Current Linguistic Situation in Village of Sebyan-Kyuyol in Kobyai District of Republic of Sakha (Yakutia)

Abstract

This paper examines the linguistic situation in the village of Sebyan-Kyuyol in the Kobyai district of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), where the Lamunkhin Even people, one of the indigenous minority groups of the North, reside. The focus is on the structural and substantive characteristics of the linguistic situation. Data was obtained through participant observation and sociolinguistic surveys among 81 respondents from various age, gender, and social groups of the Even community. Using a comprehensive approach that includes linguistic and social aspects, the distribution and functions of Even, Russian, and Yakut languages in different spheres of communication are analyzed. It is shown that the linguistic situation is three-component, with the Even language being dominant but facing some challenges from Russian and Yakut languages in certain spheres, as well as among the younger generation who show less interest in their native language. Factors influencing the viability and maintenance of the Even language are identified. Problems and prospects for its development are revealed. It is established that the linguistic situation in Sebyan-Kyuyol village is relatively favorable and stable, but requires constant attention and support from the government and community.

Keywords

• language situation
• even language
• bilingualism
• multilingualism
• dialects
• ethnic identity