Chuvashes
BRIEF HISTORICAL INFORMATION
The oldest ancestors of Chuvashes are considered to be semi-nomadic Ogur (Bulgarian) and Suvar (Sabir) tribes, inhabiting the territory between Tien Shan and Altai, in the upper basin of Irtysh river.
The beginning of the formation of the Bulgarian nationality refers to the XI-XIII century. A long period of formation and development of the characteristic features of the nationality preceded their formation which was completed at the turn in the 15th-16th centuries. The ethnonym Chuvash first appeared in the sources at the beginning of the 16th century; at the same time the lands to the east of the Vetluga and Sura rivers for the first time were mentioned as a territory belonging to the Chuvash people (Chuvashia). The Chuvashes fully settled in this area in the XIV-early XV centuries [1].
The number of the Chuvashes and their place of residence
According to the results of the All-Russian Population Census of 2010, there are 1,435,872 Chuvashes in the Russian Federation [2]. About half of the entire population of the Chuvash ethnic group lives in its historical homeland, in the Chuvash Republic. Also, small diasporas of the Chuvash ethnos are compactly settled in Tatarstan, Bashkiria, Kazakhstan and Ukraine.
Dynamics of the number of the Chuvash diaspora in Kazakhstan by the results of population censuses:
Table 1 The number of the Chuvash population of Kazakhstan in the XX - XXI centuries in dynamics [3].
1970 year - 22871 people.
1979 year - 22310 people.
1989 year - 21,730 people.
1999 year - 11851 people.
National-cultural associations of the Chuvash peopleand the language and culture support
There are two national-cultural associations of Chuvashes in Kazakhstan. The first one "Chuvash public and cultural center of Pavlodar region" was founded in 1995. The public association was created to preserve and develop the customs, traditions, culture of the Chuvash people, as well as studying the native language and history. In the center there is a folklore ensemble "Sespel", a youth dance group.
Later, in 2014, the Public Association "Chuvash Ethnocultural Center" was established in Akmola region. The activity of the ethno-cultural center is aimed at preserving the ethno-cultural values of the Chuvashes: Chuvash culture, language, identity and national traditions. The center is carrying out activities to strengthen interethnic relations and friendship between the peoples of Kazakhstan, to prevent social, interethnic and interreligious conflicts.
In Pavlodar at K.B. Darzhuman School of National Revival there are the classes on the Chuvash language, culture and traditions schoolchildren and their parents as well.
The oldest ancestors of Chuvashes are considered to be semi-nomadic Ogur (Bulgarian) and Suvar (Sabir) tribes, inhabiting the territory between Tien Shan and Altai, in the upper basin of Irtysh river.
The beginning of the formation of the Bulgarian nationality refers to the XI-XIII century. A long period of formation and development of the characteristic features of the nationality preceded their formation which was completed at the turn in the 15th-16th centuries. The ethnonym Chuvash first appeared in the sources at the beginning of the 16th century; at the same time the lands to the east of the Vetluga and Sura rivers for the first time were mentioned as a territory belonging to the Chuvash people (Chuvashia). The Chuvashes fully settled in this area in the XIV-early XV centuries [1].
The number of the Chuvashes and their place of residence
According to the results of the All-Russian Population Census of 2010, there are 1,435,872 Chuvashes in the Russian Federation [2]. About half of the entire population of the Chuvash ethnic group lives in its historical homeland, in the Chuvash Republic. Also, small diasporas of the Chuvash ethnos are compactly settled in Tatarstan, Bashkiria, Kazakhstan and Ukraine.
Dynamics of the number of the Chuvash diaspora in Kazakhstan by the results of population censuses:
Table 1 The number of the Chuvash population of Kazakhstan in the XX - XXI centuries in dynamics [3].
1970 year - 22871 people.
1979 year - 22310 people.
1989 year - 21,730 people.
1999 year - 11851 people.
- year - 7301 people.
National-cultural associations of the Chuvash peopleand the language and culture support
There are two national-cultural associations of Chuvashes in Kazakhstan. The first one "Chuvash public and cultural center of Pavlodar region" was founded in 1995. The public association was created to preserve and develop the customs, traditions, culture of the Chuvash people, as well as studying the native language and history. In the center there is a folklore ensemble "Sespel", a youth dance group.
