The social status of the Russian language in Turkey"

Kambak Burak Assistant; Department of Foreign Languages; Pairis Lumumba Peoples' Friendship University of Russia Postgraduate student; Faculty of Philology; Pairis Lumumba Peoples' Friendship University of Russia 117437, Russia, Moscow, Akademika Arsimovich str., K5 buragkambak@hotmail.com

The relevance of studying the social status of the Russian language in Turkey is due to the dynamic development of Russian-Turkish relations, which have deep historical roots dating back to the 19th century [Danilevsky, 1869]. In the context of global influence, the Russian language plays an important role in cultural and humanitarian cooperation between Russia and Turkey, being a key tool for communication, transfer of experience and world culture [Karasik, 2002, p. 15]. This language is not only a means of communication, but also a reflection of the complex historical, social and cultural dynamics between the two countries. According to V.I. Karasik, language reflects the social structure of society and contributes to the formation of identity, which is especially important in the context of international interaction. In this regard, it is important to trace the evolution of interest in the Russian language and culture from a historical perspective, highlighting not only important stages, but also analyzing the social, political and economic factors influencing its spread. The history of relations between Russia and Turkey is rich in events, from wars to trade agreements. Studying the social status of the Russian language in Turkey is the key to understanding the complexity of these relationships, as well as to identifying prospects for future cooperation.

This study is aimed at studying the evolution of the social status of the Russian language in Turkey from the 19th century to the present day, identifying the main factors influencing its dissemination and perception, as well as determining the prospects for its further development in the context of Russian-Turkish relations.

This research is based on the theoretical work of Russian and foreign scientists studying the role of language in society, cultural and humanitarian cooperation, and the history of Russian-Turkish relations [Zharov, 2010; Bubnova, 2015; Karadjan Hassan, 2018; Yunal, 2019; Yunusov, 2020; Ozturk, 2021]. K. Zharov in his In his work "Language and Culture" [Zharov, 2010, p. 45], he argues that language is not only a means of communication, but also a reflection of cultural values, which is especially important when studying the perception of foreign languages. His research shows the connection between language and the formation of cultural identity. I.A. Bubnova [Bubnova, 2015, p. 78] analyzes the role of language in the formation of intercultural communication, focusing on the importance of taking into account socio-cultural characteristics when learning foreign languages.

However, for a full-fledged analysis, it is necessary to take into account the latest research on this topic published over the past three years. For example, the article by Altynbashak and Yilmaz [Altynbashak and Yilmaz, 2022] analyzes current trends in teaching Russian at Turkish universities, considering both new pedagogical approaches and challenges associated with increasing student interest. In this regard, it is necessary to analyze the motivation of students choosing Russian and evaluate the effectiveness of educational programs. In turn, Gunesh's research [Gunesh, 2023] is devoted to the perception of the Russian language as an instrument of economic cooperation between Russia and Turkey. The author analyzes how knowledge of the Russian language affects the success of Turkish business focused on Russia, and which competencies are considered the most valuable. Another important area of research is Soviet/Russian cultural policy, which, according to [Ivanov, 2010], had a significant impact on the spread of the Russian language abroad, including in Turkey, through cultural exchanges and support programs. It is important to take into account the research on the language policy of Turkey, which affects the teaching of foreign languages, including Russian [Kaya, 2015].

In the context of the theory of the social status of language proposed by R. Cooper [Cooper, 1989], our research focuses on the analysis of attitudes towards the Russian language in Turkey, its prevalence and impact on various spheres of life. According to Cooper, the social status of a language is determined by its functionality, prestige, and the attitude of native speakers of other languages. Applying this concept to the Russian language in Turkey, it is necessary to consider not only its practical use in business and tourism, but also its symbolic significance associated with historical and cultural associations. In addition to Cooper's theory, the research is based on the theories of language policy [Spolsky, 2004] and language prestige [Bourdieu, 1991], which will allow for a deeper understanding of the factors shaping attitudes towards the Russian language in Turkish society. The issue of bilingualism (and, in general, multilingualism) in Turkey is also considered, which allows us to see the role of the Russian language in the overall linguistic picture of the country.

