Modern dilemma: to master english and to maintain russian-speaking cultural identity?

Abstract

The topic of the article is suggested by the drastically novel role of the English language in the communication environment of modern Russia. Not only has English become an international means of communication in various spheres, but also a powerful tool of globalization policies. There has been observed a process of intensive anglicization of Russian cultural milieu especially over the latest decade. English is being embedded therein as an alternative means of communication alongside the Russian language paving the way for bilingualism. That is why it is time to consolidate Russian language communication environment and self-awareness, especially in the sphere of education. Relevance of maintaining ethno-cultural identity requires correcting the goals, objectives and content of the “English language” discipline both in higher and secondary education. It may be time to shift attention focus in English teaching from pure foreign language country-study to at least parallel foreign-plus-Russian country study, and further to description and dissemination of Russian culture by means of English beyond Russia. Applying an interdisciplinary approach, the author relies on the theory of sociolinguistics, linguistic landscape in particular, linguistic ecology and language security. Apart from literature review, this study applied research techniques like observation, focused selection of hybridized Russian-English discourse, content and discourse analysis. The research results and author’s recommendations are addressed at, first and foremost, educators, people working in mass media, state and public persons capable of influencing the language policy in this country, as well as all Russian native speakers who care about the present and future of their mother tongue.