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The sphere of bodily functions in the Mongolic languages

https://doi.org/10.25587/2222-5404-2026-23-2-187-198

Abstract

The article is devoted to the consideration of the vocabulary of the Mongolic languages related to physiological functions (defecation, urination) and their results. The relevance of the research is due to the need to study the problems of linguistic representation of physiological processes, as well as the insufficient number of researches in the field of words, reflecting such a sphere of human activity as bodily functions. The purpose of the work is to consider the semantics and functioning of the excretory vocabulary of the Mongolic languages as part of paroemias and swear words, its euphemization, as well as the study of magical and medicinal properties of human waste products. In the course of the research, the continuous sampling method, descriptive and structural method, and the method of contextual analysis were used. It is revealed that the euphemistic verbs of the field under consideration have nationally marked features due to the cultural originality of the speech culture and traditions of the Mongolic peoples. In particular, examples of euphemization using pastoral vocabulary have been identified, the use of which is regulated by gender differences. The analysis of euphemisms related to the sphere of human physiological functions led to the conclusion that their semantics contain both the universal and specific character of the mental world of native Mongolic speakers. Urine as a vital product of the human body has been used in traditional medicine practices as an effective medicinal product. In the myths and legends of the Buryats, the plots of which contain elements of space exploration, urine was endowed with the properties of a sacred product of the vital activity of mythical or real characters with the status of a deity. In the future, it is planned to study a peculiar layer of vocabulary of the Mongolic languages, denoting animal waste, as well as to study the aspects of the use of these wastes in the economic, magical and therapeutic practices of nomadic Mongols.

About the Authors

E. V. Sundueva
Institute for Mongolian, Buddhist and Tibetan Studies of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Russian Federation

Ekaterina V. Sundueva – Doct. Sci. (Philology), Chief Researcher of the department, Institute for Mongolian, Buddhist and Tibetan Studies SB RAS.

Ulan-Ude



M. M. Sodnompilova
Institute for Mongolian, Buddhist and Tibetan Studies of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Russian Federation

Marina M. Sodnompilova – Doct. Sci. (History), Leading Researcher of the department of archaeology and ethnology, Institute for Mongolian, Buddhist and Tibetan Studies SB RAS.

Ulan-Ude



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Review

For citations:


Sundueva E.V., Sodnompilova M.M. The sphere of bodily functions in the Mongolic languages. Vestnik of North-Eastern Federal University. 2026;23(2):187-198. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.25587/2222-5404-2026-23-2-187-198

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ISSN 2222-5404 (Print)
ISSN 2587-5620 (Online)