DOCSLIB.ORG

A Study of Russian Organizations in the Greater Vancouver Area

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
A Study of Russian Organizations in the Greater Vancouver Area I AV *w > $^ i &yv~ A STUDY OF RUSSIAN ORGANIZATIONS IN THE GREATER VANCOUVER AREA by KOOZMA JOHN TARASOFF B.A., The University of Saskatchewan, 1957 A THESIS SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF ARTS in the Department of Anthropology and Sociology We accept this thesis as conforming to the required standard THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA April, 1963 In presenting this thesis in partial fulfilment of the requirements for an advanced degree at the University of British Columbia, I agree that the Library shall make it freely available for reference and study. I further agree that per• mission for extensive copying of this thesis for scholarly purposes may be granted by the Head of my Department or by his representatives., It is understood that copying or publi• cation of this thesis for financial gain shall not be allowed without my written permission. Department of Anthropology and Sociology The University of British Columbia,. Vancouver 8, Canada. ii ABSTRACT This is a study of Russian ethnic organizations in the Greater Vancouver area of British Columbia. These ethnics in total include an official population of 9»32H. More specifically, this is a study of "joiners" in fourteen "existent" and seven "non-existent" organizations. Bata were gathered over an eighteen month period mainly by participant observation and interviews. The findings may be summarized as follows: 1. There are relatively few "joiners" as compared to "non-joiners" in the ethnic sub-community. 2. Those that join do so for a variety of reasons, including religious, ideological, cultural and/or personal reasons. 3* Turning from the indivi• dual to the voluntary association or organization, we find certain characteristics of growth which we have described in eight sections: origin, formal structure and membership, internal differentiation, cooperation with other groups, con• flict with other groups, internal strains, actual splits and termination (if any), k. The dominant theme which evolves from the study is that one's perception of Communism (together with the "cold war" atmosphere) greatly affects organizational behavior. Thus we find a whole series of symbolic magic-like words used to pave the way on one hand pr. to hinder the spread iii of Communism on the other—or. else to maintain a "neutral" position. 5« Other factors which affect organizational behavior in the Russian community have been included under seven sub-categories: social class, kinship, jurisdictional conflict, effective leadership, ecological factors, common interest, and place of birth and time of arrival in Canada, 6, Certain queries arise concerning the actual acceptance of "unpopular" ideas in a society which theoretically glorifies "diversity". This, in turn, affects the rate of integration of such minority opinions into society. In brief, then, the study of Russian ethnic organiza• tions shows that there are certain things which bring people together and other things which split them apart; this whole process, in turn, is largely related to the national policy and its role in the "cold war" atmosphere. 1CKN0WLEDGEMENT A study of Russian organizations in the Greater Vancouver area would not have been possible without the help of the members making up these organizations, I especially wish to thank the officials of the three Russian Orthodox Churches, the Russian Orthodox Society, the Russian Centre of B, C,, the Federation of Russian Canadians, the Lower Mainland Society of Doukhobors, the Doukhobor Fraternal Society of Greater Vancouver, the Russian School group from Lochdale Hall, and the Volga Ensemble, These officials together with members of these organizations have made me more than welcome; they have invited me to their concerts, dances, meetings, banquets, parties and prayer services, and on many occasions I have been personally asked to "join" them. My sincere gratitude to all of these people whom I now consider close friends. Likewise, I am grateful to the Canada Council for presenting me with a grant during my first post-graduate year of studies at the University of British Columbia, as well as to the Canadian Citizenship Branch for unexpectedly providing me with a grant-in-aid of research during my second term, Br. Harry B. Hawthorn, head of the Department of Anthropology and Sociology deserves my thanks for accepting me into post-graduate studies and encouraging me to go on. Likewise, viii thanks to my thesis advisor Dr. Werner Gohn who stimulated my thinking and guided me through the latter stages of this thesis. Last, but not least, my wife, Nadya, patiently put up with me during these trying times. To all these people I say "Thank you". TABLE OF CONTENTS Preliminary Pages PAGE Title page : i Abstract ii Table of Contents iv Acknowledgement vii CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTION A. The