Linguistic Ecology of the Arctic

Linguistic ecology, which is aimed at the determination of the principles and rules that are common for social systems and for the development of language to a larger extent, primarily presents a relevant methodology and approaches for the research in the topic of the project. The modern challenges of society related to the threat of the loss of national and cultural identity of the Russian citizens present scientists with the task of solving a range of problems of a wide social and humanitarian nature. The preservation of languages and culture contributes to the preservation of the national integrity, the national identity, the vital energy of any nation. Unfortunately, nowadays many languages of nations of the North are presently at the brink of extinction. Some of the factors affecting the language shift are migrations, urbanisation and the industrialisation of Northern territories. Indigenous peoples that maintain bonds with the traditional lifestyle demonstrate a higher level of language preservation both in terms of its transmission to the next generations and preservation of various language domains.

1. The integration of leading professionals in the domain of linguistic and cultural diversity studies, the exchange of experience and the development of a methodology and technique for its investigation;
2. The study of linguistic ecology, social and cultural landscape of the Arctic and the Sub-Arctic regions of Russia (by the example of the Republic of Sakha - Yakutia and Chukotka Autonomous Okrug)
3. The engagement of young scientists into research work in the field of modern language processes through their participation in research and writing scientific articles. The creation of the Laboratory of the Arctic will lay the foundation for the scientific school of linguistic ecology – comprehensive research of languages, culture and social environment as one of the important indicators of the sustainable development of the Arctic territories of the Russian Federation and the adjacent (Sub-Arctic) regions and as the basis of the well-being of a single ethnic group and the Russian society as a whole.