Press conference on native languages development is held in Daghestani ministry of nationalities

Makhachkala, February 24, 2014. On February 21, Daghestani minister of national policy Alexei Gassanov gave a press conference on the International Native Language Day which brought together media published in all Daghestani languages and some creative unions.

Opening the meeting, the deputy minister Zikrula Ilyasov briefed on the International Native Language Day noting that Daghestan languages are guaranteed by two constitutions. But, he said, despite the measures taken, Daghestan native speakers continue to decrease in number. Then, the minister gave certain facts and figures describing the current state and the measures taken to preserve and promote national culture and Daghestani languages.

Daghestan is known for its diversity and unique cultural institutions, monuments, and traditions. Daghestan has 12 national theaters, 3 state museums, a philharmonic hall, dance schools bringing the republic national and international fame, orchestral and choral groups, more than 1,000 libraries, cinemas and film projectors, a large number of clubs in cities and regions.

July 26, 2013, the House of Friendship was opened in Dagestan to celebrate Daghestan Constitution Day. April 2013, following Abdulatipov’s instructions, they began to create centers of Russian peoples’ traditional culture at the municipal level. The centers’ goal is to preserve and promote the cultural and historical heritage, folk arts and crafts, to provide leisure, information and consulting to people and organizations, to educate the younger generation in the spirit of Daghestani cultural traditions, to create an environment motivating young people to culturally and creatively develop, to express and spiritually enrich themselves.

Gassanov said he was ready to meet with reporters more often, to hold joint press conference with heads of ministries the ministry of nationalities is collaborating with as part of the inter-ministry agency cooperation.