Introduction. The modern world is going through one of its most difficult periods in the history. The new virus, called COVID-19, was not at first perceived by the world community as a real threat that would fundamentally change the global way of life, making it reconsider the methods of implementing collective security and close borders. Many states had to isolate not only at the international level, but also had to close their regions to reduce the number of the infected. This led to disruptions of transport, logistics and socio-economic ties and resulted in a most unusual situation — the global isolation of states. Every state had to build their own tactics and strategies for overcoming the crisis. In this respect, the case of the Republic of Korea is of particular interest. The article aims to analyze the situation with COVID-19 in the Republic of Korea in 2020–2021 and measures taken by the Republic’s government to combat the spread of COVID-19 and reduce negative trends. The study focuses on the key characteristics of these methods and their effectiveness. The research materials were based on the data of the Statistical Office of the Republic of Korea, the Korea Export-Import Bank, the Korea International Trade Association (KITA), the Trade Department of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Mongolia (KOTRA), and of such international organizations as the WTO, OECD, and IMF. The study employed general scientific (analysis, synthesis) and historical methods proper — retrospective, comparative, and structural. Results. The article indicates that despite some decline in general economic performance, the Republic of Korea was able to adapt to the new conditions caused by the coronavirus infection. The crisis was largely overcome thanks to organizing, among other things, a system of public-private partnership in the field of diagnostics, prevention, and treatment of the infected. Analysis of the set of measures taken by the Republic’s government, as well as of the official statistics, allows to identify the main trends in the development of the socio-economic sphere in the past two years of the pandemic. By way of concluding, it may be pointed out that the case of the Republic of Korea, with the tactics of its government and the social experience accumulated, is of significant relevance for other states in their efforts to combat the coronavirus and its social consequences, granted that the world community has to develop optimal strategies to overcome the pandemic.

Introduction. The article discusses one of the little-known events in the history of the Northern Caspian region, namely, the arrival of the Kazakhs of the Middle and Small Zhuzes and Karakalpaks in the region in 1725 to confront the Kalmyks and Yaik Cossacks. The article aims to introduce into scientific circulation new archival data on the eastern direction of the foreign policy of the Kalmyk namestnik (ruler) Tseren-Donduk (1724–1735). The sources for the research were the materials of the National Archives of the Republic of Kalmykia, stored in fonds I-36, including the “Journal of Kalmyk Affairs”, consisting of accounts and reports of the Astrakhan governor A. P. Volynsky, Colonel V. P. Beklemishev and other officials in charge of Kalmyk affairs. Results. The invasion of Dzungar troops into Turkestan in the spring of 1725 forced Kazakhs and Karakalpaks, led by Khan Abulkhair, to move to the steppes of the Northern Caspian region, where they had to confront the Volga Kalmyks and Yaik Cossacks. Conclusions. In the summer of 1725, despite the internal political turmoil, Tseren-Donduk managed to organize an effective opposition to the Kazakh and Karakalpak forces and to inflict significant casualties on the rivals. However, granted the absence of a peace treaty with the Kazakh khan Abulkhair, the position of the eastern Kalmyk uluses was not secure, and the Kalmyk owners had to keep large forces on the Yaik River.

Introduction. Since the 17th c. as part of the Russian Empire, Buryats found themselves in the sphere of influence of Western secular culture and Orthodox Christianity. Depending on the local natural and climatic conditions, some basic features of agriculture, mining, and Russian culture were introduced into the Buryat economic activities and everyday life, but, in general, the people persisted in their extensive nomadic and semi-nomadic economy and patriarchal culture. In 1923, with the birth of the Buryat-Mongolian Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic (BMASSR), the processes of transformation of their culture and life began in every sphere of their traditional life, such as economic activities, material culture, family and marriage relations, religious beliefs, public leisure, etc. The article aims to study the processes of modernization of Buryat culture and everyday life at the initial stage of Soviet construction. Materials and methods. Major sources for the study were documents from the State Archives of the Republic of Buryatia; also, published sources and media materials were of great importance for the discussion. In its methodology, the study proceeds from the principles of historicism, consistency, objectivity, and reliability, helpful in approaching the process of Soviet modernization of Buryat culture as a multidimensional, contradictory process, hence avoiding both one-sided criticism and idealization. Results. The undertaken analysis of pertinent media materials and archival sources shows that two stages may be singled out in the Soviet construction in Buryatia. The first stage, that began with the formation of the BMASSR and continued to the late 1920s, was the time of radical transformations introduced in the lifestyle of the Buryats, but, still, their traditional culture and life persisted. They were to finally give up, with the policy of collectivization and the process of settlement of the nomadic Buryats pursued by the Soviet authorities at the next stage marked by Velikii perelom (Great turning point) and the beginning of “militant atheism”, i. e. in the period of intensive construction of a new life and the eradication of traditional lifestyles. The study concludes that the Soviet modernization embraced every aspect of the Buryat society, and its impact was deep, comprehensive, and effective. The project was implemented, with objectives and hopes assigned to it fulfilled.

Introduction. In Russian historiography, there are works devoted to the Nazi occupation policy on the USSR occupied territories, with historians focusing on the study of the occupation regime policies, the problems of military everyday life, and the partisan movement. The article aims to study pertinent archival documents to reveal the character of the Nazi occupation regime on the territory of the Kalmyk ASSR. Materials and methods. The source base of the research comprised the archival materials of the Extraordinary State Commission for Ascertaining and Investigating Crimes Perpetrated by the German-Fascist Invaders and their Accomplices and the Republic’s State Commission for Investigating Crimes Perpetrated by the German-Fascist Invaders and their Accomplices. The materials are largely introduced by the authors into scientific circulation for the first time. The research was based on comparative-historical and statistical methods, the method of source studies, structural-diachronic and system analysis. Results. The article sheds light on the basic principles of the Nazi occupation policy, on the occupiers’ crimes against the civilian population, their economic policy, and the organization of forced labor in the Republic, including compulsory transfer of the population to Germany. Conclusions. The armies of the Wehrmacht followed the program of extermination of millions of civilians, which was set out in the plan “Ost”. The Nazi policy towards the civilian population of Kalmyk ASSR was characterized by the most severe repression for any form of disobedience to the occupation authorities. The reasons for the violence could be any form of resistance against the invaders, contacts with partisans, and refusal of forced labor. The people had to pay numerous taxes, they were subjected to looting by soldiers and officers of the Wehrmacht and its allies. These and other acts of Nazi crimes must not be forgotten, liability for them has no statute of limitations.

Introduction. The article aims to analyze the historiography and history of the 110th Kalmyk Cavalry Division, the only ethnic military unit (largely staffed by Kalmyks) that fought at the front during the Great Patriotic War. While the division is worthy of memory and respect for its contribution to the battle against the enemy, its history was surrounded with defamatory myths that have nothing in common with real events. Granted the disappearance of most of the Division’s documents handed over to the archives, it has taken several decades to objectively study its history. Materials and methods. Besides the historical-genetic method, which was the principal one for the present research, historical-systemic and historical-comparative methods were used. The sources were books and articles, office documentation and correspondence from various archival repositories, personal correspondence and memoirs of the veterans of the 110th Kalmyk Cavalry Division, as well as of the researchers of its history. Results. The article is a consistent examination of the historiography of the subject; this may be divided into five stages designated in the article as i) a period of silence and lies (1943–1957), ii) a period of ‘sporadic’ searches (1957–1967), iii) a period of active scientific work (1967–1977), iv) a period of indifference (1977–2011), and v) a period of new scholarly interest in the subject (2011–present). The Kalmyk Cavalry Division has long been an object of defamatory insinuations and calumny when it was accused of ”unreliability”, denounced as ”a gang” or even as German collaborators; these had clearly political implications. Meanwhile, the study of the history of the Division was seriously complicated by the loss of most of its documents although after its disbandment these were handed over according to the inventory along with the banners. Also, this interfered with the process of preserving the historical memory of the only ethnic formation that fought against the enemy during the Great Patriotic War. Hence, the difficulty that the scholars in the field have had to overcome was immense. The second part of the article describes the forth and fifth stages. Conclusions. The historiography associated with the studies of the history of the Kalmyk Cavalry Division may be described as a difficult and winding path, with periods of both indifference and activation that had to be overcome. However, in the course of a long struggle, justice was restored, and the historical memory of the Kalmyk Division was returned to the people.