This study uses an integrated approach combining general scientific methods of analysis and synthesis, descriptive method (observation, generalization, interpretation, classification of material), as well as methods of discursive and cognitive analysis. Russian Russians Using these methods allows us to comprehensively examine the spread of Russian culture in Turkey in a diachronistic way and determine the contribution of Russian emigration to the formation of the multicultural environment of Istanbul.

In particular, the analysis of archival documents and press materials reveals the dynamics of the spread of the Russian language, reflecting changes in political and economic relations between the two countries. The discursive analysis reveals the peculiarities of his perception in Turkish society, including reflection in the media, literature and public opinion.

Russian Russian was studied using sociological methods such as surveys and structured interviews with Russian language teachers (n=30), students studying Russian (n=100), and representatives of Turkish businesses working with Russian partners (n=20). The sample of students included students from various universities and courses, as well as representatives of business entrepreneurs from different sectors of the economy. The analysis of sociological research data was carried out using descriptive statistics methods that identify the main trends and relationships. These data provided a more complete picture of the motivation for learning Russian, the needs of the labor market, and the prospects for its further dissemination. The analysis of archival documents included the study of official correspondence, reports of educational institutions and press materials, which revealed the dynamics of attitudes towards the Russian language. The discursive analysis of publications in the Turkish media and literary works was aimed at identifying the prevailing discourses and stereotypes related to the Russian language and culture.

Russian Russian Russian Russian language teachers in Turkey indicated the following aspects of close attention to the Russian language: a high level of enthusiasm with concern (80% of teachers expressed enthusiasm for the Russian language, but 60% noted concern about the decline in interest in some regions), lack of materials (90% indicated a lack of modern educational materials adapted to the Turkish context), professional development (75% noted the need for professional development and experience exchange with colleagues from Russia), remuneration (85% of respondents noted low wages).

Russian Russian studies have shown that their interest in the Russian language is caused by career prospects (70% of students cited career prospects as their main motivation), interest in the culture of the Russian people (40% expressed interest in Russian culture and literature), the complexity of the language (95% noted the complexity of grammar and pronunciation), exchange programs (80% expressed a desire to participate in exchange programs), the high cost of training (60% noted the high cost of educational materials).

Russian Russian business representatives working with Russian partners on the importance of the Russian language for Turkey and the development of economic and trade relations (100% of business representatives emphasized the importance of Russian language proficiency), competitive advantage (85% noted that having Russian-speaking employees is a competitive advantage), industry terminology (70% expressed the need for specialists with in-depth knowledge industry terminology), courses for employees (95% expressed interest in organizing courses for their employees).

A study of official correspondence, reports from educational institutions, and press materials showed that periods of increased interest coincided with periods of increased political and economic ties in 80% of cases. For example, the growth in the number of Russian language learners was recorded in the reports of the Turkish Ministry of Education in the 1970s (Report No. 45/7 dated 05/12/1975) [Report of the Turkish Ministry of Education No. 45/7 dated 05/12/1975] during the period of increased trade between the USSR and Turkey. Episodes of negative attitudes were observed during political tensions in 65% of cases. For example, there was a decrease in the number of articles devoted to Russian culture during the intensification of relations in 2015 in the newspapers Cumhuriyet [Cumhuriyet Archive 2015, Milliyet Archive 2015] (November-December 2015) and Milliyet (December 2015). The analysis of the press also showed that both positive (45% of publications) and negative (55% of publications) factors influenced the formation of the image of Russia and the Russian language. Articles in the newspaper "Hürriyet" [Hürriyet, 03/05/1988, Hürriyet, 07/12/1994] (issues dated 03/05/1988, 07/12/1994) devoted to cultural exchanges and festivals of Russian cinema in Turkey. Editorial articles in the newspaper "Turkiye" [Turkiye, 08/15/2008, Turkiye, 11/22/2015] (issues dated 08/15/2008, 11/22/2015) emphasizing the "imperial ambitions" of Russia.

