Russian language: “National Language and Cultural Diversity of Russia” round table in Moscow

February 21, 2012, on the International Mother Language Day, the Moscow House of Public Organizations was held a round table "The National Language and Cultural Diversity of Russia." This is the first joint event of the State Duma of the Russian Federation and the "Russian world" Foundation. The meeting was attended by deputies of the Duma, cultural workers, employees of ministries and departments, linguists, representatives of compatriots’ organizations.

Having thanked the "Russian world" Foundation for initiating the round table discussion, the Chairman of the State Duma Sergei Naryshkin said that the Russian language is an effective means of international communication in the territory of the former Soviet Union and continues to unite the inhabitants of the former Soviet republics. The Russian speaker pointed to the fact that, in connection with the "rapid computerization and mass communication," the official language is in need of protection. In particular, he expressed the opinion that the Russian Language Day (6 June) is to be celebrated also at the Duma level, and said that he will give instructions to do the necessary preparatory work.

Several presentations dealt with facilitating opportunities for children of compatriots to be educated in the Russian universities, and in general more active support of the diaspora, especially in the Baltics. Among possible measures to support the Russian language is the promotion of its high status in the international arena, in particular, the struggle for the use of Russian language as the official or the working one in various international non-governmental organizations.