"Destroying Language, We Destroy Our Identity as Mari People": Indigenous Language Education Policy in Russia

• In Event: Language, Identity, and Power: Literacies of Resistance Across Spaces

Abstract

Despite historically being a pluri-ethnic nation, Russia has struggled with embracing diversity. Although by law ethnic minorities enjoy special status and protection, it is diminished by state policies and practices. In 2017, legislative amendments to Russia’s Education Act were introduced to discontinue compulsory Indigenous language education. This decision was made without consultations with Indigenous groups. This study investigated the views of three such groups – Karelian, Mari, and Tatar – to understand their position on Indigenous language education. It relied on in-depth semi-structured interviews with 30 participants, 10 representing each group, that were analyzed using content analysis. The findings show the groups’ strong attachment to their languages and other markers of difference, and dissatisfaction with the existing approaches to Indigenous language promotion.

Authors

• Yulia Nesterova, University of Hong Kong

• Elena Semenova, Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University

• Daria Khanolainen, Jyvaskyla University