Abstract for: Modelling the Declined Use of Native Language Among Native Kabardians

Kabardian, a Northwest Caucasian language, is classified as endangered as it is experiencing a critical decline in the number of native speakers. The factors such as globalization, urbanization, and the dominance of Russian as the state language contribute to this decline. The extinction of Kabardian language is an alarming threat to the cultural heritage and identity of the Kabardian people.​ The model was developed to analyze causes that drive the use of Kabardian language to decline. The model incorporates historical census data from the USSR (1939-1989) and the Russian Federation (2002-2020), and projects future trends. Various policy interventions, including increased media content and educational reforms, were explored to see their potential impact on language preservation.​ The results of running the model show that if current trends continue, the number of native Kabardian speakers will continue to decline, leading to potential language extinction by 2100. Implementing the proposed policies such as increasing Kabardian media presence and mandating a minimum of four hours of native language teaching in schools, can help to stabilize and later revent this values. The results produced by the model highlight the urgency and severity of the problems discussed. A combined approach integrating cultural and educational policies shows the highest potential for sustaining the language. Future research should refine the model by going in more depth in the parameters used as well as incorporating additional sociopolitical factors that were discovered during the research.