Functioning of the Ossetian language in pre-school and primary school education in the republic of South Ossetia

This article presents an overview of the current language situation in the Republic of South Ossetia, focusing on the role and functioning of the Ossetian language within the educational system. It also draws parallels with the sociolinguistic context of the Republic of North Ossetia – Alania. Despite its official status, the functional domain of the Ossetian language has been steadily narrowing in recent years. Although Ossetian is taught at all levels of education in South Ossetia –including preschool, primary, secondary, and higher education – the practical functions of the state language are, in reality, fulfilled predominantly by Russian. This has resulted in a noticeable decline in proficiency in both the literary and colloquial forms of Ossetian among the population. In response to this trend, various initiatives have been launched to promote the active use of Ossetian and to enhance its status among younger generations. These include programs aimed at the development and preservation of the Ossetian language and cultural identity, as well as measures for its normalization and standardization. To foster early exposure to the native language and to cultivate linguistically competent individuals in a multicultural environment, the State Bilingual Program Malusǽg has been introduced in preschool institutions. Concurrently, efforts are being made to develop a comprehensive educational and methodological framework. The article highlights the collaborative efforts of governmental bodies, academic researchers, and native speakers in the preservation and revitalization of the Ossetian language.