Later, in 2014, the Public Association "Chuvash Ethnocultural Center" was established in Akmola region. The activity of the ethno-cultural center is aimed at preserving the ethno-cultural values of the Chuvashes: Chuvash culture, language, identity and national traditions. The center is carrying out activities to strengthen interethnic relations and friendship between the peoples of Kazakhstan, to prevent social, interethnic and interreligious conflicts.
In Pavlodar at K.B. Darzhuman School of National Revival there are the classes on the Chuvash language, culture and traditions schoolchildren and their parents as well.
The Language
The Chuvash language belongs to the Bulgarian subgroup of the Turkic group of the Altaic family of languages. The writing of the Chuvashes has changed for many time, beginning with rune letters and Arabic graphics, ending with Russian letters. The new Chuvash script was created in 1871 by I.Ya. Yakovlev. The Chuvash language has kept the elements close to the Old Mongolian, as well as the Finno-Ugric languages; there are also Persian and Arabic words. The interaction with Russian culture also affected the Chuvash language by the penetration of Russian and international words [4].
Statistical analysis of the sociolinguistic situation of Chuvashes based on the results of the questionnaire
Within the framework of the international project the research was conducted in the form of interviews, questionnaires and the analysis of data.
Ethnicity: 51 interviewed people are Chuvash respondents.
Ethnic self-determination: 45 people. (91.8%) of the respondents define themselves as Chuvashes, 2 people. (4.1%) consider themselves as Russians and about 2 respondents (4.1%) there is no data.
The absolute majority of the representatives of the Chuvash ethnos on the passport define themselves as Chuvash.
Father's nationality: 48 respondents (94.1%) - Chuvashes; 3 respondents (5.9%) - no data available.
Mother’s nationality is represented by 2 nationalities: 42 respondents (82.4%) - Chuvash; 7 respondents (13.7%) - Russian and 2 respondents (3.9%) are not available.
Nationality of children:
21 respondents (41.2%) in such marriages were recorded as Chuvash;
11 respondents (21.6%) were recorded by the Russian,
6 respondents (11.8%) – were recorded as Kazakh,
for 1 respondent (2%) – it is difficult to answer,
1 respondent (2%) - other,
11 respondents (21.6%) - no data available.
According to the results of the questionnaire, among 51 Chuvash respondents 83% of women and 95% of men by ethnicity define themselves as Chuvash, only one respondent considers himself to be Russian (5.3%). Father's nationality 94.1% of respondents - Chuvash, mother's nationality 82.4% - also belong to the Chuvash ethnic group, this indicates that the Chuvashs of Kazakhstan were able to preserve their national identity. However, the ethnic identity of children born in such marriages is not the same: only 41.2% of children (21 people) accepted the father's nationality, and 21.6% (11 people) were recorded as Russians, 11.8% (6 people) were recorded as Kazakhs.
An analysis of the questionnaire about the language spoken in the family with preschool children:
22 respondents (43.1%) - only in Russian;
10 respondents (19.6%) - only in Chuvash language;
6 respondents (11.8%) - in Chuvash and Russian languages;
1 respondent (2%) - only in Bashkir language;
about 12 respondents (23.5%) - no data available.
An analysis of the questionnaire about the language spoken in the family with school children:
24 respondents (47,1%) - only in Russian;
10 respondents (19.6%) - only in Chuvash;
5 respondents (9.8%) - in Chuvash and Russian languages;
1 respondents (2%) - only in Bashkir language;
About 11 respondents (21.6%) - no data available.
An analysis of the questionnaire about the language spoken in the family with adults:
26 respondents (51%) - only in Russian;
13 respondents (25.5%) - only in Chuvash language;
6 respondents (11.8%) - in Chuvash and Russian languages;
1 respondent (2%) - only in Bashkir language;
About 5 respondents (9.8%) - no data available.
