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Belozerova M. Preserving the Shapsug Dialect in the Sochi Black Sea Region: Challenges and Prospects

M. Belozerova
Federal Research Centre the Subtropical Scientific Centre of the RAS
Sochi, Russia
ORCID: 0000-0002-3156-2458
E-mail: mbelozerowa@mail.ru

 

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ABSTRACT. The article presents the results of an ethno-social study examining the problems and prospects of preserving the Shapsug dialect of the Adyghe language among its speakers. The research was conducted in 2024 among the Shapsugs, a subethnic group of the Adyghe people and an indigenous minority of Russia, who reside primarily in the Lazarevsky District of Sochi (Russian Federation). The study is based on data from two questionnaire surveys, in-depth interviews, and materials from regional newspapers, as well as publications of the public organization of the Black Sea Adyghe-Shapsugs. The findings of the interviews and questionnaires indicate that a significant proportion of Shapsugs are concerned about the possible loss of their native language. This concern is largely due to the fact that the Shapsug dialect is not taught in all general education schools and, in the 2020s, is often unavailable even as an optional subject. In addition, the population’s involvement in the tourism sector, restrictions on the use of the native language in the workplace, and the dominance of Russian in secondary and higher education (including colleges and universities in Sochi and other Russian cities) contribute to a declining interest in learning the language. As a result, the Shapsug dialect is now used mainly within the family and in everyday informal communication. Accordingly, a considerable number of respondents believe that preserving the native language requires its active transmission within the family, as well as instruction in kindergarten and at school. Based on the collected data, the study identifies key strategies for preserving the Shapsug dialect among its speakers.

 

KEYWORDS: Shapsugs, indigenous peoples, Adyghe language, Shapsug dialect of the Adyghe language, Sochi Black Sea region, questionnaire survey, interview

 

DOI 10.31250/2618-8600-2026-1(31)-80-97
UDC 39 (=352.41) (470.621)

 

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