Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'paganism'

English Word: paganism

Key Russian Translations:

• язычество [ˈjazɨkʲɪstvə] - [Formal]

Frequency: Medium (Used in academic, historical, or religious discussions, but not in everyday casual conversation)

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1-B2 on CEFR scale; Requires understanding of abstract religious concepts and Russian noun declensions)

Pronunciation (Russian):

язычество: [ˈjazɨkʲɪstvə]

Note on язычество: The stress is on the first syllable. The 'ы' sound is a distinct Russian vowel, similar to a short 'i' in "bit," and may be challenging for English speakers. Variations in pronunciation can occur in different dialects, but this is the standard Moscow variant.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The practice of religious beliefs that are neither Christian, Jewish, nor Muslim, often involving nature worship or polytheism.

Translation(s) & Context:

• язычество - Used in formal contexts like historical texts, anthropology, or discussions about pre-Christian traditions in Russia.

Usage Examples:

• В древней Руси язычество было распространено среди славянских племен.

  In ancient Rus, paganism was widespread among Slavic tribes.

• Многие современные неоязычники возрождают традиции язычества в качестве альтернативы монотеистическим религиям.

  Many modern neo-pagans are reviving traditions of paganism as an alternative to monotheistic religions.

• Изучение язычества помогает понять культурные корни европейских фольклоров.

  Studying paganism helps understand the cultural roots of European folklores.

• В некоторых регионах России язычество сохранилось в виде народных обрядов и праздников.

  In some regions of Russia, paganism persists in the form of folk rituals and holidays.

• Критика язычества часто возникала в средневековых текстах христианских авторов.

  Criticism of paganism often appeared in medieval texts by Christian authors.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

язычество is a neuter noun in Russian, and it follows the standard pattern for third-declension neuter nouns. It has regular declensions based on case and number. Below is a table outlining its inflections:

Note: This noun does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • идолопоклонство (idol worship; often used for more specific forms of pagan practices, with a slightly negative connotation)
  • политеизм (polytheism; focuses on the belief in multiple gods, which is a subset of paganism)
• Antonyms:
  • христианство (Christianity; represents monotheistic faiths in opposition to pagan beliefs)
  • монотеизм (monotheism; contrasts with the polytheistic aspects of paganism)

Related Phrases:

• Древнее язычество - Ancient paganism; Refers to pre-historic or early forms of pagan beliefs in Slavic cultures.
• Славянское язычество - Slavic paganism; Commonly used in discussions of Russian folklore and mythology.
• Возрождение язычества - Revival of paganism; Often discusses modern movements reviving ancient traditions.

Usage Notes:

язычество directly corresponds to the English term "paganism" in formal and academic contexts, emphasizing non-Abrahamic religions. It is typically used in written or educational settings rather than casual speech. When choosing this term over synonyms like "идолопоклонство," opt for язычество if the focus is on broader cultural practices rather than specific idol worship. Grammatically, always decline it according to Russian case rules to fit sentence structure, e.g., in genitive for possession. Be mindful of cultural sensitivity, as it can carry historical connotations in Russian contexts.

• In formal writing, pair it with adjectives like "древнее" (ancient) to specify historical periods.
• Avoid using it in everyday conversations unless discussing religion or history, as it may sound overly academic.

Common Errors:

One common mistake for English learners is incorrect declension, such as using the nominative form "язычество" in all cases. For example, incorrectly saying: "Я интересуюсь язычество" (wrong; should be "Я интересуюсь язычеством" in instrumental case). Correct usage: "Я интересуюсь язычеством" – This error arises from not adapting to Russian case requirements. Another error is confusing it with "язык" (language), due to similar roots, leading to mispronunciation or mix-ups in meaning.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, язычество often refers to the pre-Christian beliefs of the Slavic peoples, including worship of nature spirits, ancestors, and deities like Perun. It has seen a revival in modern Russia through neo-pagan movements, which blend ancient traditions with contemporary spirituality. This term carries a sense of historical nostalgia and is sometimes romanticized in literature and festivals, reflecting Russia's complex religious history.

Related Concepts:

• шаманизм (shamanism)
• фольклор (folklore)
• мифология (mythology)