Preservation and development of the native languages of indigenous minorities

The article delves into the analysis of data obtained through a sociological survey of the indigenous residents of a settlement that serves as the administrative center of a municipal district in the Magadan region, recognized as a traditional habitat and site for the customary economic activities of the indigenous minorities of the Russian Federation. National censuses have documented a decline in the population of indigenous minorities residing in the Magadan region, revealing a decrease in the number of speakers of the native languages of the Northern indigenous peoples. The issues of preservation, teaching, and transmission of minority languages have remained relevant over the past few decades. The urgent problem of maintaining traditional culture, native languages, and the transmission of these values to the younger generation has become increasingly pronounced. The results of the survey indicated a loss of communicative functions of the native languages among indigenous peoples, both in everyday life and in broader social practices. It was found that the languages of indigenous peoples are no longer perceived as significant factors in the formation of a sense of belonging to their ethnic group. Furthermore, the survey documented the respondents’ expressed need for learning their native languages and their willingness to participate in efforts aimed at their preservation. This highlights a crucial aspect of cultural identity and the importance of linguistic heritage among indigenous communities.