An analysis of the questionnaire about the language spoken with people of other nationalities:
40 respondents (78.4%) - only in Russian;
1 respondent (2%) - in Kazakh and Russian languages;
1 respondent (2%) - only in Bashkir language;
About 9 respondents (17.6%) - no data available.
Analysis of the language block data showed that in communication with both adults and children, 40-50% of Chuvashes use Russian, 20-25% of respondents speak their native Chuvash language. To communicate with people of other nationalities, in 80% of cases the Russian language is used. The level of proficiency in the state language is very low and is only 2%.
The analysis of the survey showed the following:
31 people (60.8%) speak fluently in Chuvash and Russian languages;
17 people (33.3%) - read fluently in Chuvash and Russian;
17 people (33.3%) - write fluently in Chuvash and Russian languages;
20 people (39.2%) - understand fluently in Chuvash and Russian languages;
22 people (43.1%) - read fluently books, newspapers, magazines and ads in Chuvash and Russian languages;
21 people (41.2%) - they understand better to listen to lectures, talks, reports, TV shows and radio programs in the Chuvash and Russian languages;
21 people (41.2%) - they understand it better when listen to concerts, watch performances in Chuvash and Russian;
23 people (45.1%) - answered that they understand films in Kazakh and Russian very well.
After becoming a part of Russia, the Chuvash were forcibly converted to Christianity in the Orthodox sense. This is confirmed by the results of the survey: the most respondents noted that they profess Christianity (62.7%). Only 11.8% mentioned the other religions: atheism (7.8%), agnosticism (2%), only 1 respondent - Islam (2%), 1 respondent finds it difficult to answer (2%), other respondents (23.5%) did not answer the question.
During the survey, it was revealed that most representatives of the Chuvash diaspora in Kazakhstan know quite well the samples of oral folk art and literature in their native language.
The most popular and favorite poem, mentioned by the majority of respondents was the poem "Narspi". Also were mentioned such works as "Near Akramov" by F. Uyar, "The Thirties" by S. Aslan, "Village in the Will" by K. Turhan, "Wild Winds "M. Uhsaya. Among the legends are famous the following: "Batyr and Chige-hursuhal", "Legends of the Ulyp", "Legend about Kiremet", "Chura Batyr" and others, and poems "Pass", "Shyvarman", "Grandfather Kalbuk."
The customs and traditions of the Chuvash ethnos were partially influenced by Russian culture. Religious Christian rites predominate among Chuvash rituals. Along with religious, ethnic traditions and customs, originating from pagan times, have preserved to this day.
The respondents demonstrated good knowledge of Chuvash customs and traditions. The most popular holiday according to the results of the questionnaire is "Mankun" - the meeting of the spring (New year), and other holidays of the spring ritual cycle: "Kalam", "Simek". "Akatui". Holidays of the New Year cycle: Surkhuri, Naturkan, Kasharni, Savarni. Among the rituals and traditions are also mentioned: "Ulah" - the time of youth gatherings, "Sinse" - a holiday and recreation (rest) for people, old people gather on the banks, "Her Yerri" - lamentations of the bride, beer festivals, etc.
An analysis of the employment showed the following:
In service sector (17.6%),
Workers (11.8%)
Teachers (3%),
Pensioners (15.7%)
Unemployed (7 , 8%)
15.7% of respondents are engaged in other spheres.
The conducted research within the framework of the international project showed that the resettlement to the territory of Kazakhstan occurred during the development of the virgin land. A significant majority of respondents consider themselves to be indigenous residents of Kazakhstan, 51 respondents of the Chuvash ethnic group answered to the question "Was your family deported to Kazakhstan":
34 (66.7%) – no
17 (33.3%) - no data.
Thus, the Chuvash diaspora of Kazakhstan, numbering about 7 thousand representatives, has preserved their ethnic identity, language and culture, customs and traditions. They participate in various social and cultural events conducted by the Chuvash ethno-cultural center and, at the same time, contribute to the development and establishment of a multinational Kazakhstan.
Literature
1. Ivanov V. P. Chuvashi: jetnicheskaja istorija i tradicionnaja kul'tura / V. P. Ivanov, V.V. Nikolaev, V.D. Dmitriev. - Moskva: Dik, 2000.
