Northern Altaian Ethnic-Cultural Identity in Urban Context: Symbolic Renaissance

Abstract

Purpose. The article contributes to the study of urban life of Russian ethnic minorities. Our research was based on three groups of Northern Altaians: the Kumandins, the Tubalars, and the Chelkans, the indigenous ethnic minorities of Siberia. Results. Our research shows that Northern Altaians vary according to the degree of their urbanization with the Kumandins being the most urbanized ones. The main reason for an increase in number of Northern Altaians in cities is migration from village areas. They migrate primarily for the sake of education, job search, better living conditions, as well as a result of the state policy of eliminating ‘unpromising’ villages. However, in urban environments they tend to lose their traditional culture and native language, and their family identities become less distinct. Their lifestyles are essentially the same as the lifestyles of Russians city dwellers. Many Altaians remain loyal to their traditional cuisine, enjoy national holidays and gladly participate in celebrations. Conclusions. The ancestors of the Northern Altaians had earlier contacts with the Russians and Russian culture (in the 17^th century) than Southern Altaians (in the 18^th century). Due to the policy of Christian prozelytism, close contacts with Russians, mixed marriages and a strong process of Russification took place. In the late 19^th century, assimilation continued to develop. Because of this, the Northern Altaians were often unable to resist the weakening of their ethnic and cultural identities as they migrated. In the 1990s, the Northern Altai intelligentsia admitted a certain degree of separation between their fellow Altaians and the cultural heritage of their ancestors. It was the period when a concept of national-cultural renaissance became popular among the Northern Altaians. The ethnic renaissance affected self-perception of urban Northern Altaians in a significant way. Nowadays, the Northern Altaians who live in cities possess strong cultural identities. However, these identities are beginning to get new shapes. They are no longer related to the degree of their language competence or common ethnic-cultural knowledge; rather, it is the symbolic component of cultural identities that is perceived as the most important one.