Analysis of the Yukaghir Term for Arrow and Its Tungus Origins

| Posted in: India history

Journal name: Acta Orientalia
Original article title: Zu jukagirisch łokił ~ łokkił „Pfeil”
ACTA ORIENTALIA is a journal focused on the study of Oriental languages, history, archaeology, and religions from ancient times to the present. The journal includes articles reviewed by a senior scholar in the relevant field.
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Original source:

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Author:

Michael Knüppel


Acta Orientalia:

(Founded in 1922 and published annually)

Full text available for: Zu jukagirisch łokił ~ łokkił „Pfeil”

Year: 2010 | Doi: 10.5617/ao.5348

Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0


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Summary of article contents:

Introduction

This article by Michael Knüppel examines the Kolyma-Yukaghir term łokił ~ łokkił, which translates to "(blunt) arrow." It explores the term's potential origins, comparisons with similar words in other Siberian languages, and its place within hunting terminology. The author investigates whether this term is a loanword from Tungus languages and discusses its role as a taboo word among Yukaghir speakers.

The Significance of Hunting Terminology

Hunting terminology is a fascinating aspect of Siberian languages, as it reflects both the material and spiritual culture of the indigenous peoples. Terms related to hunting not only reveal practical references but also highlight language and cultural interactions among various groups. The terminology surrounding hunting weapons, including arrows, serves as a key area of interest, illustrating the depth and variety present within the lexicon of Siberian languages.

The Linguistic Roots of łokił ~ łokkił

The term łokił ~ łokkił is suggested to stem from the Tungus languages, with connections made to related words in other Siberian dialects. The paper discusses examples of similar terms found among the East Siberian language families, indicating a shared linguistic heritage. Several historical accounts and studies reference the extensive usability of various arrow types, including those categorized as “blunt” or “Klumppfeil,” in traditional Yukaghir hunting practices.

The Taboo Nature of Hunting Terminology

One critical concept discussed in the article is the notion of taboo surrounding hunting weapons in Yukaghir culture. The belief that animals can understand human language leads to a fear that using familiar terms could disrupt hunting success. The replacement of indigenous words with foreign terms, particularly from Tungus sources, is interpreted as a strategy to avoid this linguistic taboo, signaling a respectful acknowledgment of unseen influences during hunting.

Conclusion

Knüppel's exploration of the term łokił ~ łokkił emphasizes the intricate connections between language, culture, and hunting practices among Siberian peoples. The article sheds light on the complexities of borrowing within linguistic frameworks and how cultural taboos can shape vocabulary in significant ways. This examination showcases a rich area of research concerning linguistics, anthropology, and the interplay between language and the environment in which it evolves.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is the Yukaghir term for 'arrow' discussed in the article?

The Yukaghir term for 'arrow' is 'łokił' or 'łokkił', which designates both a general arrow and specifically a 'blunt arrow' used in hunting.

What is the possible origin of the term 'łokił'?

The term 'łokił' is possibly derived from Tungus languages, reflecting historical hunting terminology and potential language contact between the Yukaghir and Tungus peoples.

How does hunting terminology relate to Yukaghir culture?

Hunting terminology provides insights into the material and spiritual culture of the Yukaghir, illustrating their worldview and interactions with neighboring tribes.

What does the taboo concept imply in Yukaghir hunting terminology?

The concept of taboo suggests that animals understand human language, and using foreign terms may alter hunting luck, leading to the adoption of alternative names.

Why might 'łokił' have been borrowed from the Tungus languages?

There are suggestions that the Yukaghir borrowed 'łokił' from the Tungus due to specific hunting technologies or as a taboo word to avoid invoking bad luck.

What significance do blunt arrows have in Yukaghir culture?

Blunt arrows, known as klumppfeils, are primarily used for hunting small fur animals, facilitating the capture while preserving the quality of their pelts.

Glossary definitions and references:

Oriental and Historical glossary list for “Analysis of the Yukaghir Term for Arrow and Its Tungus Origins”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of History, Linguistics, Religion, Philosophy, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism etc.

1) Luki:
Mentioned prominently as the Tungus word for 'arrow,' 'lukī' appears across numerous dialects with various arrows' names, indicating its widespread and possibly ancient origins. It’s backed by citations from linguists who studied such forms across different regions.

2) Language:
In the context provided, 'language' is significant in tracing linguistic origins and loanwords like 'łokił' and 'łokkił' from Tungus languages to Yukaghir. Hunting terminologies are crucial in understanding cultural and material exchanges among Siberian peoples.

3) Hunting:
Hunting in Siberian cultures involves extensive terminology for weapons like arrows. The term 'łokił'~'łokkił' for 'arrow' in Yukaghir possibly originates from Tungus languages. The study of these terminologies reflects the material and spiritual culture of these communities.

4) Linguistics:
The field of linguistics is critical for tracing the etymology of terms like 'łokił'~'łokkił.' Researchers analyze historical dictionaries and compare languages to uncover the influence of Tungus terms on Yukaghir hunting terminologies.

5) Winter:
[see source text or glossary: Winter]

6) Gold (Golden):
'Golden' refers to the Nanai people, also known as the Golds. In the study, the Nanai word 'löko' means 'children’s arrow,' typically a small blunt arrow, highlighting the ethnographic detail on how terminologies vary among different groups.

7) Summa:
'Summa' is used in a historical travel quote to describe Tungus people as superior or more adept compared to their neighbors. This perceived superiority might explain why their terminologies, like for arrows, were adopted by other cultures.

8) Matti:
'Matti' refers to Matti Liimola, mentioned for his etymological remarks in the study. His work contributes to understanding the linguistic connections and the spread of tungus arrow terms in other Siberian languages.

9) Roman (Roma):
[see source text or glossary: Roman]

10) Nanai:
The Nanai (Golds) are cited in the context of 'löko,' a term for 'children’s arrow.' This points to linguistic traces of arrow terminology, demonstrating how specific words in different languages denote similar objects, influenced possibly by cultural exchanges.

11) Shiras (Siras, Siro, Shirash):
'Shiro' relates to Shiro Hattori, honored in a publication mentioned alongside Altaic etymologies. Connections between languages and terms like 'łokił'~'łokkił' highlight how scholars have addressed cross-linguistic influences over time.

12) Tamal:
[see source text or glossary: Damal]

13) Loki:
'Loki' corresponds to the etymological discussions in the text regarding the proto-Yukaghir 'luki' and similar Tungus forms, illustrating the shared vocabulary for weapons and hunting tools among different languages and cultures.

14) Loko:
'Loko' is part of various Tungus languages denoting 'arrow.' It appears in different dialects, showing the linguistic spread and historical connections among Siberian hunting communities, forming a root for similar terms in other languages.

15) Kili (Kilil):
The mention of 'Kili' (Kiliv) among the dialects provides context for 'lukī,' underscoring the study’s focus on diverse Tungus responses. Each dialect variation showcases the nuanced uses and origins of terms linked to weapons like arrows.

16) Rand:
'Rand' refers to the fringe meaning of 'toy arrow' associated with 'lukī.' While the core meaning is hunting-related, some instances position it as a child’s play object, showing variations in term usage within different cultural contexts.

17) Pari:
[see source text or glossary: Pari]

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