The article aims to show the role of toreutic items in the demonstration of the status of a male warrior. Materials. In the Middle Ages toreutics was mainly used in decorating costume details and items of military and horse equipment. The field of its application indicates the crucial importance of artistic metalworking in the study of medieval societies. Interesting samples of toreutics in the period under consideration are metal items produced in the Kimak Khaganate that existed in the Ob-Irtysh interfluve between the 9th and 11th cc. Many of such items found in the burials of the Kimaks clearly indicate the leading role of toreutics in the demonstration of the social roles in the Middle Ages. The article discusses the research history of the Kimaks, which were most actively studied in the 1970s and 1980s. Recently, new information has been obtained thanks to the archaeological research in the region. The study of the steppe elite burials of the mounds Karakaba I and II, Tuyetas, and Ayan produced important data that may shed new light on the social structure of the Kimak society. Results. This study focuses on the evidence of ten male burials, which comprise a rich inventory of grave goods, including belts, military and horse equipment, as well as such status items as gold jewelry, musical instruments, and silk clothing. The pertaining ethnographic information discussed in the article shows that such items as belts and horse equipment elements had a symbolic meaning in the society in question, especially in terms of status. The examination of written sources shows social differentiation in the Kimak society. More detailed information was obtained thanks to the archaeological evidence. The differences between the rich burials were noticeable both in terms of the funeral rite and in the grave goods. For example, such burials may comprise several belts or may comprise other valuable goods except for belts; also, the burials differed in terms of the number of horses buried with the deceased. Thus, the authors conclude that the available information indicates the existence of various categories of warriors in the Kimak society, which need to be further researched.

Introduction. The Golden Horde epoch in the East European steppe was marked, among other things, by the emergence of urban culture in the region. The urban centers and, first of all, the Golden Horde capital in the Lower Volga were the seats of the ruling elite, but also the centers of trade and crafts people coming from all over the places. Around the towns, there were cemeteries with hundreds of burials that were opened and examined by specialists. In the steppe, near the bank of the river, the Golden Horde epoch is represented by a limited number of burials scattered among a variety of kurgan groups. The article aims to examine Golden Horde burials which comprise silk items; these Volga-Manych sites have previously been part of the studies of steppe elite burials. Materials and methods. The grave goods of most sites in question comprised weaponry, ceramics, and animal bones, the traces of funeral feasts, while luxury items were few. Of much interest in this respect are a Volga-Manych series of Golden Horde burials that comprised silk items. According to numerous data of the written sources, silk was equaled to gold in the medieval time. The fact that the Volga-Manych nomads had clothes made of silk was not only the evidence of their high social status and wealth but also a mark that they were the subjects of the Mongolian Empire. Results. In the burials under study, the silk finds were exclusively the clothing and headdress items of the buried. The fabric originated from the eastern (China, Egypt) and western (Byzantium) production centers. Remains of silk products were found both in the burials of men and women. These were both latitudinal-oriented graves, in which the buried were laid with their heads to the west, and meridionally-oriented graves, with the person’s head to the north. According to the present authors, the latter type may be interpreted as a feature characteristic of ethnic Mongolians’ funeral practice, while the former type graves were those of the Polovtsy and other Turkic-speaking groups.

Introduction. The article aims to analyze the newspaper ’Svobodnaya zemlya’ (Free Land), published for a short time (September-December 1942) by German occupying forces in Kalmykia. The newspaper has not been the object of a special study so far.  Its main purpose was propaganda, used by the occupiers as one of the most important psychological and ideological weapons of war. The Nazi propaganda targeted the population of the occupied territories, subjecting the people to massive psychological and ideological pressures. Hence, every genre of the newspaper was designed and adapted to carry on disguised Nazi propaganda. Material and methods. The source for the research data was ’Svobodnaya zemlya’, the organ of the German administration at the time of Nazi occupation of the Kalmyk territory. Notably, the historiography in this country and abroaddiscusses certain aspects of fascist propaganda during the Second World War, but the regional newspapers of the German occupiershave not been examined so far. In his analysis, the author was guided by the principles of objectivity, comprehensive analysis, historicism, hermeneutics, and source criticism. Results. The purpose of the German occupiers’ newspaper was to persuade the local population that the preventive war launched and conducted by them was not a humanitarian catastrophe, but it was directed only against the “Jewish-Bolshevik government” of the Soviet Union, and the German army had a liberation mission, a happy future awaiting the liberated people. According to this propaganda, the liberated peoples were tostay calm and confident of their future; also, they were expected to actively cooperate, helping the German army tonear the victory, but any act of disobedience orjust passive resistance of individuals would havedire consequences for them, including death punishment. Conclusion. The newspaper under studyis one of the most important types of historical sources to shed light on the history of Kalmykia in the war period. Added to the source data, it helps fill in some gaps to allow for an objective discussion of controversial issues. Also, the analysis of the newspaper demonstrates some of the methods and techniques used by the Nazis in the occupied regions to deliberately disseminate falsified ideas about the goals of the war as a means of disguised propaganda.

