Local Partner: Regional community organization Ene Til- Mother Tongue
Today, the main speakers and keepers of their language are older middle-aged people and elders. Pre-school and school-age children, living in both urban and rural communities speak almost no Altaian at home. This problem began in Soviet times, when a new system invaded their traditional way of life. In their effort to be part of the society of the ethnic majority, Altaians, especially educated urban people, fell victim to cultural assimilation, leading to a degradation in their knowledge of their native language. So, it’s very important today to take action to preserve their language, culture, and Indigenous identity. If they can preserve them, can preserve their unique traditional knowledge and practices as well.