2. e-recourses: http://www.gks.ru
3. e-recourses: http://stat.kz/
4. Kahovskij V. F. Proishozhdenie chuvashskogo naroda. Osnovnye jetapy jenicheskoj istorii. — Cheboksary: Chuvashskoe knizhnoe izdatel'stvo, 1965. — 484 s.
The Chuvash language belongs to the Bulgarian subgroup of the Turkic group of the Altaic family of languages. The writing of the Chuvashes has changed for many time, beginning with rune letters and Arabic graphics, ending with Russian letters. The new Chuvash script was created in 1871 by I.Ya. Yakovlev. The Chuvash language has kept the elements close to the Old Mongolian, as well as the Finno-Ugric languages; there are also Persian and Arabic words. The interaction with Russian culture also affected the Chuvash language by the penetration of Russian and international words [4].
Statistical analysis of the sociolinguistic situation of Chuvashes based on the results of the questionnaire
Within the framework of the international project the research was conducted in the form of interviews, questionnaires and the analysis of data.
Ethnicity: 51 interviewed people are Chuvash respondents.
Ethnic self-determination: 45 people. (91.8%) of the respondents define themselves as Chuvashes, 2 people. (4.1%) consider themselves as Russians and about 2 respondents (4.1%) there is no data.
The absolute majority of the representatives of the Chuvash ethnos on the passport define themselves as Chuvash.
Father's nationality: 48 respondents (94.1%) - Chuvashes; 3 respondents (5.9%) - no data available.
Mother’s nationality is represented by 2 nationalities: 42 respondents (82.4%) - Chuvash; 7 respondents (13.7%) - Russian and 2 respondents (3.9%) are not available.
Nationality of children:
21 respondents (41.2%) in such marriages were recorded as Chuvash;
11 respondents (21.6%) were recorded by the Russian,
6 respondents (11.8%) – were recorded as Kazakh,
for 1 respondent (2%) – it is difficult to answer,
1 respondent (2%) - other,
11 respondents (21.6%) - no data available.
According to the results of the questionnaire, among 51 Chuvash respondents 83% of women and 95% of men by ethnicity define themselves as Chuvash, only one respondent considers himself to be Russian (5.3%). Father's nationality 94.1% of respondents - Chuvash, mother's nationality 82.4% - also belong to the Chuvash ethnic group, this indicates that the Chuvashs of Kazakhstan were able to preserve their national identity. However, the ethnic identity of children born in such marriages is not the same: only 41.2% of children (21 people) accepted the father's nationality, and 21.6% (11 people) were recorded as Russians, 11.8% (6 people) were recorded as Kazakhs.
An analysis of the questionnaire about the language spoken in the family with preschool children:
22 respondents (43.1%) - only in Russian;
10 respondents (19.6%) - only in Chuvash language;
6 respondents (11.8%) - in Chuvash and Russian languages;
1 respondent (2%) - only in Bashkir language;
about 12 respondents (23.5%) - no data available.
An analysis of the questionnaire about the language spoken in the family with school children:
24 respondents (47,1%) - only in Russian;
10 respondents (19.6%) - only in Chuvash;
5 respondents (9.8%) - in Chuvash and Russian languages;
1 respondents (2%) - only in Bashkir language;
About 11 respondents (21.6%) - no data available.
An analysis of the questionnaire about the language spoken in the family with adults:
26 respondents (51%) - only in Russian;
13 respondents (25.5%) - only in Chuvash language;
6 respondents (11.8%) - in Chuvash and Russian languages;
1 respondent (2%) - only in Bashkir language;
About 5 respondents (9.8%) - no data available.
An analysis of the questionnaire about the language spoken with people of other nationalities:
40 respondents (78.4%) - only in Russian;
1 respondent (2%) - in Kazakh and Russian languages;
1 respondent (2%) - only in Bashkir language;
About 9 respondents (17.6%) - no data available.
Analysis of the language block data showed that in communication with both adults and children, 40-50% of Chuvashes use Russian, 20-25% of respondents speak their native Chuvash language. To communicate with people of other nationalities, in 80% of cases the Russian language is used. The level of proficiency in the state language is very low and is only 2%.