Introduction. The struggle for historical truth systematically conducted by the Government makes it essential enough to address the topic of the Great Patriotic War for further insights into actual discursive practices across Soviet regions. Goals. The work aims at identifying certain patterns of discursive practices once instrumental in the shaping of new man through means of Soviet photography and, specifically, the images published by the Khalmg Ünn (Kalm. ‘Kalmyk truth’) newspaper, a key periodical of the Kalmyk ASSR, between 1957 and 1964. Materials and methods. The continuous sampling method has been instrumental in examining over 10.000 photographs published in 1957 to 1964, the analysis having included both local images and ones delivered by the ‘Center’ (TASS) for further publication in the republican media. The research methods employed are the photograph analysis method (at various levels), quantitative methods, and that of extrapolation. Conclusions. The analysis of 1957–1964 Khalmg Ünn photographs as visual evidence of the past reveals that the then ideological techniques did not involve the theme of the Great Patriotic War to the full: despite the latter served a key element in the shaping of common Soviet identity, it was thenceforth closely associated with the drama of Kalmyk Deportation to Siberia. The newspaper’s visual imagery depicts a republic under reconstruction which was allegedly determined by the specific situation to have resulted from that the Deportation had been undertaken and explained by false accusations of treason and collaborationism — during war years. So, the Center was articulating the idea of restoration and revival of the Republic to be perceived by the Kalmyks as a revival of the ethnos, withdrawal of any charges, complete rehabilitation — and this is manifested in all photographs (construction sites, new buildings and facilities), this key discursive practice employed was to meet the sentiments of Kalmyks to have just relieved and arrived in ancestral lands. The combination of true emotions and ideological patterns created a platform for the formation of new Soviet man in the Kalmyk ASSR.

Introduction. The article deals with the issues of archival heuristics of the historical-documentary heritage in the field of Oriental studies in close connection with the methods of identifying historical sources stored in federal, regional, and departmental archives. The article aims to analyze the issues of enlarging the source base of scientific research, which makes it necessary to focus on the methodology of searching and identifying sources in the field. Special attention is given to the method of cross-source analysis, which is instrumental in reconstructing the picture of events, phenomena, and processes. The results of the research show that when one deals with personal documents there arise issues of their attribution, identification of authorship and dates and their reliability. The researcher should be able to work with every document and to accurately determine its information value in accordance with the conceptual basis of his / her scientific work. Of importance is not only the maintenance of memory of outstanding Orientalists, but also of taking the opportunity to use and master their heritage; in fact, it is through the personality of a scholar that one can reconstruct the style of his / her thinking, work, and creative heritage in the context of Oriental studies. When histories (contexts) of personal documents are reconstructed, they may become valuable sources shedding light on the events of a particular historical period. Hence research may be conducted at the level of micro-processes, provided there is respect for his / her personality, or, to use the philosophical term, the “self” of a person. Conclusions. The article indicates the correlation of archival and source-based approaches in the study of documentary heritage, as well as the multivalence of the information environment, where owing to the latest information technologies it becomes possible to find the data one needs in the ocean of historical sources.