Problem Defined 1 B. The Area Studied k C. The Method of Study and Sources of « Information 5 D. Background of the Russians • 9 II. CASE STUDIES OF RUSSIAN ORGANIZATIONS IN THE GREATER VANCOUVER AREA Introduction —• 2k 1. Russian Progressive Club (1909-1918) 27 2. Society of Technical Aid to Russia (1922- 192»+) : 30 3. Maxim Gorky Russian Workers1 Club (1931- 194-0) • 31 k* Progressive Society of Doukhobors (1935- 19 W 37 5. Federation of Russian Canadians, Vancouver Branch (19^2- ) ^3 Russian People*s Home '(19^6- ) 6» Federation of Russian Canadians, English- Speaking Branch (1958- ) : 71 7« Federation of Russian Canadians, Branches at Richmond, New Westminster and Victoria, B. C. (19^2- ) 77 v CHAPTER PAGE 8. Workers* Benevolent Association of Canada, Russian Branch in Vancouver i (late 191*0* s) — 79 j 9. Russian Orthodox Society (1935- ) — 83 J Holy Resurrection Church (1923 - ) Canadian Russian Youth Club (1962- . ) 10. St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church (1929- ) 112 11. Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church (1938- ) — 117 12. Russian Centre of British Columbia (1956- ) 125 13. The Canadian Orthodox Ladies* Guild(l95V ) 1^1 l*t. Vancouver Doukhobor Society (c. 19^-6-1959)- 1^3 15. Society of Doukhobors of New Westminster (19^8-1962) 150 16. Doukhobor Fraternal Society of Greater Vancouver (1959- ) 159 17. The "Svidanya of Youth" (1958-1959) 165 18. Lower Mainland Society of Doukhobors (1962- ) 171 19. Slavonic Circle (c. 19^5- ) I83 20. Volga Ensemble (I96I- ) — l8*f 21. Russian School Group (1962- ) 188 III. ANALYSIS OF ORGANIZATION BEHAVIOR 193 A dominant theme highlighted 198 Other factors which affect organizational behavior 209 What can be said about the "non-joiners"? 219 vi PAGE APPENDIX A Statement of Purpose of the Canadian Council of National Groups — 223 B Special meeting regarding the priest controversy amongst the Russian Orthodox in Vancouver [Sample of Field Notes by author] 225 C Special meeting of Doukhobors resulting in the formation of the Lower Mainland Society of Doukhobors [Sample copy of Field Notes] 2^0 D Annual Slav Concert commemorating the "Month of Peace", held at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Vancouver, B. C., Sunday, January 20, 1963 251 E Several versions for the "Big Split" and the rise of the Russian Centre of B. C. 256 F Memorandum on the subject of the Canadian Immigra• tion policy and the revised Immigration Regula• tions . • « by the Russian Centre of B. C. 260 G "White" Russian organizations existing in Harbin, Manchuria in 1937 263 BIBLIOGRAPHY 266 CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION A. The Problem Defined During the 1961 Dominion Census of Canada, 9,324- people in the Greater Vancouver area stated that they were of "Russian" ethnic origin [Census, I96I: Bulletin 1.2-5, Table 39»6]. This was determined by asking the question: "To what ethnic or cultural group did you or your ancestors (on the male side) belong on coming to this continent?" The language spoken at that time by the person, or his paternal ancestor, was used as an aid in the determination of the person's ethnic group. Special instructions were provided in cases where the language criterion was not applicable. A naive assumption might be that people of the same ethnic origin, speaking a common language, should have much in common with one another. But once we look at the situation on the West Coast of British Columbia we find a segmented picture of a diverse group amongst the Russian population of the City. There are today a total of Ik Russian organizations in the Greater Vancouver area, ranging in "actual" (paid-up) 2 membership from 13 to 133 members, and totalling Q2k (plus 280 children) or less than 12 per cent of the total Russian population for this area. This total includes members who belong to two or more of these l*f organizations, thus making the actual total of "joiners" lower. Another 15*28 per cent (see Chapter III) are non-member participants, thus leaving 73 per cent Russian ethnics who belong to no organization within their own group. So that l*t Russian ethnic organizations serve 27 per cent of this particular ethnic population. Even more striking is the segmentation of the "joiners" and "parti• cipants" when we look at the actual behavior and note the recurrence of cooperation, conflicts and splits. The problem we wish to pose here is: "What are the factors which bring the Russian people together and what are the factors which split them apart?" The bulk of this paper will attempt to answer this question. One way of demonstrating this is to make a comparative case study of the sub-groups involved in terms of certain characteristics peculiar to their functional whole. We propose to use eight categories to explain the structure or "skeleton" of each organization, to observe the behavior of its members within it, and to show how these collectivities of individuals react to other organizations within the Russian family. In brief, those who .loin organizations will be the focus of our attention.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • 2007 Conference Abstracts
