Preservation of indigenous languages discussed by parliamentarians of Tatarstan and Bashkortostan

A meeting was held in Aktanysh, Tatarstan, on May 18.

The talks were moderated by Speaker of the State Council of Tatarstan Farid Mukhametshin and Speaker of the State Convention of Bashkortostan Konstantin Tolkachyov. Rector Ilshat Gafurov partook as a member of the Committee on Education, Culture, Science and Ethnic Issues of the State Council of Tatarstan.

Both delegations exchanged their experience in solving issues of indigenous languages, including lawmaking, public funding, and other measures aimed at developing language learning, ethnic identity, culture and arts.

Assembly of Peoples of Tatarstan and House of Friendship of Tatarstan spoke about their work. Speaker Tolkachyov noted the importance of borrowing from Tatarstan’s playbook, “We also have some developments and results. But life doesn’t wait, and we need new approaches. The proposals voiced today will be studied thoroughly, and we will undoubtedly use the best practices in our activities.”

Both parliaments signed a joint resolution stating that questions of ethno-linguistic life are common for both provinces, and they can be better solved when coordinating efforts and plans. It’s important to streamline experience exchange in preserving the diversity of languages and traditions, says the document. The resolution is going to be sent to the Federation Council, the State Duma, and the Council of Lawmakers of Russia.

During the trip, the parliamentarians also visited the birthplace of the State Counsellor of Tatarstan Mintimer Shaimiev, including the Museum of Sharip Shaimiev (his father). They also toured a local secondary school for gifted children.

 

Source: Office of the President of Tatarstan

Translation: Yury Nurmeev