Legislation on the Languages of the Peoples of the Russian Federation: The State and Directions of Improvement (Federal Aspect)

Abstract

The article examines the peculiarities of legal regulation of the use, learning and protection of the languages of the peoples of Russia in the context of federal relations. The allocation of powers between the two levels of governance in this area is analyzed and an overview of legislative acts is provided. It is noted that the constituent entities of the Federation have considerable competence in establishing the rules of use and protection of local languages. The republics in particular enjoy their language powers due to their ability to establish their own state languages. The competence in regulating the language matters is implemented in each subject in different ways. The author gives examples of various regional practices. At the same time, it is noted that in many Russian regions, the languages of the peoples of Russia are not protected and used sufficiently.

The author suggests dividing all languages used in Russia into five groups, depending on the status and legal regime of use. The problems concerning the implementation of certain statuses of languages are highlighted, the measures to improve legislative regulation are suggested. Among the main areas of improvement are clarifying the status of the state languages of the republics, expanding the possibilities of using the languages of the peoples of Russia in the official sphere and in public discourse.