The Mari language is primarily spoken in Russia, with its main concentration in the Mari Republic (Марий Эл) and various other regions within the Russian Federation.
Where is Mari Spoken?
The Mari language, a Uralic language, is natively spoken by a significant population primarily within the Russian Federation. While the Mari Republic is its core linguistic home, speakers are also found across several other areas.
Key Speaking Regions in Russia
The distribution of Mari speakers extends beyond the Mari Republic to various adjacent and distant territories within Russia.
| Region | Description |
|---|---|
| Mari Republic | This republic (Марий Эл) within Russia is the primary and most significant area where the Mari language is spoken natively. |
| Vyatka River Basin | Mari speakers are found in areas situated along the basin of the Vyatka River. |
| Eastwards to the Urals | The language's reach extends eastward, encompassing regions leading up to the Ural Mountains. |
| Tatarstan | This is another republic within the Russian Federation where a considerable number of Mari speakers reside. |
| Udmurtia | Located west of the Urals, Udmurtia is another republic in Russia where the Mari language is spoken. |
| Perm | Speakers of Mari are also present in the Perm Krai, a federal subject of Russia located in the Volga and Ural Federal Districts. |
These regions collectively represent the areas where the Mari language is actively used by its native speakers.
Overview of the Mari Language
The Mari language belongs to the Uralic language family. As of 2020, it was natively spoken by approximately 320,000 people, with a total of around 400,000 speakers, predominantly residing in Russia. Its presence across these diverse Russian regions highlights its cultural and linguistic significance within the country.
