Tuvan language: The problems of speech culture and digital vitality (based on the material of online discussions)

Abstract

The study aims to obtain data on the intensity of debating on the problems of functioning of the Tuvan language in discussions on social networks. The paper analyses the content of comments and reactions of the participants of Tuvan online communities in the social network Vk.com and Viber Messenger concerning the problems of the Tuvan language. Special attention is paid to the problems of speech culture and the functioning of the Tuvan language in various public spheres. The study is novel in that it is the first to analyse the Tuvan discourse of social networks in the context of the digital vitality of languages within the framework of regional sociolinguistic issues. As a result, it has been revealed that the problem of declining speech culture regarding the native language of Tuvan speakers is the most discussed one in Tuvan online communities, which indicates, on the one hand, their indifference to the fate of their native language. On the other hand, the Tuvan language actively functions in social networks, which contributes to an increase in the level of its digital vitality.