Pronunciation: [kˈalmʌk] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of the term "Kalmuck" is often unclear, with variations such as "Kalmyk" or "Kalmyck". This word refers to a Mongolian ethnic group who reside in the Republic of Kalmykia in Russia. The spelling of this word can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription as /ˈkælmʌk/. This includes a hard "k" sound, a short "a" sound, and a soft "m" followed by a glottal stop, and then a hard "k" sound at the end.
Kalmuck refers to several related meanings and can be understood from various perspectives. Historically, the term Kalmuck primarily denoted a nomadic ethnic group, also known as Kalmyks, originating from the region of Dzungaria in Central Asia. The Kalmucks are traditionally members of the Oirat Mongol ethnic group and are mainly found in the Russian Republic of Kalmykia. They have a distinct culture, language, and history.
In a broader sense, Kalmuck can also refer to the language spoken by the Kalmyks, which belongs to the Oirat subgroup of the Mongolic language family. The language features a unique writing system using the Cyrillic alphabet.
Furthermore, the term Kalmuck can be used specifically in the context of the Kalmuck horse breed. Kalmuck horses are small, hardy, and capable of enduring harsh climatic conditions. They are descendants of horses that were originally raised by the Kalmuck people.
Additionally, Kalmuck can refer to the historical territories associated with the Kalmuck people and their migration routes. These territories include parts of present-day Russia, China, Mongolia, and Kazakhstan.
Overall, Kalmuck has multiple meanings that relate to the Kalmuck people, their language, their horse breed, and the territories associated with their history and migration patterns.
The word "Kalmuck" is derived from the Turkic language, specifically from the Turkic ethnic group known as the Oirats. The Oirats referred to themselves as "Kalmyk", meaning "remnant" or "leftover" in their language. This term originally referred to the remnants of the Mongol empire that migrated westward towards the Volga River region in present-day Russia during the 17th century.
Over time, the term "Kalmyk" was anglicized into "Kalmuck" and became the common name used to refer to this ethnic group and their language. Today, the Kalmucks mostly reside in the Republic of Kalmykia, which is part of the Russian Federation.
