On learning the Tatar language in Tyumen region in the 1990s - 2000s (based on the study of 2021-2023)

This article discusses learning the Tatar literary language in Tyumen Region (cities of Tobolsk and Tyumen, and rural areas) in schools, colleges, universities, and regional institution for advanced training of teachers in the 1990s 2000s. The sources include publications from the local media of Tyumen Region of that time, materials of applied science conferences, documents of the Tatar ethnic and cultural associations, and statistical data. It has been established that Tatar community leaders as well as ethnic and cultural associations played an important role in the revival of teaching the Tatar language in the region. The problems of learning the Tatar language in Tyumen Region at that time included decrease in the number of schools offering the study ofthe Tatar language, reduction of class hours for its study, closing of small and basic secondary schools in rural areas, unwillingness of parents and students to study the Tatar language at school, unwillingness of graduates of secondary and higher educational institutions to work in the specialty they trained of teaching the Tatar language and literature. It has been established that transition to Russian language is a threat to preservation of the Tatar language in Tyumen Region. Information about the number of schools where the Tatar language was taught, number of students who studied it, and process of organizing learning and teachers ’ training is provided. The appendix contains a table with data on the number of children who studied the Tatar language in schools of Tyumen Region in 2005-2006 and 2006-2007 school years.