Influence of Bilingualism on Russian Peoples’ National Self-Identity
Abstract
The article reveals how language relates to ethnic identification as a key component of a bilingual’s national self-identity. The research problem characterises the aim of the study, which isto establish how bilingualism influences Russian peoples’ national self-identity. The literature review demonstrated associations between language, linguistic consciousness, and national self-identity in social and human sciences as well as philosophy of language. Analysis and synthesis of scientific sources allowed substantiating the role of bilingualism and dialogue of culture in developing Russian people’s national self-identity. Specific features of bilingualism in Russia include monolingualism, dominance of the Russian language, a low level of acquiring a foreign language, and national-Russian bilingualism. The national-Russian bilingualism is inherent to the Republic of Buryatia and the Republic of Kalmykia. With dialogue of culture grounded, competence in languages on these territories is regarded as impetus for Russian people’s national self-identity to grow. The bilingual society seeks to revive the status of their national languages and develop their nations, without heading for monolignualism. Hence, bilingualism describes a positive influence on the national self-identity of the Buryats and Kalmyks.
Keywords: bilingualism; language; dialogue of culture; national self-identity; Russian peoples
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