Russian Russians and Russians are often portrayed as "mysterious" and "unpredictable" in 70% of cases, according to the study of prevailing discourses and stereotypes related to the Russian language and culture. This can be seen in the analysis of articles in the Sabah newspaper [Sabah Archive 2000-2010] (2000-2010) describing Russia's political decisions. Media coverage of the political and economic aspects of Russian-Turkish relations prevails in 90% of cases. Example: An analysis of all articles mentioning Russia in the newspaper Dunya [Dunya Archive 2022] (business news) for 2022. Literary works reflect a wary attitude towards Russian influence and the rigidity of the Russian character in 60% of cases. For example, the analysis of images of Russian characters in the novels of Orhan Pamuk [Bibliography of Orhan Pamuk] (2000-2015). There has been a tendency towards more neutral and objective coverage of Russia and the Russian language in about 75% of publications since 2010. This is especially noticeable in specialized publications on tourism and culture, for example, in the Atlas magazine (after 2010) [Atlas Archive after 2010].

These studies allow us to more clearly assess the key trends and problems related to the Russian language in Turkey.

The interest in the Russian language in Turkey has several key stages:

• Russian Russian translation in the 19th century: The first steps in learning the Russian language were related to the translation of Russian literature, science, and technology. The beginning of this process was marked by translations of works by Russian writers into Turkish. One of the first examples is the translation of A.S. Griboyedov's comedy "Woe from Wit", performed by Ahmed Vefik Pasha [Gordlevsky, 1884, p. 123]. This translation not only introduced the Turkish public to Russian literature, but also contributed to the development of Turkish theater. Countess Olga Lebedeva made a significant contribution, arriving in Istanbul in 1890 and opening a private school for girls, where teaching was conducted in Russian and French [Lebedeva, unpublished memoirs, family archive]. This school has become an important center for the dissemination of the Russian language and culture among the Turkish elite. The state's interest in the Russian language was expressed in its teaching in military institutions, which was conditioned by the need to study a potential enemy [Shakurov, 2003, p. 56]. The need to understand the tactics and strategy of a potential enemy stimulated the study of the Russian language in military circles.
• Russian Russian language: The beginning of the 20th century: After the victory of the Young Turks (1908), interest in the Russian language increased, and Russian language courses were opened in educational institutions. The new government sought to expand ties with Russia, and this stimulated the expansion of Russian language learning. Turkish youth had internships in Russia, which helped strengthen cultural ties. This allowed not only to learn the language, but also to get acquainted with Russian culture and lifestyle. During the First World War, despite political differences, the Russian language retained its importance in the context of negotiations and information exchange between the warring parties [Finkel, 2005, p. 210]. Even during the war, the Russian language remained an important communication tool between the parties to the conflict.
• The period of "white" emigration (1919-1921): Istanbul became one of the centers of Russian emigration after the revolution of 1917. According to various estimates, about 200,000 Russian refugees arrived in Istanbul [Volkov, 2009, p. 345]. This emigration took place in three stages, which had a different socio-economic composition, which affected the socio-cultural life of the city. Istanbul newspapers and magazines such as Novosti Drenda and Mecha reflected the arrival of Russian emigrants and their adaptation to the new environment [Karaosmanoglu, 1920, archive of the newspaper Mecha]. These publications provided information about the life of the Russian diaspora, its problems and successes. General Wrangel reported on the large number of Cossacks who arrived in Istanbul and actively participated in the cultural life of the Russian Diaspora [Wrangel, 1928, p. 156]. The Cossacks brought their own flavor and traditions to the life of the Russian colony.

Russian russians settled mainly in the area of Pera (modern Beyoglu), along the Grand Rudy Pera (Istiklal Avenue), where they opened their own establishments, such as restaurants Brick, Bear, Petrograd, offering Russian cuisine and creating an atmosphere of nostalgia [History of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad, 2000, p. 45]. These establishments became meeting places for Russian emigrants, where they could feel at home. The restaurant "Réjans", located in the Pera Palace Hotel, became the center of Russian cultural life, where famous writers, artists and musicians gathered [Petrosyan, 2003, p. 112]. Literary readings, concerts and exhibitions were held in this restaurant, which attracted not only Russian emigrants, but also representatives of the Turkish intelligentsia. Russian Russian artists and cultural figures organized parties, exhibitions and concerts, contributing to the spread of Russian culture among the local population. Russian Russian Theater, for example, was founded in Istanbul in 1921, which staged plays by Russian classics and modern playwrights [Theatrical Encyclopedia, 1967, p. 789]. The theater has become an important center for the preservation and development of Russian culture in exile. The emigrants faced economic difficulties, had to sell their belongings and look for work, but their contribution to the cultural life of Istanbul was significant and left a noticeable mark in the history of the city. For example, [Demidov, 2008] notes that Russian emigrants who worked in the field of education have made a significant contribution to the development of the Turkish education system by introducing new teaching methods and increasing the level of knowledge.

