Yakutia revives its native languages with schools, tech and 100M rubles
Yakutia is taking major steps to protect and promote its native languages. A new history textbook will soon enter classrooms, while mandatory Yakut language lessons are set to begin in 2025. The regional government has also boosted funding for language preservation to 100 million rubles. Efforts to strengthen Yakutia’s linguistic heritage gained momentum in October 2022. A working group under the Academy of Sciences was formed to focus on preserving and developing the region’s languages. Since then, several key projects have moved forward.
The upcoming school year will see the introduction of a new history textbook on Yakutia. Developed using academic university materials, it aims to provide students with a deeper understanding of their regional heritage. The initiative was announced by Yakutia’s head, Aisen Nikolayev.
Digital projects are also playing a major role. A 15-volume explanatory dictionary of the Yakut language has been converted into a digital format. Additionally, an online reference system is being built to compile Yakut-language texts, making them more accessible. Meanwhile, an interactive museum dedicated to Yakutia’s state and official languages has opened, offering a hands-on way to explore linguistic traditions.
Broader media efforts are underway as well. In 2023, the Sakha channel of the NVC broadcasting company began producing children’s programming in Yakut. The move aims to engage younger audiences with the language in everyday contexts. The push to safeguard Yakutia’s languages includes both education and technology. With mandatory Yakut lessons starting in 2025 and increased funding, the region is investing in long-term preservation. The new textbook, digital tools, and media projects will support these goals in schools and beyond.
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