Language as a resource for the vitality of indigenous minorities in Yakutia (based on sociological research)

Throughout history, every nation has faced numerous challenges and transformations related to its ethnocultural identity. For the indigenous peoples of Yakutia, these challenges are particularly acute and include issues such as language shift, declining linguistic competence, and limited opportunities for the practical use of native languages. These developments pose a serious threat to the preservation of their rich linguistic heritage, which constitutes a vital component of their cultural identity. However, growing awareness of the importance of linguistic roots among community members presents an opportunity for the revitalization of native languages in everyday life, thereby ensuring their relevance for future generations. The resilience of cultural identity in the face of adversity can foster a vibrant revival of linguistic heritage, benefitting not only indigenous communities but also enriching the broader fabric of global cultural diversity. This study examines the evolving role of native languages within the hierarchy of ethnocultural factors, drawing on field data collected between 2013 and 2024 in settlements traditionally inhabited by the small-numbered indigenous peoples of the North in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). The findings indicate that the populations residing in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) exhibit varying hierarchies of unifying factors. Analyzing ethnic and territorial dimensions reveals the potential to maintain the high significance of language as a social integrator by restoring and reinforcing its functions at the local level. Moreover, although the indigenous peoples of the North are experiencing shifts in their ethnic and cultural consciousness—manifested in the erosion of linguistic competence and the narrowing of language use in functional domains—this does not preclude the possibility of native languages retaining their priority status and relevance for future generations.