The analysis of the survey showed the following:
31 people (60.8%) speak fluently in Chuvash and Russian languages;
17 people (33.3%) - read fluently in Chuvash and Russian;
17 people (33.3%) - write fluently in Chuvash and Russian languages;
20 people (39.2%) - understand fluently in Chuvash and Russian languages;
22 people (43.1%) - read fluently books, newspapers, magazines and ads in Chuvash and Russian languages;
21 people (41.2%) - they understand better to listen to lectures, talks, reports, TV shows and radio programs in the Chuvash and Russian languages;
21 people (41.2%) - they understand it better when listen to concerts, watch performances in Chuvash and Russian;
23 people (45.1%) - answered that they understand films in Kazakh and Russian very well.
After becoming a part of Russia, the Chuvash were forcibly converted to Christianity in the Orthodox sense. This is confirmed by the results of the survey: the most respondents noted that they profess Christianity (62.7%). Only 11.8% mentioned the other religions: atheism (7.8%), agnosticism (2%), only 1 respondent - Islam (2%), 1 respondent finds it difficult to answer (2%), other respondents (23.5%) did not answer the question.
During the survey, it was revealed that most representatives of the Chuvash diaspora in Kazakhstan know quite well the samples of oral folk art and literature in their native language.
The most popular and favorite poem, mentioned by the majority of respondents was the poem "Narspi". Also were mentioned such works as "Near Akramov" by F. Uyar, "The Thirties" by S. Aslan, "Village in the Will" by K. Turhan, "Wild Winds "M. Uhsaya. Among the legends are famous the following: "Batyr and Chige-hursuhal", "Legends of the Ulyp", "Legend about Kiremet", "Chura Batyr" and others, and poems "Pass", "Shyvarman", "Grandfather Kalbuk."
The customs and traditions of the Chuvash ethnos were partially influenced by Russian culture. Religious Christian rites predominate among Chuvash rituals. Along with religious, ethnic traditions and customs, originating from pagan times, have preserved to this day.
The respondents demonstrated good knowledge of Chuvash customs and traditions. The most popular holiday according to the results of the questionnaire is "Mankun" - the meeting of the spring (New year), and other holidays of the spring ritual cycle: "Kalam", "Simek". "Akatui". Holidays of the New Year cycle: Surkhuri, Naturkan, Kasharni, Savarni. Among the rituals and traditions are also mentioned: "Ulah" - the time of youth gatherings, "Sinse" - a holiday and recreation (rest) for people, old people gather on the banks, "Her Yerri" - lamentations of the bride, beer festivals, etc.
An analysis of the employment showed the following:
In service sector (17.6%),
Workers (11.8%)
Teachers (3%),
Pensioners (15.7%)
Unemployed (7 , 8%)
15.7% of respondents are engaged in other spheres.
The conducted research within the framework of the international project showed that the resettlement to the territory of Kazakhstan occurred during the development of the virgin land. A significant majority of respondents consider themselves to be indigenous residents of Kazakhstan, 51 respondents of the Chuvash ethnic group answered to the question "Was your family deported to Kazakhstan":
34 (66.7%) – no
17 (33.3%) - no data.
Thus, the Chuvash diaspora of Kazakhstan, numbering about 7 thousand representatives, has preserved their ethnic identity, language and culture, customs and traditions. They participate in various social and cultural events conducted by the Chuvash ethno-cultural center and, at the same time, contribute to the development and establishment of a multinational Kazakhstan.
Literature
1. Ivanov V. P. Chuvashi: jetnicheskaja istorija i tradicionnaja kul'tura / V. P. Ivanov, V.V. Nikolaev, V.D. Dmitriev. - Moskva: Dik, 2000.
2. e-recourses: http://www.gks.ru
3. e-recourses: http://stat.kz/
4. Kahovskij V. F. Proishozhdenie chuvashskogo naroda. Osnovnye jetapy jenicheskoj istorii. — Cheboksary: Chuvashskoe knizhnoe izdatel'stvo, 1965. — 484 s.
Zhazbekova Zh.A.
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