Native language in conditions of bilingualism: the case of Belarus and Khakassia

The article analyzes the role of the native language in conditions of bilingualism by comparing the language situation in two dissimilar regions: Belarus and the Republic of Khakassia. From the point of view of the linguistic situation, these territories are united by one common feature - the significant role of the Russian language, which, along with the native (ethnic) language, is recognized as the state language. Despite the official bilingualism, in the communicative space of the regions under consideration, the native languages of the titular peoples play a different role: in Belarus it is rather symbolic, while in Khakassia the native language is used only in some areas of life. The fact that the native language is being washed away is recognized in both regions being compared, but it is in Khakassia that this problem is perceived as a threat to ethnic identity. In Belarus, due to the closeness of Russians and Belarusians and their languages, the dominance of the Russian language does not cause tension. The authors come to the conclusion that there are several aspects of the existence of the native language in conditions of bilingualism: in the lives of its speakers it is present as a means of recording and preserving cultural heritage, as a marker of ethnic identity and as a symbol of the spiritual unity of the titular peoples.