Mongolian language is one of the Ural-Altaic family's language. Today more than 10 million people who live in Mongolia, Kazakh, Buryat, Inner Mongolia in China and others speak Mongolian language. 

The language

The history of Mongolian language is divided into three groups.

1. Old Mongolian language
2. Middle Mongolian language
3. Modern Mongolian language

The old Mongolian language lasted from ancient times till XII century. The documents of the period inscribed into stone monuments Tonyukuk.

The middle Mongolian period continued from XII-XVI century. During the time, Secret history of Mongols, Arab-Mongolian dictionary and other important documents were composed. Also Mongolian language is divided into southern, eastern and western dialects: Secret history of Mongols belongs to the eastern dialect, Arab-Mongolian dictionary - to the western dialect.

The Mongolian modern language from 17th century until present days. During this period, the scientists said that standard Mongolian language has been started. Mongolians have invented and used about 10 different scripts, such as dorvoljin, tod, soyombo letters and etc. Old Mongolian script is known as Uighur Mongolian script. The old Mongolian script is written from top to bottom. The Uighur adopted their alphabet from the Sogdians in the 13th century. In 1944, the Russian Cyrillic alphabet was adopted, with two additional letters, replacing the old Mongolian scripts. Since that time all ordinary and official documents were written by Cyrillic. Therefore all Mongolian schools re-introduced into their training programs since 1990. Cyrillic has 35 letters and double vowels. Also one important thing is its pronunciation. Mongolian pronunciation is very difficult. Writer Tim Severin said that Mongolian language is like two cats coughing and spitting at each other.

Vowels

Consonants

Sample of Mongolian written in the traditional alphabet

Cyrillic alphabet for Mongolian (Khalkha)

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