Macrosociolinguistics and Minority Languages

In an environment of concurrent trends toward globalization and regionalization, as well as the strengthening of processes associated with the reinforcement of national identity, the effective management of linguistic diversity becomes a key task for multilingual and multicultural states. These processes affect both indigenous titular and minority languages, as well as exogenous standard languages. Bilingualism, being the norm in such societies, is not only a linguistic phenomenon but also a powerful factor in shaping identity that requires thoughtful policy. The aim of this study is to analyze how bilingualism affects language identity and what the strategies for its regulation are in contexts with different sociolinguistic configurations of language situations. Based on a macro-sociolinguistic approach and a comparative analysis of the language policy models of Kazakhstan, Canada, and Belgium, the study shows that the success of measures to regulate and manage multilingualism directly correlates with the consideration of the specifics of the language situation. Primarily, this refers to parameters such as the type of territorial distribution of languages, the type of their standardization, the degree of autochthonous status, and its significance for the language community. The results demonstrate that the sustainability of multilingualism and the avoidance of conflict dynamics directly depend on systemic state support and management, the effective model of which can vary: asymmetric bilingualism in Kazakhstan, institutional in Canada, territorial in Belgium. The key conclusion is that the success of language policy is based on flexible and inclusive strategies that integrate education, media, and intercultural dialogue, where bilingualism is viewed as a resource for social development and integration, rather than as a problem.

The study is devoted to an analysis of the modern language situation in Kazakhstan using the example of Almaty city. The aim of this research is to study sociolinguistic attitudes, level of functional proficiency in languages and their daily application in the context of Kazakhstan bilingualism. Based on the empirical data obtained during a socio-linguistic survey of Almaty residents, we considered the features of proficiency in Kazakh and Russian languages in daily communication. The methodological framework includes a quantitative analysis of survey results, as well as statistical testing of hypotheses using Pearson’s chi-squared test. Research established the presence of meaningful connections between variables, including mother tongue, first language, language of instruction and mastery of the Kazakh language, in particular understanding, speaking, reading and writing. The authors also discussed how formal language settings relate to real communicative practices, and what influences the desire to learn languages. The results of this study provide an empirical basis for further sociolinguistic research and emphasize the importance of mainstreaming biographical and educational factors in language policy development of multilingual society.

This study explores the sociolinguistic phenomenon of emotional expression in foreign languages among Moroccan speakers, with a particular focus on the shift away from Darija in emotionally charged communication. Drawing on qualitative data collected through a structured questionnaire, the analysis centers on 64 open-ended responses to three key questions concerning the preference for foreign languages, emotional change across languages, and future linguistic tendencies in Morocco. Thematic coding of the responses reveals several recurring patterns: the perceived lexical richness and expressiveness of English and French, the emotional comfort and detachment offered by non-native languages, and the influence of globalized media and multilingual educational systems. Additionally, the study highlights a growing sociocultural reorientation among Moroccan youth, with foreign languages often seen as more prestigious or better suited to expressing emotionally charged discourse. While some responses indicate a concern about the marginalization of local languages, others foresee a hybrid or multilingual future in which Darija coexists with global linguistic trends. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of language, identity, and emotional expression in multilingual societies and open space for further research on language prestige, emotional fluency, and cultural affiliation in contemporary Morocco.

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