    Abstracts 49th Annual Conference Western Social Science Association WSSA 49th Annual Conference Abstracts i Abstracts 49th Annual Conference Western Social Science Association CALGARY, ALBERTA, CANADA April 11 to April 14, 2007 Abstracts are organized by section. Within Sections, the abstracts appear alphabetically by the last name of the first author. A Table of Contents appears on the next page. WSSA 49th Annual Conference Abstracts ii Section Coordinators Listing ...................................................................................... iii African American and African Studies ........................................................................ 1 American Indian Studies .............................................................................................. 4 American Studies........................................................................................................ 15 Anthropology............................................................................................................... 18 Arid Lands Studies...................................................................................................... 19 Asian Studies .............................................................................................................. 20 Association for Borderlands Studies ........................................................................ 27 Canadian Studies ........................................................................................................ 58 Chicano Studies/Land Grants
    [Show full text]
  • Terrorism in Canada
    Journal of Military and Strategic VOLUME 13, ISSUE 3, Spring 2011 Studies Terrorism in Canada Michael Zekulin September 11th 2011 will mark the tenth anniversary of the terrorist attacks which toppled the World Trade Center buildings in New York City and killed approximately three thousand people. These attacks marked the beginning of an escalation of global Islamic terrorism which shows no signs of fading in the near future. The purpose of this paper is to examine whether Islamic terrorism has seen a marked increase in Canada since 9/11 and further identify what this might mean for Canadians and policymakers moving forward. Investigating the terrorist incidents which have unfolded in Canada over the past ten years not only provides valuable information about the threats and challenges Canada has experienced since 9/11, it also provides clues about what we might expect moving forward. This paper argues that an analysis of terrorist incidents in Canada from 9/11 until today reveals a disturbing trend. However, it also provides a clear indication of several areas which need to be investigated and addressed in order to mitigate this threat moving forward. This paper begins by summarizing six high profile terrorist incidents which have unfolded in Canada over the past ten years. These include plots linked to the “Toronto 18,” as well as Misbahuddin Ahmed, Khurram Sher and Hiva Alizadeh, collectively referred to as the “Ottawa 3.” It also examines individuals accused of planning or supporting terrorist activities such as Said Namouh, Mohammad Khawaja, Mohamed Harkat and Sayfildin Tahir-Sharif. These case studies are presented to show the reader that Canada has faced significant threats in the ten years since 9/11, and further, that these incidents appear to be increasing.
    [Show full text]
  • From Truth to Reconciliation : Transforming the Legacy of Residential Schools
    AHF_School_cover_JAN23.qxd:Layout 1 1/23/08 3:57 PM Page 1 RESILIENCE OF THE FLOWER BEADWORK PEOPLE Christi Belcourt 1999 Acrylic on Canvas We have survived through incredible odds. We very easily could have been absorbed into the mainstream society. The pressures were there from all sides. No matter. We are here. Despite direct assimilation attempts. Despite the residential school systems. Despite the strong influences of the Church in Métis communities to ignore and deny our Aboriginal heritage and our Aboriginal spirituality. We are still able to say we are proud to be Métis. We are resilient as a weed. As beautiful as a wildflower. We have much to celebrate and be proud of. – Christi Belcourt (excerpt from www.belcourt.net) T r a F n s r BLOOD TEARS f o o Alex Janvier r m m 2001 i Acrylic on linen n T g From Truth to Reconciliation th r Painted on the artist’s 66 birthday, t u h Blood Tears is both a statement of e t Transforming the Legacy of Residential Schools Mr. Janvier’s sense of loss and a h L celebration of his resilience, made all e t g the more powerful with the inclusion o a c of a lengthy inscription painted in his y R own hand on the rear of the canvas. o e f The inscription details a series of c R losses attributed to the ten years o e he spent at the Blue Quills Indian s n i d Residential School: loss of childhood, c e language, culture, customs, parents, Aboriginal Healing Foundation i n l t grandparents, and traditional beliefs.
