“May our language not perish. Our language is our memory.”: A mixed-methods investigation of the ethnolinguistic vitality of Laz

Mehmet Akkuş; Çiğdem Sağın Şimşek; Gülay Akın

doi:10.18492/dad.1587071

EN TR

“May our language not perish. Our language is our memory.”: A mixed-methods investigation of the ethnolinguistic vitality of Laz

Abstract

This study explores the contemporary status of Laz, an endangered South Caucasian language, exploring factors shaping its vitality within the ethnolinguistic vitality framework. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research utilizes questionnaires and interviews within Laz-speaking communities. While the questionnaires (n=259) probed vitality-related aspects, the interviews (n=5) offered narrative data, essential for understanding lived experiences and perceptions of the community. Bridging a crucial gap in research by encompassing socio-cultural and demographic dimensions, the study reveals diverse influences on the visibility of Laz. This innovative approach contributes significantly to the broader field, offering a holistic exploration of ethnolinguistic vitality. Findings expose variations shaped by linguistic, cultural, and social dynamics. The quantitative data unveil statistically significant mean disparities in the perceptions of vitality held by the speakers towards their heritage language. The qualitative analysis, focusing on generational tensions, societal adaptations, and language use, underscores the resilience and challenges faced by the Laz.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

TÜBİTAK

Project Number

TÜBİTAK 3501 Kariyer Geliştirme Programı kapsamında 221K226 numaralı proje desteği

Thanks

Bu makaleden elde edilen bulgular, TÜBİTAK 3501 Kariyer Geliştirme Programı kapsamında 221K226 numaralı proje desteğiyle gerçekleştirilmiş olan alan araştırmaları sayesinde üretilmiştir. Yürütücüsü olduğum bu proje için TÜBİTAK'a teşekkür ederim.

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Language Documentation and Description , Sociolinguistics

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Mehmet Akkuş ^*
0000-0002-9604-1418
Türkiye

Çiğdem Sağın Şimşek
0000-0002-5234-7546
Türkiye

Gülay Akın
0000-0001-6272-423X
Türkiye

Publication Date

January 27, 2026

Submission Date

November 18, 2024

Acceptance Date

October 14, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 1970 Volume: 36 Number: 3 - Türkiye'de Tehlikedeki Diller Özel Sayısı (Konuk Editörler: Mehmet Akkuş, Çiğdem Sağın Şimşek) / Special Issue - Endangered Languages in Turkey (Guest Editors: Mehmet Akkuş, Çiğdem Sağın Şimşek)

DOI

https://doi.org/10.18492/dad.1587071

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA58PJ82UE

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Akkuş, M., Sağın Şimşek, Ç., & Akın, G. (2026). “May our language not perish. Our language is our memory.”: A mixed-methods investigation of the ethnolinguistic vitality of Laz. Dilbilim Araştırmaları Dergisi, 36(3 - Türkiye’de Tehlikedeki Diller Özel Sayısı (Konuk Editörler: Mehmet Akkuş, Çiğdem Sağın Şimşek) / Special Issue - Endangered Languages in Turkey (Guest Editors: Mehmet Akkuş, Çiğdem Sağın Şimşek), 381-412. https://doi.org/10.18492/dad.1587071

“May our language not perish. Our language is our memory.”: A mixed-methods investigation of the ethnolinguistic vitality of Laz

“May our language not perish. Our language is our memory.”: A mixed-methods investigation of the ethnolinguistic vitality of Laz

Abstract

Keywords

“Dilimiz yok olmasın. Dilimiz hafızamızdır.”: Lazcanın etnodilbilimsel canlılığı üzerine karma yöntemli bir inceleme

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