A recent round table held in Kurgan, Russia, aimed to tackle the pressing issues surrounding the preservation of the Russian language and the modern speech trends threatening it. Writers, educators, librarians, and psychologists gathered to address concerns about how to maintain the purity of Russian amid challenges such as foreign terms and vulgar language.
Sergey Kokorin, the chairman of the Kurgan regional writers' organization, emphasized the pivotal role writers play in the language's preservation and evolution. He pinpointed the overuse of foreign vocabulary and the growing trend of vulgar language as key issues undermining the language's integrity. "Some creative individuals want to be overly original, to publicize themselves, to step beyond limits, or, using foreign terms, 'to promote themselves,'" stated Kokorin, expressing his worry over how these trends affect the youth.
During the discussions, the need to revive the grandeur of Russian literature became increasingly apparent. "Without the Russian language, there will be no Russian people," Kokorin warned, underscoring his belief in the language as central to cultural identity. He advocated for the use of literary purity to inspire young readers, steering them away from cheap gimmicks and explicit content.
Tatyana Bergaleeva, a teacher at Kurgan Technical College, echoed concerns about the declining culture of verbal expression among children and teenagers. She noted, "A person’s speech culture is indicative of their overall culture. Its formation determines the emotional intelligence of not just one person but the entire society." Her remarks spotlight the sociocultural dimension of language use, where the impact of media and social interactions shapes the linguistic abilities of the younger generation.
Bergaleeva pointed out the significant influence of advertising and mass media on language. Today, young students are exposed to varied language influences, pushing them to adopt inappropriate language choices for social acceptance. A survey revealed many students use "bad words" to fit in with peers, reflecting their perception of social norms and expectations.
Encouragingly, the event came at a time when educational authorities reported positive outcomes concerning language proficiency among students. On February 12, 2025, it was announced by the state examination office, 98.5% of Kurgan's ninth graders successfully passed their final oral proficiency examinations, equipping them for future academic milestones. The examinations involved reading text aloud, summarizing with additional information, monologue presentations, and dialogues with examiners. For those who could not pass or attend due to valid reasons, additional dates were set for March 12 and April 21, 2025.
The discussions among the round table participants reflect broader anxieties about the preservation of the Russian language, which serves not only as a means of communication but as the bedrock of cultural heritage. The gathering highlighted the responsibilities of adults to guide the younger generation, helping them navigate the norms of acceptable speech.
Indeed, the insights shared during the Kurgan round table prompted urgent calls to action. Participants agreed on the necessity of fostering clean language practices and appealing to the literary language's attractiveness among the youth. Engaging creatively with literature and upholding linguistic standards is seen as pivotal to the future survival of the Russian language.
While the threats to Russian linguistic identity loom, initiatives such as this round table underline the collective responsibility to advocate for language purity. Writers, educators, and community members were all encouraged to take the first step toward enhancing their own language use, thereby setting examples for the younger generations. Continuing efforts to raise awareness and promote language integrity will be integral to shaping the future of the Russian language.