Northerners’ World Image in the Essay Travel Notes (Life in Zhigansky District) by A.I. Sofronov-Alampa

Abstract

The article examines the northerners’ world image as it is reflected in the artistic essay by Yakut literature founder A.I. Sofronov-Alampa, Travel notes (life in Zhigansky District). The significance of the study is highlighted by the fact that 2024 marks the 100th anniversary of the first work in Yakut literature that was dedicated to the daily life of the northern peoples. The purpose of this research is to study and comprehend the traditions, ethical beliefs, and mental characteristics of northern ethnic groups, as they are reflected in the work of A.I. Sofronov-Alampa. His essay became the primary material for the research, while supplementary materials included archival documents from the collections of the Manuscript Department of the Institute for Humanities Research and Indigenous Studies of the North of Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, as well as works by prominent northern ethnographers. The research uses historicaltypological, cultural-historical, and descriptive research methods. The analysis shows that A.I. Sofronov-Alampa reproduced with talent and reliability life realities of the northern peoples living in the incredibly difficult climatic and social conditions of the North. The author describes in detail the ethnographic realities, religious views, and traditions of the Tungus. At the same time, as a representative of the “civilized” world, the writer constantly compares the life of nomads with the way of life of the Yakuts. He identifies such distinctive features of the northern mentality as hospitality, tolerance, conflict avoidance, trust, mutual assistance, endurance, and respect for elders.

Keywords

• a.i. sofronov
• travel notes
• tungus
• traditions
• mentality
• ethnic psychology
• tolerance
• optimism