Tungusic
- noun
- /ˈtʌŋɡʊsɪk/
- Specialized
- The Tungusic languages are spoken across vast regions of Siberia and northeastern China.
Examples
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Manchu is one of the most prominent Tungusic languages, though it is now nearly extinct.
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The Tungusic languages, such as Evenki and Manchu, are primarily spoken in eastern Siberia.
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Scholars debate the classification of Tungusic as part of the Altaic language family.
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The Tungusic languages are fascinating to linguists.
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She studies Tungusic dialects and their origins.
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Linguists are particularly interested in the characteristics of the Tungusic language family.
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Many researchers focus on the preservation of Tungusic languages in modern-day China.
Synonyms
Languages that people such as Manchu and Evenki speak in Northeast Asia
Compounds
- Specialized
Languages that people such as Manchu and Evenki speak in Northeast Asia
Surface Forms
Morphology
Tungusic = Tungus (transparent) = Tungus + ic
The language-family name is formed regularly from the ethnonym 'Tungus' with the adjectival/relational suffix '-ic', then used nominally to name the family.
Etymology
Tungusic comes from the Russian name Tungus for certain peoples of Siberia and northeastern China. That's why Tungusic also names the family of languages they speak, such as Manchu and Evenki.