ABSTRACT
Summary: The peoples of the USSR vary greatly in numbers, language type and level of development. There are obvious problems concerning language development, and less obvious ones in the connections between language and other cultural factors, such as religion. Current trends include different responses to assimilation, and demographic changes, notably the relative increase of numbers among the Central Asian peoples.
Legally, all are guaranteed the right to education in the language of their choice, and are also taught Russian, but there are problems of numbers. Complete education is feasible in the languages of the Union Republics, but for smaller groups native-language education is available only in part, and groups still lacking a written language have to use Russian or another language throughout.
The educational levels of the various groups show many inequalities. Some of these can be related to the degree of urbanization, to the proportion of the population with fluent Russian, or to the strength of the indigenous culture, but we still lack a full explanation in many cases. Developments since 1970 show a diminution of differences generally, and support the view that there is an admissions quota in operation, and also suggest a sustained policy of improvement in Central Asia, both part of a general policy of equalization. The implications of current trends are still uncertain; attempts to encourage ‘convergence’ could be dangerous, but the development of pluralism, though difficult, holds out more hope for the future of a multinational state.