Introduction. In early nomadic societies of Central Asia, gender was the major factor in the division of labor. However, the written sources and archaeological evidence in the field do not provide enough detail to describe this division, hence the solution to the problem may be sought in the ethnographical data of the peoples, nomadic in their recent past. The article aims to analyze the household responsibilities of men and women in the nomadic societies in Central Eurasia in the 18th – early 20th centuries to use this data for a reconstruction of the gender labor division of the early nomadic societies in the region. Materials and methods. The study makes use of published sources on the recent nomads. Notably, the present authors proceed from the fact that, granted the largely conservative character of nomadic economy and the regional environment that remained unchanged in the period in question, the forms of regional nomadic economies were largely of a similar type. Hence, it may be possible to use the data on recently nomadic peoples for the reconstruction of the economy, culture, and socio-economic structures of the ancient nomads of the Eurasian steppes. Results. The undertaken analysis of the sources indicates a clear gender division of economic activities in the Eurasian nomadic societies in the 18th – early 20th cc. Tradition prescribed the division of household duties into strictly male and female, and any violation of the gender roles was discouraged. Conclusions. The range of economic responsibilities of men and women was clearly circumscribed in the nomadic societies of Central Eurasia, their ethnic affiliation and religion playing no part in the existent labor division structures. Men took care of the herds, keeping them safe and enlarging their number; crafts were also largely men’s field; men’s duties included maintenance and protection of caravans, as well as protection of the family and aul, property and livestock from enemy raids and baranta. Women were involved in childcare and domestic chores, including processing of animal raw materials, looking after livestock in the aul, cooking food, and collecting fuel for winter seasons. Thus, the data on labor division between men and women characteristic of the recent nomads makes it possible to reconstruct the gender labor division in the societies of the early nomads in the Eurasian steppe.Introduction. In early nomadic societies of Central Asia, gender was the major factor in the division of labor. However, the written sources and archaeological evidence in the field do not provide enough detail to describe this division, hence the solution to the problem may be sought in the ethnographical data of the peoples, nomadic in their recent past. The article aims to analyze the household responsibilities of men and women in the nomadic societies in Central Eurasia in the 18th – early 20th centuries to use this data for a reconstruction of the gender labor division of the early nomadic societies in the region. Materials and methods. The study makes use of published sources on the recent nomads. Notably, the present authors proceed from the fact that, granted the largely conservative character of nomadic economy and the regional environment that remained unchanged in the period in question, the forms of regional nomadic economies were largely of a similar type. Hence, it may be possible to use the data on recently nomadic peoples for the reconstruction of the economy, culture, and socio-economic structures of the ancient nomads of the Eurasian steppes. Results. The undertaken analysis of the sources indicates a clear gender division of economic activities in the Eurasian nomadic societies in the 18th – early 20th cc. Tradition prescribed the division of household duties into strictly male and female, and any violation of the gender roles was discouraged. Conclusions. The range of economic responsibilities of men and women was clearly circumscribed in the nomadic societies of Central Eurasia, their ethnic affiliation and religion playing no part in the existent labor division structures. Men took care of the herds, keeping them safe and enlarging their number; crafts were also largely men’s field; men’s duties included maintenance and protection of caravans, as well as protection of the family and aul, property and livestock from enemy raids and baranta. Women were involved in childcare and domestic chores, including processing of animal raw materials, looking after livestock in the aul, cooking food, and collecting fuel for winter seasons. Thus, the data on labor division between men and women characteristic of the recent nomads makes it possible to reconstruct the gender labor division in the societies of the early nomads in the Eurasian steppe.Introduction. In early nomadic societies of Central Asia, gender was the major factor in the division of labor. However, the written sources and archaeological evidence in the field do not provide enough detail to describe this division, hence the solution to the problem may be sought in the ethnographical data of the peoples, nomadic in their recent past. The article aims to analyze the household responsibilities of men and women in the nomadic societies in Central Eurasia in the 18th – early 20th centuries to use this data for a reconstruction of the gender labor division of the early nomadic societies in the region. Materials and methods. The study makes use of published sources on the recent nomads. Notably, the present authors proceed from the fact that, granted the largely conservative character of nomadic economy and the regional environment that remained unchanged in the period in question, the forms of regional nomadic economies were largely of a similar type. Hence, it may be possible to use the data on recently nomadic peoples for the reconstruction of the economy, culture, and socio-economic structures of the ancient nomads of the Eurasian steppes. Results. The undertaken analysis of the sources indicates a clear gender division of economic activities in the Eurasian nomadic societies in the 18th – early 20th cc. Tradition prescribed the division of household duties into strictly male and female, and any violation of the gender roles was discouraged. Conclusions. The range of economic responsibilities of men and women was clearly circumscribed in the nomadic societies of Central Eurasia, their ethnic affiliation and religion playing no part in the existent labor division structures. Men took care of the herds, keeping them safe and enlarging their number; crafts were also largely men’s field; men’s duties included maintenance and protection of caravans, as well as protection of the family and aul, property and livestock from enemy raids and baranta. Women were involved in childcare and domestic chores, including processing of animal raw materials, looking after livestock in the aul, cooking food, and collecting fuel for winter seasons. Thus, the data on labor division between men and women characteristic of the recent nomads makes it possible to reconstruct the gender labor division in the societies of the early nomads in the Eurasian steppe.

