THE HISTORICAL DECLINE OF THE SOCIAL STATUS OF THE CRIMEAN TATAR LANGUAGE: 1783–2026
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17740/eas.soc.2026.V65.04Keywords:
Crimean Tatar language, Crimean Tatars, language policy, language assimilation, deportation, discrimination, language education, Russification, language rights, minority languages, Ukraine, RussiaAbstract
This study examines the loss of the social status of the Crimean Tatar language from the annexation of the Crimean Khanate by the Russian Empire in 1783 until 2026. The article analyzes the effects of exclusion from official life, forced migrations, deportations, demographic changes, educational policies, and assimilation processes on the functional use of the Crimean Tatar language.
The research comparatively evaluates the discrepancy between the legal status of the Crimean Tatar language and its actual conditions of use during the periods of the Russian Empire, the Soviet Union, Ukraine, and the Russian Federation. Special attention is given to language use in education, state institutions, and social life.
The study concludes that the Crimean Tatar language has largely been confined to family and limited cultural spheres, while existing policies remain insufficient for its full preservation and revitalization.
