Abstract
The purpose of this article is to analyze migration activity in the post-Soviet space, changes in ethnic composition in the CIS countries and their role in peculiarities of preservation, functioning and representations about the Russian language, its main characteristics and proficiency among population from CIS countries. Empirical data was collected during the sociological research, fulfilled in 2017 in six countries members of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS): Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, n = 1400. Information-gathering methods included formal interviews in the place of residence of population aged 18 to 75 years. Several indicators were used to achieve the goal: representations about the Russian language; assessment of the role of the Russian language; main characteristics of the Russian language; Russian language proficiency. The article states that in considering principal peculiarities of functioning of Russian in the post-Soviet space demographic indicators such as number of population, number of ethnic groups, proportion of Russian and indigenous population in CIS countries, changes in number of Russians after the dissolution of the USSR, external migration indicators should be taken into account. It was concluded that the Russian language proficiency is important for its preservation and functioning on the territory of CIS countries, the Russian language is well preserved in Belarus, at the middle level in Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova and at the lowest level in Tajikistan. The popularity of Russian in respondents’ evaluations is determined by non-linguistic factors and characteristics, and associated with successful foreign policy of Russia and development of economic and trade relations of Russia with other countries. The development of the tourist sector and attractiveness of Russia for immigration are significant catalysts of interest towards the Russian language, influence of targeted programs, aimed at enhancing the positions of the Russian language and popularization of the Russian culture estimated as less significant. Attractiveness of Russia for immigration, increase of migration streams are important incentives for development and preservation of the Russian language.
Highlights
International migration is a global phenomenon, having a great influence for separate countries, regions, and the world community
The purpose of the paper is in the evaluation of migration activity at the post-Soviet space, changes of ethnic composition in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries and their role in peculiarities of preservation and functioning of the Russian language, level of knowledge of the Russian at the post-Soviet space
Considering general aspects of the functioning of the Russian language at the post-Soviet space, it is necessary to take into account demographic indexes, especially: number of population, ethnic composition, correlation between aboriginal and Russian population of the CIS countries, change in numbers of Russians after the Soviet Union’s collapse, and indexes of external migration of population
Summary
International migration is a global phenomenon, having a great influence for separate countries, regions, and the world community. It penetrates of countries of the world, turning countries from separate states to countries of entry, exit and transit of international migrants, changing their economic, cultural bases and social structures. Among pushing factor are poverty and absence of food security [3], political instability, absence in investment into transport, agriculture and energy infrastructure, unemployment [4] social development: the more developed countries attract migrants from the less developed countries. Investments into economy of the developing countries may affect the intensity of migration streams only in long-term perspective [6]
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