Language Policy and Language Education in Russia

Abstract

This chapter discusses the extraordinary political, ethnic and linguistic diversity of the Russian Federation, and charts the dramatic shifts in languages and education policy through the Tsarist, Soviet and post-Soviet state structures and laws. With reference to leading Russian and English language scholars, the current situation is analyzed and a number of problems and dangers are identified. Fundamental changes to Russia’s nationalities policy, especially with regard to education with minority languages as the language of instruction, are the subject of intense debate. However, it is too early to predict what the eventual outcomes will be.

Keywords: Russia, language policy, language education, minority languages, linguistic diversity, Tsarism, Communism