Definition

Noun 1. A member of a nomadic people of the northern Ural Mountains: "Vogul" refers to an individual belonging to a specific ethnic group historically living in the northern Ural region. 2. The Ugric language (related to Hungarian) spoken by the Vogul people: "Vogul" also denotes the Finno-Ugric language traditionally spoken by this ethnic group.

Usage Notes

• The term "Vogul" is an older exonym. In modern ethnography and linguistics, the terms Mansi (for the people) and Mansi language are the standard and preferred endonyms.
• It is used primarily in historical or older anthropological contexts.
• As a language name, it is often capitalized (Vogul).

Examples

• Noun (Person):
  • The 19th-century explorer documented the life of a Vogul hunter.
  • Traditional Vogul beliefs were closely tied to the natural world.
• Noun (Language):
  • He conducted research on the grammar of the Vogul language.
  • Vogul is part of the Ugric branch of the Uralic language family.

Advanced Usage

• In historical linguistics: The term is used to discuss the historical development and relationships within the Uralic language family.
  • Comparative studies between Vogul and Hungarian reveal ancient Ugric connections.

Variants and Related Words

• Mansi (n.): The modern and preferred name for both the ethnic group and their language.
  • The Mansi people live in Western Siberia.
• Ugric (adj.): Relating to the branch of the Uralic language family that includes Hungarian, Mansi (Vogul), and Khanty.
  • The Ugric languages share common ancestral features.

Synonyms

• For the person: Mansi (preferred modern term).
• For the language: Mansi language (preferred modern term).

Notes on Meaning

The dual meaning of "Vogul" (both the people and their language) is common for many ethnic group names. The context of the sentence usually makes it clear which meaning is intended. When referring to linguistic features, it means the language; when discussing culture or history, it typically means the people.

Noun

1. the Ugric language (related to Hungarian) spoken by the Vogul
2. a member of a nomadic people of the northern Urals