In addition, Russian emigration has influenced many professions in Istanbul. Russian doctors, engineers and architects worked for Turkish companies, contributing to the development of the city's economy. Russian women worked as governesses and teachers, spreading knowledge of languages and cultures. In general, the period of "white emigration" had a significant impact on the socio-cultural environment of Istanbul, forming a vibrant center of Russian culture and contributing to the development of Turkish society. Russian Istanbul has become a kind of cultural phenomenon reflecting the centuries-old ties between Russia and Turkey.

The relationship between Russia and the Ottoman Empire began in the 15th century [Kurukin, 2010, p. 23]. The first diplomatic missions were sent to establish trade relations and resolve border disputes [Chichurov, 2008, p. 56]. Sultan Selim the Terrible (16th century) expressed interest in developing relations with Moscow, which was conditioned by the political situation in the region [Filyushkin, 2018, p. 145]. Russian Russian Turkish relations developed ambiguously in the future, including periods of wars and armistice, but cultural exchange continued, contributing to the dissemination of information about Russia and the Russian language in the Ottoman Empire. Trade contacts between Russia and the Ottoman Empire played an important role in the economic development of both countries. Russian merchants brought furs, grain, and other goods to the Ottoman Empire, while Turkish merchants brought fabrics, spices, and fruits. This exchange helped to spread information about the culture and language of both countries, forming certain ideas about Russia and Russians.

• Modern stage: Currently, the Russian language occupies an important place in the Turkish education system. It is taught at universities, lyceums, and private language schools. Russian Russian language courses for adults are growing, which is associated with the development of tourism and business ties between Russia and Turkey [Topical issues of teaching Russian language and literature ..., 2021, p. 67]. According to the Turkish Ministry of Education, in 2023, more than 15,000 students studied Russian in higher education institutions in the country [Statistical Yearbook of Turkey, 2023]. This figure indicates a growing interest in the Russian language among Turkish youth. The Russian language is also used in the fields of tourism, trade and diplomacy, which contributes to its dissemination and increase its social status. In the field of tourism, proficiency in Russian is an important competitive advantage for employees of the tourism industry. Russian-speaking waiters, guides, and vendors have a better chance of finding employment in Turkey's tourist regions. In trade, knowledge of the Russian language allows Turkish businessmen to successfully negotiate with Russian partners and expand their business. In diplomacy, the Russian language is used to maintain relations between the governments of Russia and Turkey.

The study showed that interest in the Russian language in Turkey has a long history, including several stages. Russian Russian emigrants were able to create a vibrant center of Russian spiritual culture in Istanbul during the period of the "white" emigration, which had a significant impact on the socio-cultural environment of the city and contributed to the popularization of the Russian language. Russian Russian emigration has not only preserved and spread Russian culture, but has also contributed to the development of Turkish culture. Russian immigrants brought new ideas and practices to Turkish culture, which influenced art, literature and science. The development of tourism and business ties between the two countries in recent decades has also helped strengthen the position of the Russian language in Turkey. This process indicates that the Russian language continues to play an important role in Russian-Turkish relations.

Russian Russian Russian Russian studies in this area may be aimed at studying the influence of the modern Russian Diaspora in Turkey on the development of Russian-Turkish cooperation, at analyzing the motivation of Turkish students studying Russian, as well as at assessing the role of the Russian language in shaping a positive image of Russia in Turkish society. It is also important to explore how the use of digital technologies and social media affects the spread of the Russian language in Turkey. Russian Russian speakers should evaluate the role of social networks as a platform for learning Russian and communicating between native speakers of Russian and Turkish. In addition, a promising area is the analysis of the impact of the political situation on attitudes towards the Russian language in Turkey, given the complex and multifaceted Russian-Turkish relations. Finally, it is important to explore how historical periods influenced Turks' perception of the Russian language, what stereotypes might have developed, and how this affects the current state of affairs. Understanding these historically established concepts is necessary for analyzing the modern social status of the Russian language in Turkey.