Some linguists (Radlov, Samoylovich) think that Mishar belongs to the Kipchak-Cuman group of languages rather than to the Kipchak-Bulgar group.[2] Especially the regional dialect of Sergachsky district (Nizhny Novgorod) is said to be faithfully close to the ancient Kipchak language. Increased contacts with Kazan Tatars have lessened these differences.[3]
Mishar is the dialect spoken by the Tatar minority of Finland. The origins of the Tatar community living in Finland rest upon the merchants coming from the villages of Nizhny Novgorod Oblast (then-Governorate).[4]
Dialects
Bulat Shaymi comparing the Kazan and Mishar dialects (2024).Finnish Mishar Tatar artist Aisa Hakimcan, born in Sergachsky district in 1896, speaking in 1952. (four samples).
Mishar Tatar dialects (сөйләшлер) are according to Makhmutova two (Ch and Ts)[5] or according to Gabdulkhay Akhatov three (Ch, Ts and mixed)[6] groups.
In the Western (Mişär) dialect Ç is pronounced [tʃ] (southern or Lambir Mişärs) and as [ts] (northern Mişärs or Nizhgars). C is pronounced [dʒ]. There are no differences between v and w, q and k, g and ğ in the Mişär dialect. The Cyrillic alphabet doesn't have special letters for q, ğ and w, so Mişär speakers have no difficulty reading Tatar written in Cyrillic.
