GIS-based analysis of settlement patterns and the linguistic situation among the even people of Russia

This article employs Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies to analyze the linguistic situation of the Even people in Russia, examining it in relation to several key contextual factors: geographic conditions, historical memory and patterns of settlement, political and ideological influences, economic and demographic dynamics, cultural context, and communicative practices. Through a spatial analysis of both linguistic and extralinguistic factors, the study seeks to identify the relationship between language use and the geocultural environment. The analysis reveals significant intra-regional and local variations that shape the linguistic landscape in areas inhabited by the Even people. The study finds that the preservation of the Even language is most evident in settlements where Evens constitute a majority or significant portion of the population. These areas often possess the administrative status of national-territorial formations, are designated as territories of traditional nature use, or are organized around nomadic clan communities. Further contributing factors include the long-standing provision of education in the Even language, dating back to the Soviet period, and the active presence of national-cultural organizations dedicated to preserving Even language and culture. Notable settlements where the functional use of the Even language is maintained include: Berezovka in the Srednekolymsky District, Topolinoe in the Tomponsky District, and Sebyan-Kyuel in the Kobyaysky District (Ulus) of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia), as well as Esso in the Bystrinsky District of Kamchatka Krai.