Introduction. In traditional culture, proxemic behavior is of great importance. The article is based on the results of the research on the structuring of the dwelling and the observance of ethno-etiquette norms within the framework of the traditional living space of the Bashkirs. The aim was to study the structure of the living space, interiors, and the stylistics of behavior in the traditional dwelling. Materials and methods. The main research sources were the author’s unpublished field materials, as well as published folklore texts, reports of the participants of academic expeditions of the 18th century, which contain valuable information about the temporary and permanent dwellings of Bashkirs. Methods used for the analysis were comparative-historical, typological, structural-semantic, and descriptive. The chronological framework of the study covers the period between the 18th and early 20th centuries. Results. The research shows that the structuring of living space is closely related to ancient beliefs, religion, and the ethnic history of the people. Vertical and horizontal divisions of the dwelling and analysis of space distribution inside the yurt indicate that the dwelling was perceived as a model of the world. The horizontal structuring of the inner space was associated with the ancient knowledge of the Bashkirs about the cardinal points, later enriched with Muslim teachings. In their behavior in the interiors, the Bashkirs were guided by the structural-semantic model of the dwelling, the entire developed space. In this aspect, gender, age, and social status were important factors of the traditional etiquette. The dwelling represented a cultivated, protected space, separating “one’s own” space from “other’s”, according to the structure of the internal space, and creating conditions for variable behavior; family members and guests followed binary oppositions, such as left versus right, male versus female, honorable versus less honorable, the parts for guests and household activities, top and bottom, center and periphery.

Introduction. The article reviews works by Russian scholars to examine key stages of research on 14th–18th century Yakut jewelry. Goals. The study aims at outlining respective periods of research and identifying main trends therein with due regard of each explorer’s contribution — from local officials and their reports to contemporary scientists and their academic works. Earliest messages on Sakha jewelry were fragmented enough the latter to be perceived only as elements to traditional garments. Materials and methods. The paper analyzes original written materials dealing with Yakut jewelry (reports by officials, yasak lists, diaries and observations) towards present-day theoretical articles rethinking the accumulated data. Results and conclusions. The related historiography comprises a total of three stages: 1) pre-Revolution period, 2) early-to-mid 20th century, 3) mid-20th century to present day. Our insights into original sources and scientific texts shows those contain diverse and essential factual materials on Yakut jewelry.

Introduction. This article discusses the graphemic and phonemic features, as well as the origin of the name of the famous Kalmyk Ayuka Khan (1642–1724). Archival documents, namely, numerous official letters in the Kalmyk language indicate that in the 17th–18th centuries personal names of Sanskrit and Tibetan origin were popular among the Kalmyks of Russia. A large layer of anthroponyms associated with the names of deities, sacred symbols, philosophical concepts, ritual objects, etc. were borrowed by them via Sanskrit and Tibetan written sources, with the spread among them of Buddhist teachings; and most of these items that belong to the spiritual sphere of the people are still in active use. While the anthroponymy of the written Kalmyk language of the period in question has been little discussed, the study of a particular borrowed anthroponym, in my opinion, is of much relevance. This article aims to analyze the name ‘Ayuka’ in terms of its graphemic and phonemic composition, as well as its origin. The study’s database comprises Ayuka Khan’s official letters sent to Peter I, as well as to the officials of the Russian government in the period between 1685 and 1724; the documents are part of the collections of the Russian State Archive of Ancient Acts (Moscow) and the National Archives of the Republic of Kalmykia (Elista). Conclusions. The study shows that the Khan’s name is of Sanskrit origin; in the documents, it was transliterated using the symbols of the Galik script and was pronounced in the Kalmyk environment in its Tibetan version.

