Tungusian

Tungusian is a term that can refer to several related concepts. Primarily, it is used as an adjective to describe anything related to the Tungus peoples, also known as the Manchu-Tungus peoples. These are a group of Northeast Asian ethnic groups who traditionally inhabited Manchuria and the Russian Far East. Their languages, known as Tungusic languages, form a small language family.

The Tungusic languages are typically divided into three branches: Northern, Southern, and Western. Notable languages within this family include Manchu, Ewenki, Even, and Nanai. While Manchu is a historically significant language due to its association with the Qing dynasty, many Tungusic languages are now endangered, with a declining number of speakers.

In a broader context, "Tungusian" can also refer to the cultural and historical sphere of these peoples. This encompasses their traditional lifestyles, which often involved hunting, fishing, and reindeer herding, as well as their distinct artistic traditions, shamanistic beliefs, and social structures. The interactions between Tungusic peoples and neighboring groups, such as the Mongols and Chinese, have also shaped the history of the region. Research into Tungusic languages and cultures continues to be an important area of linguistic and anthropological study.