    [Show full text]
  • 2015 Final Programopens in a New Window
    Welcome to the Thirteenth Annual Hawaii International Conference on Arts & Humanities Aloha! We welcome you to the Thirteenth Annual Hawaii International Conference on Arts and Humanities. For more than a decade, this event has offered a unique opportunity for academics and other professionals from around the globe to share their broad array of knowledge and perspectives. The primary goal of the conference is to provide those with cross- disciplinary interests related to arts and humanities to meet and interact with others inside and outside their own discipline. The international aspect of the conference brings a truly diverse variety of viewpoints shaped by different cultures, languages, geography and politics. This diversity is also captured in the Hawaii International Conference’s unique cross- disciplinary approach. The resulting interaction energizes research as well as vocation. With Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head and the vast South Pacific as the backdrop, this venue is an important dimension of this conference. For centuries a stopping place of explorers, Hawaii has historically been enriched by the blend of ideas that have crossed our shores. The Hawaii International Conference on Arts and Humanities continues this tradition in the nurturing spirit of Aloha. Along with its ideal weather and striking beauty, the Hawaiian Islands provide natural elements to inspire learning and dialogue. This year we have more than 325 participants representing more than 16 countries. Thank you for joining the 2015 Hawaii International Conference on Arts and Humanities! The 2016 Hawaii International Conference on Arts and Humanities is tentatively scheduled for January 11 – 14, 2016 at the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa and the Hilton Waikiki Beach Hotel in Honolulu, Hawaii.
    [Show full text]
  • Doukhobor Problem,” 1899-1999
    Spirit Wrestling Identity Conflict and the Canadian “Doukhobor Problem,” 1899-1999 By Ashleigh Brienne Androsoff A thesis submitted in conformity with the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy, Graduate Department of History, in the University of Toronto © by Ashleigh Brienne Androsoff, 2011 Spirit Wrestling: Identity Conflict and the Canadian “Doukhobor Problem,” 1899-1999 Ashleigh Brienne Androsoff Degree of Doctor of Philosophy, Graduate Department of History, University of Toronto, 2011 ABSTRACT At the end of the nineteenth century, Canada sought “desirable” immigrants to “settle” the Northwest. At the same time, nearly eight thousand members of the Dukhobori (commonly transliterated as “Doukhobors” and translated as “Spirit Wrestlers”) sought refuge from escalating religious persecution perpetrated by Russian church and state authorities. Initially, the Doukhobors’ immigration to Canada in 1899 seemed to satisfy the needs of host and newcomer alike. Both parties soon realized, however, that the Doukhobors’ transition would prove more difficult than anticipated. The Doukhobors’ collective memory of persecution negatively influenced their perception of state interventions in their private affairs. In addition, their expectation that they would be able to preserve their ethno-religious identity on their own terms clashed with Canadian expectations that they would soon integrate into the Canadian mainstream. This study focuses on the historical evolution of the “Doukhobor problem” in Russia and in Canada. It argues that
    [Show full text]
  • Esi Edugyan's
    FREE AT BC FERRIES GIFT SHOPS TheThe harshharsh realityreality ofof BC bullying bullying Holly Dobbie tackles BOOKWORLD the misery in her new YA novel. VOL. 32 • NO. 4 • Winter 2018-19 PAGE 35 ESIESI EDUGYANEDUGYAN ofof VictoriaVictoria hashas rocketedrocketed intointo MargaretMargaret AtwoodAtwood andand AliceAlice MunroMunro PHOTO territoryterritory withwith justjust herher thirdthird novel.novel. STAMINA POPPITT See page 9 TAMARA JACK WHYTE RETURNS 10 • BUFFY SAINTE-MARIE BIO 25 PUBLICATION MAIL AGREEMENT BUILD THE FUTURE 22-23 • 26 MUDGIRLS HIKING #40010086 Curl up with a good book. Discover great books by BC authors on board at Passages. Orca