2023, vol. 11, no. 3. Fidarov R.F.

2023, vol. 11, no. 3, pp. 521-531

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.22378/2313-6197.2023-11-3.521-531

EDN: https://elibrary.ru/GIMNEG

   ON SOME INACCURACIES IN TRANSLATION
OF “THE SECRET HISTORY OF THE MONGOLS” BY A.S. KOZIN

R.F. Fidarov
Institute of History and Archaeology of the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania
Vladikavkaz, Russian Federation
ziglo@yandex.ru

Abstract: Research objectives: This paper aims to identify inaccuracies in the Russian translation by A.S. Kozin of paragraphs 270 and 275 of the Mongolian 13th-century historical text “The Secret History of the Mongols.” These inaccuracies hinder a proper understanding of the information presented. The paragraphs in the source text narrate events related to the organization and course of the Great Western campaign of the Mongols (1236–1242). The translations sometimes present information that contradicts other sources and, consequently, modern interpretations of the history of the 1236–1242 Campaign. Furthermore, the points noted are occasionally refuted by other information within the same source. The analysis of these excerpts, which are ambiguous in meaning, leads to the conclusion that mistakes were made in their Russian translation. Notably, the inaccuracies identified in A.S. Kozin’s translation have not been previously addressed by researchers. Errors in the translation of the source material hinder the accurate comprehension and interpretation of its content by Russian-speaking researchers, occasionally leading modern authors astray and potentially resulting in incorrect conclusions.
Research materials: This study focuses on specific information in the Russian translation by A.S. Kozin of paragraphs 270 and 275 of the Mongolian historical text “The Secret History of the Mongols.” The investigation was conducted by comparing questionable segments with translations of the source text in other European languages, as well as with re-transcriptions of the text into Mongolian carried out by specialists.
Results and novelty of the research: This paper exposes inaccuracies in A.S. Kozin’s Russian translation of “The Secret History of the Mongols” and proposes their correction. A thorough understanding of the source material is crucial for its accurate interpretation and drawing of correct conclusions. This study may be of particular interest to Russian-speaking researchers.

Keywords: source translation, Western campaign, Batu, Buri, Güyug, Ögedei Qa’an

For citation: Fidarov R.F. On some inaccuracies in translation of “The Secret History of the Mongols” by A.S. Kozin. Zolotoordynskoe obozrenie=Golden Horde Review. 2023, vol. 11, no. 3, pp. 521–531.  DOI: 10.22378/2313-6197.2023-11-3.521-531 (In Russian)

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About the author: Rustem F. Fidarov – Cand. Sci. (History), Senior Research Fellow of the History Department, Institute of History and Archaeology of the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania (46, Vatutin Str., Vladikavkaz 362025, Russian Federation); ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6425-4243. E-mail: ziglo@yandex.ru

Received  May 17, 2023   Accepted for publication  August 10, 2023
Published  Online September 29, 2023