Vepsian

Vepsian is a Finno-Ugric language spoken in Leningrad Oblast, Russia. It is traditionally spoken by the Veps people, an ethnic group native to the region. The language is considered endangered, with only a few dozen fluent speakers remaining, mostly elderly individuals.

Vepsian is closely related to the Karelian and Finnish languages, with which it shares similarities in grammar and vocabulary. It is a Finnic language, part of the larger Finno-Ugric language family. Vepsian is written using the Cyrillic alphabet, although previously it was written using the Latin alphabet.

The language is mostly used in informal settings, such as among family members and friends. It is not commonly used in formal situations or in education. Efforts have been made to document and preserve the language, including the creation of language courses and dictionaries.

Research on Vepsian has suggested that the language has been influenced by Russian, the dominant language in the region. As a result, Vepsian has adopted some Russian loanwords and grammatical features. Despite this, Vepsian retains its unique characteristics and is recognized as a distinct language by linguists.

In recent years, there have been initiatives to revive the language, including language classes and cultural events. However, the long-term prospects for the language's survival remain uncertain. Efforts to document and promote the language continue, with a focus on preserving Vepsian culture and identity.