Book Publishers strives to produce books that illuminate the experiences of all people. Our goal is to provide reading material that represents the diversity of human experience to readers of all ages. We aim to help young readers see themselves refl ected in the books they read. We are mindful of this in our selection of books and the authors that we work with. Providing young people with exposure to diversity through reading creates a more compassionate world. The World Around Us series 9781459820913 • $19.95 HC 9781459816176 • $19.95 HC 9781459820944 • $19.95 HC 9781459817845 • $19.95 HC “ambitious and heartfelt.” —kirkus reviews The World Around Us Series.com The World Around Us 2 BC BOOKWORLD WINTER 2018-2019 AROUNDBC TOPSELLERS* BCHelen Wilkes The Aging of Aquarius: Igniting Passion and Purpose as an Elder (New Society $17.99) Christine Stewart Treaty 6 Deixis (Talonbooks $18.95) Joshua
    [Show full text]
  • Annotated Bibliography of Oral History in Canada: 1980 – 2012
    Annotated Bibliography of Oral History in Canada: 1980 – 2012 Kristina R. Llewellyn and Dana Nowak, Renison University College, Waterloo University Oral history in Canada has flourished over the past two decades. There is a lack of knowledge, however, regarding the depth of publications in the field and the numerous scholars across the country who are engaged in oral history methods. This annotated bibliography is intended to act as a research guide for interdisciplinary scholars in the field. The bibliography was completed in the fall of 2012 by Dr. Kristina R. Llewellyn and her research assistant Dana Nowak. The authors conducted extensive searches in social sciences and humanities library databases for published works in the field of oral history with a Canadian subject focus. Keyword searches associated with oral history were inclusive of, but not exclusive to, oral tradition, narrative, storytelling, and folklore. Some additions were made to the bibliography based on the authors’ knowledge of other published works. The annotations are those provided by the authors and/or publishers (some with minor grammatical changes). The bibliography is only a partial list of Canadian oral history publications. The search methods particularly limited the findings for chapters in edited collections and articles published in journals outside the social sciences and humanities. Oral History Forum d’histoire orale is committed to updating this bibliography as the field continues to develop. A Anderson, Kim. Life Stages and Native Women Memory, Teachings, and Story Medicine. Winnipeg: University of Manitoba Press, 2011. Life Stages and Native Women explores how life stages and responsibilities of Métis, Cree, and Anishinaabe women were integral to the health and well-being of their communities during the mid- 20th century.
    [Show full text]
  • Linguistic Society of the Philippines
    1 Linguistic Society of the Philippines September 24- 26, 2015 Yuchengco Building, De La Salle University 2 PROGRAM Free Linguistics Conference 2015 Yuchengco Building, De La Salle University Thursday, September 24, 2015 8:00 ~ 9:30 Registration Venue WS1: Y403 WS2: Y404 WS3: Y405 WS4: Y505 WS5: Y506 WS6: Y507 Maria Hannah Edward Jay Quinto Lemuel Fontillas Rey John Villanueva Marlina Lino Pilar Caparas Chair Martin "Analysing spoken "Grammar into discourse: The role discourse: A "Becoming Aware of "ESL Reading and value of "Writing an effective framework for Cross-Cultural Instruction in the interactional talk "Linguistic Analysis review of Workshops analyzing how texts Norms in Speech K-12 Curriculum" in service using AntConc" related literature" make meaning" Acts" Merry Ruth M. AM encounters" JungAe Allman Paulina Gocheco Priscilla Angela T. Maya David Gutierrez 9:30 ~ 12:00 Gail Forey (University of Texas) (De la Salle Cruz (University of (Philippine Normal (Hong Kong University) (Ateneo De Manila Malaya) University) Polytechnic University) University) 3 12:00 ~ 2:00 Lunch Kimberley Ana Crisitna Alejandro Kristine De Leon Daylinda Laput Arceli Amarles Chair Migallos Fortes Bernardo "Advancing "Using Linguistic "A Pinoy Babel "Performing intelligibility and Data from Popular Story: FAQs and "Forensic "Language for Punctuations for acceptability of Culture: the linguistic Linguistics: Quo Specific Purposes Better New Englishes in A Workshop on identity of the Vadis?" Workshops (LSP) assessment: Communication in the multilingual the
