Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'speleology'

English Word: speleology

Key Russian Translations:

• спелеология /spɛlʲɪ.ɐˈlo.ɡʲɪ.jə/ - [Formal]

Frequency: Low (Primarily used in scientific, academic, or specialized contexts; not common in everyday conversation)

Difficulty: C1 (Advanced; Requires familiarity with technical terminology and Russian scientific vocabulary)

Pronunciation (Russian):

спелеология: /spɛlʲɪ.ɐˈlo.ɡʲɪ.jə/

Note on спелеология: The stress falls on the fourth syllable ("lo"), which is a common challenge for English speakers due to the soft consonants (e.g., 'лʲ' as in 'ль'). Pronunciation may vary slightly in fast speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The study of caves, including their formation, exploration, and geological features.

Translation(s) & Context:

• спелеология - Used in formal scientific discussions, academic papers, or educational contexts to refer to the scientific discipline of cave exploration.

Usage Examples:

• Спелеология — это наука, изучающая пещеры и их геологическое происхождение.

  Speleology is the science that studies caves and their geological origins.

• Мой друг увлекается спелеологией и часто исследует подземные лабиринты.

  My friend is passionate about speleology and often explores underground labyrinths.

• В университете я изучаю спелеологию, чтобы стать профессиональным спелеологом.

  At university, I am studying speleology to become a professional speleologist.

• Спелеология сочетает элементы геологии и биологии для анализа экосистем пещер.

  Speleology combines elements of geology and biology to analyze cave ecosystems.

• Современная спелеология использует передовые технологии, такие как лазерное сканирование, для картографирования пещер.

  Modern speleology employs advanced technologies, such as laser scanning, for mapping caves.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Спелеология" is a feminine noun borrowed from Greek via English, and it follows the standard patterns for nouns ending in -ия in Russian. It is relatively stable but can inflect based on case and number. Below is a table outlining its basic declensions for singular forms (plural is less common as it refers to a field of study).

Note: The word does not have irregular inflections, but English learners should pay attention to the soft sign (ь) which affects pronunciation in certain cases.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • пещерология (slightly less common, emphasizes cave-specific aspects; used interchangeably in some contexts)
  • карстология (focuses on karst formations, a subset of speleology)
• Antonyms: None directly applicable, as it is a specific scientific field. However, broader contrasts might include "поверхностная геология" (surface geology), which deals with above-ground features.

Related Phrases:

• Исследование спелеологии — Research in speleology (Refers to scientific investigations in the field).
• Спелеологический клуб — Speleological club (A group for cave enthusiasts or professionals).
• Подземная спелеология — Underground speleology (Emphasizes exploration of subterranean caves).

Usage Notes:

"Спелеология" directly corresponds to the English term "speleology" as a technical field, but it is most appropriate in formal or academic settings. English speakers should note that Russian scientific vocabulary often retains borrowed words like this with minimal adaptation. When using it, ensure the context is clear, as it may require additional explanation for general audiences. For multiple translations, choose "спелеология" for broad applications, but "карстология" if focusing on karst phenomena. Grammatically, it functions as a feminine noun, so adjectives and verbs must agree accordingly (e.g., "интересная спелеология" for "interesting speleology").

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "спелеология" with "геология" (geology) and using it interchangeably. Incorrect: "Геология изучает пещеры" (Geology studies caves). Correct: "Спелеология изучает пещеры" (Speleology studies caves). Explanation: While related, speleology is a subset; this misuse can lead to imprecise communication in scientific contexts.

• Error: Mispronouncing the word by ignoring the soft consonants, e.g., saying /spɛlɪˈɒlədʒi/ like the English version. Incorrect Pronunciation: /spɛlɪˈɒlədʒi/. Correct Pronunciation: /spɛlʲɪ.ɐˈlo.ɡʲɪ.jə/. Explanation: Russian phonetics require attention to palatalization, which affects meaning and naturalness.

Cultural Notes:

In Russia, speleology has a rich cultural background tied to the country's vast cave systems, such as those in the Ural Mountains and Caucasus region. It often intersects with adventure tourism and environmental conservation, reflecting Russia's emphasis on exploring its natural heritage. Historically, Russian speleologists have contributed to global knowledge, with figures like Alexander Kruber advancing the field in the early 20th century.

Related Concepts:

• геология (geology)
• биология (biology)
• карст (karst)
• пещеры (caves)