The use of the Yakut language in official visual information texts

Abstract

The analysis the use of state and official languages of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) (RS(Y)) in the linguistic landscape represents an important study that allows monitoring the linguistic situation in the region, detecting the degree of inequality between languages, determining cultural and linguistic identity and development trends in the language community. This work is relevant due to the need for scientific substantiation of language policy that should take into account the multinational context and language dynamics. The purpose of the study is to assess the degree and quality of application of Articles 32 and 35 of the Language Law of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) in various forms of official visual information in the city of Yakutsk, such as institutional and memorial plaques, roof and directional signs. To achieve this purpose, methods of observation, questionnaire survey, statistical analysis and content analysis were used. The empirical basis of the study comprises 1,458 units of visual texts found within state and municipal institutions in the city of Yakutsk. The results showed that bilingualism and multilingualism in official visual information texts is limited: Russian prevails, while Yakut is used insufficiently, especially on roof signs and memorial plaques. The quality of translation into Yakut requires significant improvement. In conclusion, ten recommendations on improving the language policy aimed at supporting the official status of the Sakha language and revitalising the languages of the indigenous small-numbered peoples of the North in Yakutia’s visual space were proposed. In particular, it is recommended to develop and establish rules for using the Yakut language in official visual information, create methodological recommendations and samples for translating outdoor and indoor visual information into Yakut, issue a catalogue of lexical examples for branding, facilitate the use of minority languages in commerce, support the initiatives of language activists, etc.

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