UDC

[94(985)+930.85](045)

Authors

Flera Kh. Sokolova
Northern (Arctic) Federal University named after M.V. Lomonosov; prosp. Lomonosova 2, Arkhangelsk, 163002, Russian Federation; e-mail: f.sokolova@narfu.ru

Abstract

Applying analytical and empirical research methods, the author studies the policies of the Russian sub-national republics in the Arctic on the development of their official languages and tongues of the indigenous small-numbered peoples living in the region. The Arctic is home to a large number of ethnic groups. Nevertheless, there have not been conducted enough comprehensive panoramic studies in this field. We know that the late 20th and early 21st centuries have seen intensified efforts to preserve and develop the titular languages of sub-national republics and native tongues of small-numbered peoples in Russia. At that time, the regulatory legal framework and mechanisms for implementing the language policy were improved; new types and forms of language popularization and teaching appeared. All these efforts produced certain results. Nevertheless, the use of native languages by the population continues to fall. Thus, from 1989 to 2010, the share of those who consider the tongue of their indigenous small-numbered peoples (many of which have traditionally lived in the Arctic) their native language decreased from 57.2 to 41.4 %. The number of those studying their native tongue among small ethnic groups living in the Arctic is also declining. The author believes that the language policy of the Arctic regions requires further improvement, especially in terms of matching the demand and supply when it comes to native languages, since the enormous costs paid for their development are disproportionate to the actual needs of the population. Ethnic minorities show little interest in their native tongues due to their limited practical relevance. Undoubtedly, linguistic diversity has to be revived and preserved, though not as a factor of ethnic identity, but as a cultural phenomenon.

Keywords

Russian Arctic, ethnic minorities, indigenous small-numbered peoples, titular nation, language policy

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