Journal of Siberian Federal University. Humanities & Social Sciences / Language Attitudes and Code- Switching among Khakass Bilinguals

Full text (.pdf)
Issue
Journal of Siberian Federal University. Humanities & Social Sciences. 2026 19 (3)
Authors
Borgoiakova, Tamara G.; Kirilenko, Svetlana V.
Contact information
Borgoiakova, Tamara G.: Katanov Khakass State University (Abakan, Republic of Khakassia, Russian Federation); ; ORCID: 0000-0001-9958-9086; Kirilenko, Svetlana V. : Institute of Linguistics, Russian Academy of Sciences (Moscow, Russian Federation); ORCID: 0000-0001-7902-6032
Keywords
language attitudes; code-switching; Khakass language; minority languages; ethnolinguistic identity
Abstract

This study explores language attitudes, mechanisms of Khakass-Russian code- switching practices, and patterns of language use of Khakass, a Turkic minority language in Southern Siberia currently classified as “definitely endangered.” Drawing on data from 325 respondents, including a focused subgroup of frequent speakers (194 respondents), the research investigates the interplay between ethnolinguistic loyalty, perceived language prestige, and actual linguistic behavior in a bilingual context dominated by Russian. Despite Khakass being strongly associated with identity, the survey findings reveal a growing disjunction between positive attitudes and practical usage. Code-switching between Khakass and Russian is widespread, driven by sociolinguistic pressures, limited available vocabulary in Khakass, and the functional dominance of Russian in public and private domains. Frequent speakers display concern for linguistic accuracy and the preservation of standard Khakass, yet the reality of hybrid language use reflects pressing pragmatic necessity. Among the broader sample, Khakass is valued symbolically, but usage in informal domains remains limited, and institutional support is perceived as inadequate. While a majority of respondents are tolerant of linguistic errors, language conflicts over correctness persist, indicating ongoing tension between ideals of linguistic purity and adaptive bilingual practice. Overall, the study highlights a sociolinguistic contradiction: while Khakass maintains symbolic significance, it is undergoing structural and functional erosion

Pages
477–488
EDN
URGNWZ
Paper at repository of SibFU
https://elib.sfu-kras.ru/handle/2311/158209

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