Altai
Language Information
The Altai language is spoken primarily in Russia, specifically in the Altai Republic and neighboring Altai Krai and Kemerovo Oblast.
Prior to 1948, the language and its varieties were officially called Oyrot (or Oirot).Mutual Intelligibility: Although grouped under a single linguistic umbrella, Northern and Southern Altai are not fully mutually intelligible.Sociolinguistic Status: The total number of native speakers is approximately 125,700. Southern Altai is used in local education and media, but the languages face pressure and generational gaps due to historical Soviet-era assimilation and a strong shift toward Russian.
Prior to 1948, the language and its varieties were officially called Oyrot (or Oirot).Mutual Intelligibility: Although grouped under a single linguistic umbrella, Northern and Southern Altai are not fully mutually intelligible.Sociolinguistic Status: The total number of native speakers is approximately 125,700. Southern Altai is used in local education and media, but the languages face pressure and generational gaps due to historical Soviet-era assimilation and a strong shift toward Russian.
- Language Family
- Altaic
- Subgroup
- Turkic
- Branch
- Northestern
Altai Language Sample
Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 1
Altai, Southern
Ончо улус ак‐јарыкка јайым ла теҥ‐тай тап‐эриктӱ туулат. Олор санааукаалу ла чек кӱӱн‐тапту болуп бӱткен ле бой‐бойын карындаш кирези кӧрӧр лӧ јӱрер учурлу.English translation
All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.
Source: OHCHR translations of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights