comparative historical method has proved instrumental in analyzing archival documents to reconstruct actual historical processes, identify the ties between Ustuu-Khuree and Labrang as such, and correlate messages from different sources. The chronological method shows some essential transformations of the monastery and its integration into Tibetan Buddhism’s agenda in order of time through the Tuvan clergy’s efforts and those of invited masters from Tibet. Results. The work identifies some key directions of activity endeavored by the Tibetan Lamas for the development and strengthening of Buddhism in early twentieth century Tuva. They took part in the opening of Ustuu-Khuree’s temples — the main clay temple and Tsanit Datsan. Rev. Nyendak San would organize the educational process on foundations of Tibetan medicine. The Tuvan clergy requested Rev. Denbiy Nyima Kuntang Rinpoche to compile a Tibetan-language text to deliver blessings upon certain territories, mountains and rivers. The Ritual [Text] of San-Offering to Tandy’s Master Spirits is still being used by local Buddhist priests. In addition, the Tibetan hierarchs gave detailed instructions for further development of Buddhism in Tuva — the construction of temples, sending of Tuvan novices to large monastic universities in Tibet and Mongolia.

Introduction. A most challenging question in Samoyedic classifications is the position of Mator. Traditionally, it has been grouped with Kamas. However, in recent years, some scholars have argued that it is most closely related to Tundra Nenets, while others consider Mator to be an earliest branch to have separated from Proto-Samoyedic. Goals. The article attempts an analysis into the relationship of Mator to Kamas and Nenets from the perspectives of glottochronology, phonetic correspondences, and morphological similarities. Materials and methods. The LingvoDoc platform contains dictionaries of 16 Samoyedic languages and dialects, as well as 3 morphological dictionaries for Mator, Kamas, and Tundra Nenets. The dictionaries have been processed by original LingvoDoc-based programs designed to assess linguistic proximities based on glottochronology, phonetics, and morphology. Results. The glottochronological insights tend to confirm the traditional classification: Mator and Kamas do prove to share most of their basic vocabularies (76 %), while coomon basic lexems between Mator and Tundra Nenets are somewhat fewer (from 58 % to 67 % depending on a certain dictionary). However, as for phonetic correspondences, no sound evidence for any long-term existence of a Mator-Kamas branch has been traced. Almost all identified phonetic isoglosses are characteristic for Turkic languages of Siberia as well. In terms of morphology, most shared affixes in Mator, Tundra Nenets and Kamas appear to be essentially archaic. Conclusions. It can be assumed that the phonetic and lexical innovations shared by Mator and Kamas have arisen as a result of language contacts. Genetically, the Mator language exhibits no significant phonetic or morphological innovations shared with other Samoyedic languages.

Goals. The article examines some challenges and outcomes of integrating comprehensive and interdisciplinary approaches during the preparation and publication of collections representing over thirty ethnic folklore traditions of Siberia and Russia’s Far East. Methods. The paper addresses participant observation tools to trace the progress and effects of this integration. A substantial body of folklore patterns accumulated through the efforts of generations of scholars and collectors have shaped the monumental humanitarian project — Folklore Jewels of Siberia and Russia’s Far East. Results. The sixty-volume work provides a complete representation of major genres, such as epic poetry, fairy tales, myths, legends, lore, ritual poetry, and folk songs. The project team of humanitarians has included folklorists, linguists, ethnomusicologists, and ethnographers. So far, a total of thirty four volumes have been published, with two more on the way. Artistic merits of the volumes are exceptional, since the latter vividly represent the Altaian, Belarusian, Buryat, Dolgan, Mansi, Nanai, Nenets, Russian, Tuvan, Udege, Khakass, Shor, Evenk, and Yakut folklore traditions. Published in accordance with universal scholarly guidelines, the editions encompass quite a diversity of genres and languages. Original-language texts are paralleled by folklore translations that preserve the former’s figurative language. The text corpus is accompanied by comments elucidating phraseological expressions, ethnographic and historical contexts, and mythological or worldview elements that might be unclear (‘opaque’) to non-native speakers. Textual processing of the published samples primarily involves punctuation correction, with dialectal, archaic, performance-related, and orthographic features left unaltered. Linguists are thus granted opportunities to analyze linguistic processes diachronically. The series successfully integrates contributions of both folklorists and ethnomusicologists. Ethnomusicologists have provided the first complete musical notation of heroic tales in Volumes 17 and 29. The evolution of music applications has mirrored technological progress, a transition encompassing — gramophone records, compact discs (CDs), and USB flash drives (SDs). The book design also bears certain semantic essentials. The volumes are uniformly bound in blue, a color symbolizing the sacred sky in Siberian traditions, and each protective packaging features a unique, unrepeated ornament to exemplify most sophisticated ornamental traditions of Siberian cultures. It should be noted that the series includes contemporary field notes alongside archival materials. Insights into various texts illuminate the lifespan of folklore — from its peak to the contemporary period. The paper asserts the efficiency of integrated interdisciplinary methodologies in the study and publication of folklore.

