Ethnolinguistic Contradictions in Schooling in Russian Republics

Abstract

The article presents an analysis of the main factors of tension in connection with the compulsory study of the state languages of Tatarstan and Bashkortostan, and examines the course of development of contradictions, including from a legal point of view, as well as key differences of situations in both republics. It is shown that, according to sociological research data in recent years, the demand of learning of the Tatar language among Russians in Tatarstan has decreased, and the demand of the Tatars to learn the Tatar language remains very high. Some reasons are analyzed for growing dissatisfaction with the compulsory study of state languages of the republics, most pronounced in Tatarstan, including the ratio of hours of studying Russian and Tatar languages, non-conformity of the number of Russian language hours to the federal standards, poor efficiency of methods of studying Tatar language, lack of variability of methods, and mandatory testing in Tatar language – in the absence of the need for its use. In addition, the problems of lack of perception of the growing tensions by the regional leadership turned out to be significant. It is shown that the problems of compulsory study of the Tatar and Bashkir languages in schools are only one of the sides of the contradictions that continue in the sphere of population perception of the status of the republics. It is demonstrated that two key positions are perceptible along with the other positions. From the position of adherents of compulsory study of the republics’ state languages – the apprehension of the actions of the federal center as an attempt to assimilate and deprive sovereignty; from the position of adherents of voluntary study of languages – as the restoration of a unified state and the fight on ethnocracy. Analyzed are the results of a sociological study confirming the absence of critical differences in the perception of compulsory study of the Bashkir language among the Bashkirs, Tatars and Russians in Bashkortostan. The conclusions are made about the continuing development of the problem situation with a formal settlement at the level of school education and on its possible influence on ethnic attitudes and discourses.