How does Buryat differ from Mongol in vocabulary, pronunciation, and verb endings?

Buryat and Mongol are closely related languages within the Eastern group of the Mongolian languages. While some scholars debate whether they should be classified as distinct languages or dialects, their separation is supported by their distinct political and cultural histories, which have influenced their linguistic development.1

Buryat differs from Mongol in the following ways:

• Vocabulary: Buryat is distinguished by a significantly Russified vocabulary, a result of the Buryat people's long history under Russian rule beginning in the mid-17th century.1
• Pronunciation: A notable phonological feature of Buryat is the shift of the sound /s/ to /h/.1
• Verb Endings: Buryat has developed specific personal endings on the verb that differ from those found in Mongol.1

These differences, alongside their unique historical trajectories, are the primary factors cited by linguists when distinguishing Buryat from other Mongolian languages.1