The Beauty of Belarusian: 10 Little-Known Facts

Belarusian, known locally as “Беларуская мова” (Belaruskaya mova), is the official language of Belarus and is spoken by millions. Yet, beyond its borders, there’s limited awareness about the rich intricacies and history of this language. Here, we delve deep into ten lesser-known facets of Belarusian that might surprise you.

1. The “Other” Eastern Slavic Language:

While Russian and Ukrainian often overshadow it, Belarusian is the third major East Slavic language. Like its counterparts, it evolved from Old East Slavic and has undergone a series of linguistic transformations.

2. Historic Literary Tradition:

The first known Belarusian grammar book was printed in 1567 in Prague by Branislau Taraskievic. In the 19th century, Francišak Bahuševič’s poetry laid the groundwork for the modern Belarusian literary tradition.

3. Taraškievica vs. Narkamauka:

There are two main orthographies in Belarusian: Taraškievica (classical orthography) and Narkamauka (Soviet-influenced). After Belarus was incorporated into the Soviet Union, the Belarusian Latin alphabet was converted into the Cyrillic alphabet, leading to the development of Narkamauka.

4. More Than Just Cyrillic:

Historically, Belarusian was also written using the Latin script, especially during the 16th and 17th centuries. In some diaspora communities and among certain political groups, there are calls for a return to this Latin script.

5. Bilingual Nation:

Although Belarusian is the official language of Belarus, Russian is widely spoken due to historical, political, and cultural factors. While both languages are taught in schools, Belarusian is often reserved for ceremonies, literature, and other formal events.

6. Unique Phonetics:

Belarusian has a set of unique phonetic features that distinguish it from Russian and Ukrainian. For instance, the soft “г” sound (resembling an English “h”) is a characteristic element of Belarusian pronunciation.

7. Resurgence Through Music:

In recent decades, Belarusian rock and folk music bands, such as N.R.M., Lyapis Trubetskoy, and Stary Olsa, have gained popularity singing in Belarusian. Their success has contributed to the revival and popularization of the language among younger generations.

8. The Language of Pahonia:

“Pahonia” (the chase) is a historical coat of arms of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and a symbol of Belarusian nationalism. In many Belarusian nationalist circles, promoting the Belarusian language is seen as a way of preserving the nation’s unique identity.

9. Distinct Dialects:

Belarusian features two main dialect groups: North-Eastern and South-Western. These dialects have unique phonetic, lexical, and grammatical features that reflect the historical and geographical diversity of Belarus.

10. Increasing Digital Presence:

With the advent of technology, there’s been a surge in Belarusian content online. Platforms like Wikipedia, Facebook, and Google have Belarusian versions. Moreover, initiatives like the “Movement for the Development of the Belarusian Language” work to promote its online presence.

Conclusion

Belarusian, with its rich history and cultural significance, serves as an emblem of the Belarusian nation’s resilience and spirit. While it has faced challenges, from historical oppressions to modern-day political pressures, the language continues to evolve and thrive. For those who delve deeper, Belarusian reveals a wealth of stories, sounds, and intricacies that provide a deeper understanding of the heart of Eastern Europe.