Authors

Valeriya Minakova¹;  ¹ McMaster University , Canada

Discussion

The preservation of titular languages in the North Caucasus is of critical importance to various ethnic groups in the region as Russian becomes dominant in many spheres of life. This presentation examines the intersection between language ideologies and emotions among the Circassians, an Indigenous people of the North Caucasus. Drawing on interviews with Circassian parents, teachers, scholars, questionnaires with school children, and classroom observations, the study investigates the dominant language ideologies in Adygea, one of the national republics where Circassians reside. I demonstrate that Circassians view their ancestral language as essential for both individual well-being and the survival of the Circassian ethnic group. The ongoing language shift towards Russian in Adygea is perceived as a threat to the Circassian nation, evoking strong emotions such as sadness and grief.

The presentation highlights the clash between local language ideologies and federal language policies, which have increasingly promoted Russian. The 2018 amendment to the Law on Education allows parents to choose whether their child will study Russian or a local titular language as a “native language” at school. Multiple rural schools in Adygea disregard this policy and continue to only offer Circassian as a “native language”. Urban schools have adopted the policy, and some Circassian parents select Russian out of practical considerations. Viewed as disrespectful to the Circassian ethnic group, this practice is strongly disapproved by the community.

This research underscores the profound emotional and symbolic significance of the Circassian language to its speakers, while also revealing the practical challenges posed by the dominance of Russian