Language policy in multiethnic countries: Current trends

Russian Journal of Linguistics. 2026. Vol. 30. No. 2. P. 275–309.

Bergelson M., Grenoble L.

This introductory article surveys current theoretical and methodological trends in language policy
research in multilingual and multiethnic societies, with particular attention to the post-Soviet space
and the Russian Federation. Drawing on structural, critical, ecological, and urban sociolinguistic
approaches, the paper traces the evolution of language policy scholarship from early language
planning models to contemporary frameworks emphasizing multilingualism, globalization, social
inequality, and linguistic revitalization. The discussion integrates key concepts such as language
management, linguistic markets, speech accommodation, superdiversity, and decolonial critiques of
the “native speaker” paradigm. Particular attention is paid to the tensions between top-down state
management and bottom-up language practices, especially in urban multilingual settings and
endangered language communities. The growing role of language documentation and revitalization
is also examined, highlighting current initiatives in Russia aimed at preserving linguistic diversity
through scientifically grounded and community-centered approaches. Finally, the paper introduces
the contributions to this special issue, which collectively explore language policy, identity,
multilingual education, language maintenance, and revitalization across a range of global and local
contexts. Together, the volume demonstrates that multilingualism is a normative social condition
requiring flexible, multi-scalar, and socially responsive policy frameworks.

Keywords: multilingualism, language policy, minority languages, language revitalization, superdiversity, linguistic marketplace

Publication based on the results of: Language, literature and culture in historical and social perspective (2025)