Browsing by Subject "Chuvash Republic"

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Говорит Москва : Russian soft power through language policy in Chuvashia and Kyrgyzstan
(2023-08) Strankschreier, Generra; Bychkova Jordan, Bella; Garza, Thomas J.
This thesis examines Russian language dominance and its impact on the Chuvash and Kyrgyz languages in the Chuvash Republic and Kyrgyzstan. The primary concern is the continued marginalization of the Chuvash and Kyrgyz languages, highlighting the need for efforts to revitalize Chuvash and prevent the eventual dominance of the Kyrgyz language by Russian. The research employs a combination of qualitative research methods, including interviews, surveys, digital ethnography of social media platforms and participant observation using Sarah Lawrence- Lightfoot's framework of Ethnographic Portraiture. Through these methods, the study analyzes language usage patterns, language preferences, and attitudes towards the dominance of Russian in society. By examining the online realm through digital ethnography, the research explores how social media can serve as a tool for modernization, promoting language revitalization and fostering national consciousness. The theoretical framework draws upon Svetlana Boym's concept of Restorative Nostalgia to examine the phenomenon of National Nihilism in the Chuvash Republic and Kyrgyzstan, shedding light on the underlying attitudes towards language and identity. By investigating language representation and usage on online platforms, the study highlights the significance of language visibility and representation for maintaining cultural heritage and fostering linguistic diversity. The findings of this research will contribute to the understanding of Russian soft power through language policy and its implications on linguistic and cultural identities of the Chuvash and Kyrgyz people.