Монгол бичгийн цагаан толгойг төвөд үсгээр тэмдэглэсэн уламжлалт хэл зүйн бичгүүдийн шинжилгээ

Analysis of traditional grammatical texts with the Mongolian traditional script’s alphabet annotated in Tibetan script

Among the many books, sutras and treatises passed down in Mongolian traditional linguistic works, especially those related to the history of Mongolian traditional linguistics, make up a significant portion. One of the most notable works among Mongolian scholars is Oɣturɣui-yin Maani (Commentary of the Aorta of the Heart) by Smon-lam rab-‘byams Bstan-‘dzin-grags-pa (Monlam Rabjamba Danzandagva), which was written in the 18th century and is considered the most comprehensive grammatical work discovered to date. This linguistic work provides information about the legends surrounding the origin of the Mongolian traditional script, the origins of writing, and mentions earlier works by Saskya Pandita Kun-dga’-rgyal-mtshan (Saja bandida Gungaajalčan), Saskya Pandita Chos-kyi-‘od-zer (Saja bandida Choiji-Odser), and Saskya Pandita Kun-dga’-‘od-zer (Saja bandida Gungaa-Odser), who authored a work titled Zirüken Toltu (Aorta of the Heart). It can be said without exaggeration that there is no Mongolian scholar who has failed to mention the value, historical significance, and the impact of Oɣturɣui-yin Maani on the history of Mongolian tradional linguistics. In the 18th century, apart from Rab-‘byams Bstan-‘dzin-grags-pa, several linguistic works were also written by Urad güüsi Biligiindalai. In the 19th century, there were works such as «Kelen-ü čimeg (Ornament of the Tongue)” written by Lharamba Agvangdangdar, «Delgerengui Oyut» written by Dagvasharav, and linguistic texts by Sumadiradna, Delegjunai, Jin Jai Gun, Saishingaa, Tümed Galzan, Nasan-Urt, among others. In the early 20th century, works like «Altan toli (Golden Mirror Explaining the Rules of Mongolian Script)” written by Lhamusürüng, as well as texts by Nachin, Dugarjab, Lubsangdanzan, Onghud Jamyan, and some anonymous linguistic works passed down through generations also exist. Many studies have been conducted on the linguistic works mentioned here, either specifically or indirectly. However, there have been few studies that focus on comparing the alphabet in these works in particular. In modern times, traditional linguistic works such as Oɣturɣui-yin Maani and other texts, along with the study of the Mongolian tradional script’s alphabet and Tibetan script written to aid in learning Mongolian traditional script, contain numerous instances of Tibetan evidence supporting the Mongolian alphabet. Upon examining these sources, it is observed that for most of the letters, the Tibetan script annotated is consistent. However, in some instances where letters share similar forms, the Tibetan script annotated differs. The use of Tibetan script as annotated serves primarily to distinguish between characters that were originally represented by similar forms, such as «q-ɣ,» «y-j,» and «d-t,» and helps clarify their specific positions. For instance, the «y-j» form is similar in many cases, so Tibetan script annotated helps determine which letter should come first—“y” or “j.” Secondly, the presence of Tibetan script annotated for other letters highlights the special attention paid to the pronunciation of these scripts. For example, in the well-known works of Danzandagva such as Oɣturɣui-yin Maani and 18 üsüg orusibai (Eighteen Mongolian Letters), «qa» is written with a dot, while «ɣa» is written without one. Without the Tibetan script annotated, one might mistakenly interpret the dotted version as «ɣa» and the undotted version as «qa.» Therefore, Tibetan script annotated for letters with similar forms but differing components is crucial in determining the correct reading of these scripts. Thus, by examining the Tibetan evidence in relation to the Mongolian alphabet, this article presents a comparison and analysis of changes in letters order and the distinctive features of letters with similar forms. This study demonstrates the significance of Tibetan script annotated in understanding the Mongolian traditional script.