The Buryat language and national intellectuals

The article deals with the current language situation in Buryatia, namely, the role of the national intelligentsia in development of the Buryat language, which communicative function has significantly decreased. We presented the results of sociological survey aimed at identifying the linguistic competence of the Buryat intelligentsia, recognition / non-recognition of Buryat as a native language, language preferences in various spheres of communication and teaching children at school. The study showed that the measures for improving the language situation in the republic are still insignificant and concerns only value attitudes. In modern conditions it is necessary to increase participation of the Buryat intelligentsia in formation of national self-consciousness, because the further development of the Buryat nation depends largely on its ethno-consolidating efforts, aspiration to preserve the native language.