Language as a Means of Communication and Identity Representation among the Ethnoprofessional Group of Udmurt Philologists

10.33876/2311-0546/2024-4/236-253

Abstract

The article analyzes the Russian-Udmurt linguistic environment and its professional aspects. It examines the existence of both Russian and Udmurt languages, identifies the extent of bilingualism among speakers, and assesses the relationship between language use and ethnic identity. The article presents an interdisciplinary study that combines ethnological and linguistic approaches to address these issues. It employs data from a survey based on the questionnaire of the University of Texas, which includes questions about bilingual language profiles and additional blocks on ethnic and social matters. Additionally, interviews with representatives of the language community were conducted to facilitate a more comprehensive understanding of the subject. The study focused on an ethnographic community of Udmurt philologists, which allowed us to examine the use of the Udmurt language in a context characterized by increased interest in Udmurt studies. The data for this research were collected during an expedition to the Republic of Udmurtia in December 2023. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were employed in the investigation. Qualitative techniques included the analysis of collected interviews, while quantitative methods entailed the analysis and graphical representation of the information gathered. The findings revealed a situation of balanced bilingualism within the studied group. The survey and analysis of the data showed that within this community, the Udmurt language serves as a means of self-identification, representation of ethnic identity, and as a primary means of communication.