Diaspora language as object of sociolinguistic research

Statement of the problem. In modern sociolin-guistics, the study of diaspora languages is becoming increasingly relevant due to the increase in migration processes both in Russia and abroad. Meanwhile, along with a large number of works devoted to the functioning of specific languages of the diaspora, there are no works devoted to the theoretical and methodological bases of their study, that makes the purpose of the articlerelevant, i.e. to characterize the concept of “diaspora language” as an object of sociolinguistic research. The methodologyof the study consists of analysis and synthesis of Russian and foreign scientific works devoted to diaspora languages. Research results. The article proposes an author's definition of the concept of “diaspora language”. On the basis of an analytical review of scientific works, points of view on its essence are highlighted, the main features of diaspora languages are considered, the current tasks of their study are considered. Factors of preservation, degradation and loss of diaspora languages are systematized, methods of their research are described. Conclusions. The analysis of the concepts of “diaspora” and “language” gives rise to the definition of the diaspora language as a landmark system existing and changing as an ethnic minority language, which functions mainly orally separately from the origin language due to territorial isolation: the communicative function of the diaspora language eventually becomes secondary and gives way to sociocultural functions such as diaspora cohesion, preservation and formation of ethnic identity and some others. The diaspora language is understood by various scientists as an areal form of language existence, a dialect, an independent way of language existence, a separate subsystem. Its main features include: interference at different language levels, separation of spheres of functioning, reduction of vocabulary. Scientists generally refer to the study of the impact of state languages on diaspora languages, as well as the vitality of diaspora languages. Their preservation, degradation or loss depends on the relationship of the diaspora with the Motherland, the language of the country of origin, the recipient State and its representatives among them-selves. The study of diaspora languages most often applies interviews, observation, questionnaire, conversation, analysis of spoken speech, media and Internet texts, and correlation analysis. In addition, specific methods of comparative and descriptive nature are used. Author ‘s contribution. The article for the first time carries out an analytical review of scientific works on the functioning of diaspora languages, proposes a definition of the concept of “diaspora language”, based on the key features of the concepts of “diaspora” and “language”.