Introduction. The history of seventeenth- and eighteenth-century Russia is marked by the phenomenon of Bashkir embassies to the Tsar. Enthronements, consequences of uprisings were to be confirmed with corresponding government agreements. And in the nineteenth century, Bashkirs would become honored guests at coronations. Goals. The study aims to reveal how Bashkir-Tsar relations shifted from consensus to ritual throughout the seventeenth to late nineteenth centuries, how the deputations represented ethnic elites and the community at large, what changed their essentials and functions. Materials and methods. The work analyzes some related documents discovered at the Russian State Archive of Ancient Acts, Archive of Foreign Policy of the Russian Empire, National Archive of Bashkortostan, and reviews a variety of publications. The historical-genetic method proves most instrumental in considering the reasons for the emergence of Bashkir embassies to the Tsar, their transformation from discussing governance issues to demonstrating imperial unity. Results. The right of direct access to Tsar was a stipulation of the mid-sixteenth century Bashkir contractual subjection. However, the privilege was not directly associated with the voluntary accession since other ethnic groups had somewhat similar experiences. The Russian government concluded an agreement with the Bashkir as a semi-nomadic people that had no institutional elites authorized to make decisions for the entire community. This demanded repeated reviews of once achieved agreements with representatives of Bashkir clans through embassies to the Tsar. The strengthening of Russia’s military and administrative presence in Bashkir-inhabited territories made such coordination arrangements unnecessary. The 1740s construction of Orenburg Defense Line resulted in that Bashkir embassies to the court lost their original function only to turn into ritual visits of loyalty to be paid by newly appointed Bashkir executives. The canton system created elites of canton chiefs and Bashkir nobles directly subordinate to Orenburg Military Command. And the nineteenth-century integration processes filled the old form with a new content: henceforth Bashkir participants of coronation ceremonies were to demonstrate the Empire’s power and the unity of peoples under the Russian Tsar. Conclusions. According to the accession terms, Bashkirs — along with hereditary land ownership, freedom of religion, and local self-governance — received the privilege of direct appeal to the monarch. This was exercised in the form of Bashkir embassies throughout the seventeenth to late nineteenth centuries. The early-to-mid eighteenth century crisis between the Bashkir and Russian government was overcome by involving the former in border defense and changing communication patterns. Canton officials and Bashkir elites in Russian service were supposed to show the triumph of the Empire at coronations.

Introduction. The article examines the Tibetan question in British foreign policy between 1858 and 1904. In Russian historiography, the issue was never comprehensively approached in the context of parliamentary debates over expansion methods and funding sources in Tibet. Britain’s colonial policy was aimed at expanding its trade with Tibet, providing access to oil fields, and displacing China, Nepal, and Russia. The identified points keep motivating historians to seek for the beginnings of centuries-old contradictions between the nations that have shaped somewhat foreign policy continuities. Goals. The study attempts an analysis into the Tibetan question as part of the British international agenda in the context of expansion techniques and funding aspects. To facilitate this, the paper shall consider the then positions of parliament members and government officials who ― despite the growing international resistance ― tended to use colonial ideologies and methods for a break in the isolation of Tibet. Materials and methods. The work employs the historical genetic and comparative methods to focus on publications of parliamentary debates and British laws, documents of personal origin, periodicals and international treaties. Results and conclusions. The era of Queen Victoria witnessed the shaping of a new course in British foreign policy that would lead to further development of trade with Tibet, displacement of China, Nepal and Russia from the region. The military intelligence activities in Tibet, cynically referred to in Parliament as ‘the Mission’, proved a continuation of Victorian policy in India, Nepal and China. The Mission’s methods included military operations, intelligence duties, the deployment of Britain’s permanent representative, and penetrations into territories adjacent to India, Nepal, and China. The military and scientific expansion was funded by the Parliament following the Victorian Act 1858 ― from revenues collected through India’s colonization. The colonial forces were compiled from Gurkhas, Pathans, Indian surveyors, British surgeons, cartographers and intelligence officers. Minimal costs, violation of Tibet’s isolation, and military actions were justified in the Parliament as a mission supposed to protect the national interests of both India and Great Britain.

