Language as an Element of Ethnic Identity
The purpose of this article is to describe the national language as a characteristic of ethnic identity. The significance of the phenomenon of ethnic identification is beyond doubt. The results of sociological studies are discussed in the article. The problem of the use of the native language by the representatives of the natives of the Ob North are examined, starting with the post-perestroika period. The methods of survey and study statistics are used. The authors put forward the hypothesis that the loss of proficiency in the native language over time may lead to irreversible changes in mentality of an ethnic group. Theoretical and practical significance of the research is determined by the fact that the findings contribute to better awareness of the ethno-social determination of the language and prospects for its development.