Introduction. This article is devoted to the semantics of postpositions with the meaning ‘between’ and ‘among’ in the Mongolian languages. Currently, the scholars are increasingly paying attention to studies of the spatial characteristics of various languages, andpostpositions are one of the means of expressing spatial relations. The meaning of ’space between the elements of a set or set serving as a reference point’ is conveyed by the localization INTER. The present study aims to describe postpositions with the meaning ‘between’ and‘among’ in the Mongolian languages. The research material was the data borrowed from various Mongolian dictionaries, literary and journalistic texts available in the Kalmyk National Corpus and the Kalmyk Electronic Library. Results. The meaning ‘between’ and‘among’ is often conveyed with the help of such postpositions as hoorond / hoorondo / hooronda / hoornd, dund / dunda / dunda / dund, zabharta / zaagta / zaagt, dunduur / dunduur / dundahuur / dundahur, dundaas / dundahaa / dundaasa / dundas, etc. Depending on the context, they may have their own peculiarities of use. The localization indicates ‘being between landmarks’, ‘moving into the space between landmarks’, and ‘moving out of the space between landmarks’. The meaning ‘being in the space between or among landmarks’ is related to the shape, uniformity of objects, as well as the distance between landmarks, while‘movement into space’ is characterized by directionality and non-directionality of action. Conclusion. The analysis of the postpositions in questionshows a variety of their meanings in various speech contexts, as well as peculiarities of their use in related Mongolian languages.

Introduction. The paper deals with the functions of the additive clitic =DA in three Turkic languages of the Volga-Kama Sprachbund: Chuvash, Tatar, and Bashkir. It aims to describe in detail the use of the clitic in the languages in question by way of analyzing typologically expected functions, as well as additional functions observed in the collected data, with special attention paid to those that have not been described before and on differences of its usage. Materials and methods. The analysis was based on a variety of source materials, including Chuvash data collected with elicitation during fieldwork (Maloye Karachkino variety) and Tatar (Mishar dialect), Bashkir (Kubalyak variety) data collected from published corpora of oral texts. Results. According to our data, the functions of the additive clitic =DA may be as follows: proper additivity, scalar additivity, formation of the concessive clauses, mirativity, conjunction, universal quantification, marking of the numerals with collective meaning, marking of indefinites, distributive plurality, usage in complex numerals and verbal constructions (complex verbs and serial constructions), and marking of contrastive topic and conjunctional adverbs. The most frequent contexts for the additive clitic are those of conjunction, slightly less numerous are proper additivity contexts and then mirative contexts, with universal quantifiers and indefinite pronouns. The discursive functions are least typical of the additive clitic in the languages under study, except for the Bashkir material. Also, its use in peripheral, conjunction-related, functions may be specific: Chuvash and Bashkir data (but not Tatar) include the examples of the clitic marking distributive plurality and of its use in complex numerals; then, Tatar and Bashkir data (no data for Chuvash) indicates the use of the particle as a part of complex verbs; and, finally, only Bashkir material includes serial constructions, with the additive clitic as an obligatory part. In all the other functions, the use of the additive clitic appears to be similar in the three Turkic languages of the Volga-Kama Sprachbund. 

The main aim of this article is to demonstrate some new results obtained when working on the Dialectological Atlas of the Turkic languages of Russia and the Electronic Corpus of Khakas. Material and methods. While preparing the Atlas, in addition to the already available published and archival sources, the team of authors is collecting field material using specially compiled questionnaires focused on some facts from the history of the Turkic languages. . Results and conclusions. The study shows that the collection of materials based on historically oriented dialectological questionnaires helps obtain data that sheds additional light on the genealogical classification of the dialects, the ways in which they diverge and converge, as well as on archaic and innovative phenomena in the areas under study.  Also, considering of all materials, both field and archival, allows conducting micro diachronic studies on the spread of linguistic phenomena in the dialects at different periods of time and building well-founded hypotheses on the causes of changes. In the current paper one phonetic and one mophological feature of the Khakas dialects are compared, being described in the end of the XIX century (based on the archival data) and nowadays (according to our field recordings). We show the shift of their isoglosses and discuss why the language has changed.