Introduction. Like in many other cultures, the historically multicultural and multilingual environment entails that the oral speech of modern Yukaghirs tends to comprise native and foreign-language material, which is required by the moment and necessary for language development. Despite the small number of speakers, the centuries-old lexical system experiences constant changes manifested in its own and borrowed resources, through oral and book-written narratives. Goals. The article attempts an analysis of Yakut borrowings — the Yakut language being the dominant one across Yakutia — in colloquial Tundra Yukaghir, which also contains elements borrowed from Chukchi, Tungusic and Russian. Materials and methods. The study focuses on transcripts of original audio recordings, such as monologues and dialogues, some of which be newly introduced into scientific circulation. The paper employs a variety of general and special research methods, addresses the available base of foreign-language words from book-written sources to give a qualitative/quantitative representation of Yakut borrowings in colloquial Tundra Yukaghir, and resume Yakut does have most essential impacts on the specified speakers’ repertoire. Results. It has been established that Yakut retains the role of an intermediary language: Yukaghirs tend to absorb Russian words through Yakut, use Yakut sounds for the efficient integration of newly borrowed Russian lexemes, frequently employ Yakut function words (conjunctions and particles). So, slightly less than half of Yakut loanwords prove to be of Russian origin and are widely represented both lexically and thematically. In general, the most relevant lexemes are ones related to home and function words. Ca. 40% of Yakutisms have confirmed or received the status of ‘rooted’ borrowings on the basis of their high frequency, and their ‘foreignness’ often stays virtually unmentioned by the speakers. Like in written sources, oral speech patterns are distinguished by variability of Yakut words even for a single speaker, which testifies to the ongoing processes of integration and frequency of their use. The uniqueness of the disappearing Yukaghir language lies in its vitality paralleled by the active enrichment of its vocabulary and the creative strategy of its speakers seeking to make their speech more expressive.

Introduction. The article introduces a comparative analysis of probabilistic topic models derived from a Chinese-Russian corpus of parallel and comparable political texts. The corpus developed hereto includes a total of three sub-corpora: Reports on the Work of the Government in 2012–2022 (original Chinese-language texts), their Russian translations, and Presidential Addresses to the Federal Assembly of Russia in 2011–2021 (a comparable Russian-language sub-corpus). Goals. The work aims at identifying and describing topics that prove common within the corpus, as well as ones specific to individual texts. Linguistic interpretations have been conducted with topic labeling tools of the YandexGPT language model, the resulting topic labels be further compared to expert-generated annotations and automatically extracted keyphrases. The conducted probabilistic topic modelling involves the LDA algorithm in TMT (Topic Modeling Tool), as well as the YAKE, mBERT, and TF-IDF algorithms from Orange library for Python. The algorithms are intended to identify keyphrases and find out similarities in topical words across different sub-corpora and between the languages under comparison. Results. So, a family of probabilistic topic models that describe semantic organization of the Chinese-Russian parallel and comparable corpus of political texts has been created. The outcomes of our topic modelling are compared to the automatically extracted keyphrases, and reveal certain intersections for each sub-corpus. The study also provides a part-of-speech (POS) tagging analysis of topical words. As is shown, the models reproduce key paradigmatic and syntagmatic relationships in the text corpus. The research is first to present automatically constructed probabilistic topic models for a Chinese-Russian parallel and comparable corpus of political texts, thus filling in some gaps existing in this field.