Mongolian, primarily spoken in Mongolia and parts of China, uses a unique script for its writing system. The traditional Mongolian script, which is vertically oriented, is a fascinating and historically rich writing system. In Mongolia, the Cyrillic alphabet is also widely used, especially since the 20th century. This guide will focus on the Cyrillic-based Mongolian alphabet, which is essential for understanding modern Mongolian.

Overview of the Mongolian Cyrillic Alphabet

• Script Type: Cyrillic
• Number of Letters: 32
• Unique Features: The alphabet includes unique letters not found in the Russian Cyrillic alphabet and is used to write the Mongolian language.

Detailed Breakdown of the Mongolian Cyrillic Alphabet

Vowels

Mongolian Cyrillic script has 9 basic vowels, and each vowel has a distinct pronunciation.

1. А, а

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘a’ in “father.”
   • Example Word: “Амаа” (Amaa) – meaning “Mouth”

2. Э, э

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘e’ in “bet.”
   • Example Word: “Эрдэнэ” (Erdene) – meaning “Jewel”

3. И, и

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘ee’ in “see.”
   • Example Word: “Идээ” (Ideе) – meaning “Food”

4. О, о

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘o’ in “go.”
   • Example Word: “Од” (Od) – meaning “Star”

5. Ө, ө

   • Pronunciation: Similar to ‘u’ in “burn.”
   • Example Word: “Өргөө” (Örgöö) – meaning “Palace”

6. У, у

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘oo’ in “food.”
   • Example Word: “Улс” (Uls) – meaning “Country”

7. Ү, ү

   • Pronunciation: Similar to ‘ü’ in German “über.”
   • Example Word: “Үлэг” (Üleg) – meaning “Legend”

8. Ю, ю (Yu)

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘u’ in “universe.”
   • Example Word: “Юм” (Yum) – meaning “Thing”

9. Я, я (Ya)

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘ya’ in “yarn.”
   • Example Word: “Ямаа” (Yamaa) – meaning “Button”

Consonants

The Mongolian Cyrillic alphabet includes 23 consonants.

1. Б, б (Be)

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘b’ in “bat.”
   • Example Word: “Бага” (Baga) – meaning “Small”

2. В, в (Ve)

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘v’ in “van.”
   • Example Word: “Ванга” (Vanga) – meaning “Cheek”

3. Г, г (Ge)

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘g’ in “go.”
   • Example Word: “Гэр” (Ger) – meaning “Home”

4. Д, д (De)

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘d’ in “dog.”
   • Example Word: “Давс” (Davs) – meaning “Salt”

5. Ж, ж (Je)

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘s’ in “pleasure.”
   • Example Word: “Жолоо” (Joloo) – meaning “Steering”

6. З, з (Ze)

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘z’ in “zoo.”
   • Example Word: “Зургаа” (Zurgaa) – meaning “Six”

7. Й, й (Yot)

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘y’ in “boy.”
   • Example Word: “Йог” (Yog) – meaning “Yoga”

8. К, к (Ka)

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘k’ in “kite.”
   • Example Word: “Камер” (Kamer) – meaning “Camera”

9. Л, л (El)

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘l’ in “love.”
   • Example Word: “Луу” (Luu) – meaning “Deer”

10. М, м (Em)

    • Pronunciation: Like ‘m’ in “man.”
    • Example Word: “Мод” (Mod) – meaning “Tree”

11. Н, н (En)

    • Pronunciation: Like ‘n’ in “nice.”
    • Example Word: “Намар” (Namar) – meaning “Autumn”

12. П, п (Pe)

    • Pronunciation: Like ‘p’ in “pot.”
    • Example Word: “Парк” (Park) – meaning “Park”

13. Р, р (Er)

    • Pronunciation: Trilled ‘r’ as in Spanish “perro.”
    • Example Word: “Рашаан” (Rashaan) – meaning “Spring Water”

14. С, с (Es)

    • Pronunciation: Like ‘s’ in “sun.”
    • Example Word: “Сар” (Sar) – meaning “Moon”

15. Т, т (Te)

    • Pronunciation: Like ‘t’ in “tea.”
    • Example Word: “Тахиа” (Takhia) – meaning “Rooster”

16. Ф, ф (Ef)

    • Pronunciation: Like ‘f’ in “fish.”
    • Example Word: “Ферм” (Ferm) – meaning “Farm”

17. Х, х (Kha)

    • Pronunciation: A throaty ‘kh’, like ‘ch’ in the Scottish “loch” or German “Bach.”
    • Example Word: “Хаан” (Khaan) – meaning “King”

18. Ц, ц (Tse)

    • Pronunciation: Like ‘ts’ in “cats.”
    • Example Word: “Цагаан” (Tsagaan) – meaning “White”

19. Ч, ч (Che)

    • Pronunciation: Like ‘ch’ in “chop.”
    • Example Word: “Чулуу” (Chuluu) – meaning “Stone”

20. Ш, ш (Sha)

    • Pronunciation: Like ‘sh’ in “shut.”
    • Example Word: “Шар” (Shar) – meaning “Yellow”

21. Щ, щ (Shcha)

    • Pronunciation: Similar to ‘shch’ in “fresh cheese.”
    • Example Word: Rarely used in native words, often in loanwords

22. Ъ, ъ (Hard Sign)

    • Pronunciation: Used to separate syllables, no pronunciation.
    • Example Word: Used in specific cases, less common in modern Mongolian

23. Ь, ь (Soft Sign)

    • Pronunciation: Softens the preceding consonant, no pronunciation of its own.
    • Example Word: Used in specific contexts, not a standalone sound

Pronunciation Tips

• Vowel Harmony: Pay attention to vowel harmony, which is a key feature in Mongolian.
• Consonant Clusters: Some words have consonant clusters that might be challenging for beginners.
• Soft and Hard Sounds: Be aware of the softening effect of certain vowels on preceding consonants.

Practice Exercises

• Listening and Speaking: Engage with Mongolian audio resources and practice speaking.
• Writing Practice: Write down each letter and practice forming words.
• Reading Practice: Begin with simple texts to familiarize yourself with the alphabet in context.

Additional Resources

• Language Learning Apps: Look for apps that offer Mongolian language courses.
• Online Tutorials: Websites and YouTube channels can be valuable resources for lessons.
• Language Exchange: Practice with native speakers for practical experience.

Conclusion

Learning the Mongolian Cyrillic alphabet is fundamental for reading, writing, and understanding the language. Regular practice in speaking, listening, reading, and writing is essential for effective learning. As you master the alphabet, you’ll gain a deeper insight into the rich cultural heritage of Mongolia.