Ethnolinguistic Identity of the Sakha-Speaking Evenks: Results of a Study in the Zhigansk District of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia)

The article explores the ethnolinguistic identity of Sakha-speaking Evenks living in the Zhigansky National Evenk District of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) in the context of language shift. The study is based on data collected during fieldwork conducted in 2024 in villages with compact Evenk populations. The analysis draws on an ethnosociolinguistic survey ( N = 200) and is supplemented by insights from in-depth interviews. The findings reveal a growing symbolic significance of the Evenk language, particularly among young people, despite their low proficiency. The designation of the district as a national Evenk territory has had a positive impact on language revitalization efforts by promoting education, cultural events, and linguistic landscape initiatives. Modern technologies also play a crucial role by creating new opportunities for learning and using the language. The study concludes that language loss does not necessarily lead to the erosion of ethnic identity; on the contrary, a language may acquire special symbolic power in the process of its decline. However, for the language to function fully, a comprehensive language policy is essential. The experience of Sakha-speaking Evenks demonstrates the potential for revitalizing minority languages even under prolonged linguistic dominance of other languages.