Refusal to study national languages threatens youth's radicalization

Many residents of Adygea and Kabardino-Balkaria are against the transfer of studying their native languages to the voluntary basis, the Adyg scientists, interviewed by the "Caucasian Knot", have stated. In their opinion, people's discontent can lead to the creation of a new social movement.

In May, public figures of Adygea and Kabardino-Balkaria independently opposed the bill on the voluntary study of national languages, and sent their letters to leaders of the republics and of the Russian Federation.

The letters note that North-Caucasian native languages are among the endangered ones; and if the study of them becomes voluntary, then not only national languages but also cultures will get on the brink of extinction.

Public figures of Adygea also note in their letters that in case the bill is adopted, it may lead to radicalization of young people.

The Adyg intelligentsia warns about possible protests; since in Adygea, virtually all segments of the society are interested in solving the language problem; and they are extremely dissatisfied with the bill on the voluntary study of native languages, said Asker Sokht, deputy chairman of the public organization "Adyge Khase".

The letters of intellectuals of Adygea and Kabardino-Balkaria can launch a broad social movement against the adoption of the above bill, believes Kasei Khachegogu, the chief director of the National Theatre of Adygea.

"This is rather a political issue, but I believe that such development of events is possible. If languages disappear, all the nations will disappear," Mr Khachegogu told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

According to his story, the problem of native languages can consolidate the society throughout Northern Caucasus.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.