Abstract:

The multilingualism on the territory of Russian Federation, in particular in the ethnic-dominated republics, is very significant phenomena. This paper firstly reviews linguistic accommodation of ethnic groups living in Bashkortostan and the case of “ethnic/linguistic competition” between Tatars and Bashkirs. Second, the paper explores federal and regional legislations and its practice promoting multilingualism and supporting linguistic diversity on the territory of Russian Federation. Thirdly, the paper reviews the development and role of national minorities´ linguistic rights, in particular cultural rights and rights to education in mother tongue, in the construction of national communities and their identities. The article provides detailed illustrations from range of ethnic communities living in Bashkortostan. 

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