Language as mechanism of systemic foundation: Tungus-speaking groups in the Far East

Language Classification in The Ethnologue and its Consequences

“…Orok has two main dialects with little mutual intelligibility, and was officially considered a dialect of Nanai by Russia (Simons & Fennig, 2017). Mamontova (2016) notes that the ethnic community in Northern East Asia is heterogeneous, making the labelling of ethnic and language groups a "difficult and rather unnatural task" (p.53). From the Soviet point of view, "only an ethnic group whose dialect occupied both a linguistically and geographically central position could be treated as a nation" (Mamontova, 2016, p. 54).…”

“…From the Soviet point of view, "only an ethnic group whose dialect occupied both a linguistically and geographically central position could be treated as a nation" (Mamontova, 2016, p. 54). As Orok was considered a dialect, the Soviet government began imposing literacy training for Orok peoples as a part of language standardization efforts in the region (Mamontova, 2016). The Nepa dialect of Evenki was taught because it was considered more "literary" and developed by colonial Soviets (Mamontova, 2016).…”

“…As Orok was considered a dialect, the Soviet government began imposing literacy training for Orok peoples as a part of language standardization efforts in the region (Mamontova, 2016). The Nepa dialect of Evenki was taught because it was considered more "literary" and developed by colonial Soviets (Mamontova, 2016). This was effectively a colonization project, intended to remove cultural differences between the different groups of Tungus-speaking peoples and draw them closer to the culture of the western parts of Russia (Mamontova, 2016).…”

“…The Nepa dialect of Evenki was taught because it was considered more "literary" and developed by colonial Soviets (Mamontova, 2016). This was effectively a colonization project, intended to remove cultural differences between the different groups of Tungus-speaking peoples and draw them closer to the culture of the western parts of Russia (Mamontova, 2016). It had the effect of relabeling indigenous peoples within broader ethnicities and created new social hierarchies of indigenous groups (Mamontova, 2016).…”

“…This was effectively a colonization project, intended to remove cultural differences between the different groups of Tungus-speaking peoples and draw them closer to the culture of the western parts of Russia (Mamontova, 2016). It had the effect of relabeling indigenous peoples within broader ethnicities and created new social hierarchies of indigenous groups (Mamontova, 2016). Those who speak the chosen "standard" dialect hold more social capital; their identity and rights as indigenous peoples of Russia fit them more comfortably.…”