Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'polyandry'

English Word: polyandry

Key Russian Translations:

• полиандрия [pəlʲɪˈandrʲɪjə] - [Formal]

Frequency: Low (This term is rarely used in everyday conversation and is primarily found in academic, anthropological, or historical contexts.)

Difficulty: Advanced (C1) (Suitable for learners with a strong grasp of Russian vocabulary and grammar, as it involves specialized terminology and understanding of cultural concepts.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

полиандрия: [pəlʲɪˈandrʲɪjə]

Note on полиандрия: The stress falls on the third syllable ("an-"), which can be challenging for English speakers due to the palatalized 'л' sound. Pronounce it with a soft 'l' as in "million" in English.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: The practice or custom of a woman having more than one husband at the same time, often in specific cultural or historical contexts.

Translation(s) & Context:

• полиандрия - Used in formal discussions of anthropology, sociology, or history, particularly when describing marital systems in certain societies like those in Tibet or parts of India.

Usage Examples:

• В некоторых горных регионах Гималаев полиандрия была традиционной формой брака для сохранения земельных ресурсов.

  In some Himalayan mountain regions, polyandry was a traditional form of marriage to preserve land resources.

• Антропологи изучают полиандрию как пример альтернативных структур семьи в неиндустриализированных обществах.

  Anthropologists study polyandry as an example of alternative family structures in non-industrialized societies.

• В исторических текстах полиандрия часто упоминается в контексте экономических и социальных вызовов отдаленных общин.

  In historical texts, polyandry is often mentioned in the context of economic and social challenges in remote communities.

• Современные дебаты о полиандрии затрагивают вопросы гендерного равенства и культурного разнообразия.

  Modern debates about polyandry touch on issues of gender equality and cultural diversity.

• Хотя полиандрия редко встречается сегодня, она остается важным понятием в этнографических исследованиях.

  Although polyandry is rarely encountered today, it remains an important concept in ethnographic studies.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

The Russian word "полиандрия" is a feminine noun of the first declension. It follows standard patterns for Russian nouns but is not commonly inflected in everyday use due to its specialized nature. Below is a table outlining its primary inflections:

Note: This word does not have irregular forms, but its plural is less commonly used as the concept is often discussed in singular contexts.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • многомужество - A more descriptive term emphasizing multiple husbands, often used in literary or poetic contexts.
  • полигамия (in a specific female context) - Though broader, it can be a synonym when focusing on female polygamy.
• Antonyms:
  • многоженство - Refers to a man having multiple wives (polygyny).
  • моногамия - Refers to the practice of having only one spouse at a time.

Related Phrases:

• система полиандрии - System of polyandry; Refers to the structured social arrangement in certain cultures.
• традиционная полиандрия - Traditional polyandry; Used to describe historical or cultural practices.
• современные формы полиандрии - Modern forms of polyandry; Discusses rare contemporary instances or debates.

Usage Notes:

"Полиандрия" directly corresponds to the English term "polyandry" and is typically used in formal, academic, or anthropological discussions. It is not appropriate for casual conversation due to its specialized nature. When choosing this term, ensure the context involves cultural or historical analysis, as it carries implications of gender dynamics and social structures. Avoid confusing it with "полигамія" (polygamy), which is more general. In Russian sentences, it often appears in nominative or genitive cases when describing practices.

• Always pair it with cultural context to avoid misinterpretation.
• In writing, use it in essays or reports rather than spoken language.

Common Errors:

One common mistake for English learners is confusing "полиандрия" with "многоженство" (polygyny), leading to incorrect usage in discussions of gender-specific marriage practices. For example:

• Incorrect: В этой культуре практикуется многоженство, где женщина имеет нескольких мужей. (Error: This uses "многоженство," which actually means a man with multiple wives.)
• Correct: В этой культуре практикуется полиандрия, где женщина имеет нескольких мужей.
• Explanation: The error stems from direct translation without considering gender specifics. Always verify the direction of the marital relationship before using the term.

Cultural Notes:

"Полиандрия" is often associated with cultures in Tibet, parts of India, and Nepal, where it historically served practical purposes like land inheritance and population control in harsh environments. It reflects deeper societal values around resource management and family unity, but it has declined due to modernization and changing gender norms. Understanding this term provides insight into how marriage customs adapt to environmental and economic pressures in non-Western societies.

Related Concepts:

• полигамія
• моногамия
• многоженство
• брачные обычаи