Support and development of Finno-Ugric languages in the context of modern ethnocultural situation

The article reflects some results of the project «National minorities in Russia: languages, culture, media and civil society development», implemented in 2010–2011 by the Institute of Ethnology and Anthropology of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IEA RAS) staff together with Limited Liability Company «Ethnoconsulting» under the guidance of V. A. Tishkov. It is based both on regional experts of IEA RAS ethnological monitoring Network reports, information of the electronic media and authors field research materials conducted in different years in Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug – Ugra. The article covered work experience, accumulated in the regions of the Russian Federation in supporting and promotion of linguistic and cultural heritage of Finno-Ugric peoples. Studies found, that the main focus of the regional ethno-linguistic policy is to improve ethnic competence and ethnic self-consciousness of the young generation. In connection with the thesis about the special significance of language in the approval of the ethno-cultural identity here is discussed the actual scientific problem of relationship between language/culture and ethnic identity making conclusion about complex and ambiguous nature of their interaction.