Zadorin I.V., Podobed I.V. Russian Language in Northern Eurasia: Political and Demographic Factors of Prevalence and Usage. Politeia, 2020, No.3(98), pp. 136-164.

Текст статьи на сайте журнала URL: http://politeia.ru/files/articles/rus/Politeia-2020-3(98)-136-164.pdf (дата обращения 30.10.2020)

Abstract

The article examines the main trends in the usage of the Russian language on the territory of the Northern Eurasia (in the former Soviet Republics) and factors that explain the degree of its spread. The authors analyze distinguishing features and dynamics of the linguistic situation in each post-Soviet country (except Russia and Turkmenistan), describe the state of affairs in the capitals, among young people and people with higher education. The authors offer typology of the former Soviet republics according to the degree of spread of the Russian language. Empirically, the study relies upon the data from the monitoring surveys of the population carried out by the International Association of Research Companies “Eurasian Monitor” in 2006—2017. The authors focus on the level of usage of the Russian language in everyday communications, determined through the percentage distribution of answers to the question: “What language do you usually speak with you family, at home?” The study also used data on the legal status of the Russian language in various countries of the subcontinent, including the adopted legislation on language policy. The analysis shows a general trend towards a gradual decrease in the spread of the Russian language in the countries of the former USSR, which is rooted in both demographic processes (a decrease in the share of the Russian population and generational change) and political factors (regulatory measures that restrict the use of the Russian language at work, media, education and affect its use in everyday life). At the same time, the authors highlight a number of factors that help to preserve and even strengthen the positions of the Russian language, including some sort of elitism in its usage and the development of Runet as a powerful platform for communication in Russian.