    [Show full text]
  • The Makortoff Family Collection of Photographs of Doukhobor Daily Life 1920 – 1950
    Doubled Sense of Resistance: The Makortoff Family Collection of Photographs of Doukhobor Daily Life 1920 – 1950 Natalia Lebedinskaia A Thesis in The Department of Art History Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts (Art History) at Concordia University Montréal, Québec, Canada November 2011 Natalia Lebedinskaia, 2011 CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY School of Graduate Studies This is to certify that the thesis prepared By: Natalia Lebedinskaia Entitled: Doubled Sense of Resistance: The Makortoff Family Collection of Photographs of Doukhobor Daily Life 1920 – 1950. and submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts (Art History) complies with the regulations of the University and meets the accepted standards with respect to originality and quality. Signed by the final examining committee: Dr. Loren Lerner____________________________ Chair Dr. Cynthia Hammond ______________________ Examiner _________________________________________ Examiner Dr. Martha Langford________________________ Supervisor Approved by Dr. Johanne Sloan ________________________________________ Department or Graduate Program Director Catherine Wild___________________________________________ Dean of Faculty Date _________________________________________ Abstract Doubled Sense of Resistance: The Makortoff Family Collection of Photographs of Doukhobor Daily Life 1920 – 1950 Natalia Lebedinskaia The Makortoff Family Collection consists of 153 photographs taken in the Doukhobor communities in the British Columbia Kootenay Mountains from the 1920s, through the 1950s. The Collection was compiled in 2002 by Teryll Plotnikoff, who selected the images from her family’s pictures to be added to the Doukhobor Historic Collection at Simon Fraser University. By engaging with these family snapshots and the accompanying guide, this thesis brings to the fore the role of personal agency in negotiating between assimilation and resistance within the Doukhobor communities in British Columbia.
    [Show full text]
  • From Truth to Reconciliation Th
    AHF_School_cover_JAN23.qxd:Layout 1 1/23/08 3:57 PM Page 1 RESILIENCE OF THE FLOWER BEADWORK PEOPLE Christi Belcourt 1999 Acrylic on Canvas We have survived through incredible odds. We very easily could have been absorbed into the mainstream society. The pressures were there from all sides . No matter. We are here. Despite direct assimilation attempts. Despite the residential school systems. Despite the strong influences of the Church in Métis communities to ignore and deny our Aboriginal heritage and our Aboriginal spirituality. We are still able to say we are proud to be Métis. We are resilient as a weed. As beautiful as a wildflower. We have much to celebrate and be proud of. – Christi Belcourt (excerpt from www.belcourt.net) T r a F n s r BLOOD TEARS f o o Alex Janvier r m m 2001 i Acrylic on linen n T g From Truth to Reconciliation th r Painted on the artist’s 66 birthday, t u h Blood Tears is both a statement of e t Transforming the Legacy of Residential Schools Mr. Janvier’s sense of loss and a h L celebration of his resilience, made all e t g the more powerful with the inclusion o a c of a lengthy inscription painted in his y R own hand on the rear of the canvas. o e f The inscription details a series of c R losses attributed to the ten years o e he spent at the Blue Quills Indian s n i d Residential School: loss of childhood, c e language, culture, customs, parents, Aboriginal Healing Foundation i n l t grandparents, and traditional beliefs.
    [Show full text]
  • Russian Language Proficiency of Monolingual And
    Russian language proficiency of monolingual and Russian–English bi/multilingual children* Veronika Makarova and Natalia Terekhova [email protected] UNIVERSITY OF SASKATCHEWAN Abstract This paper reports the results of a study investigating the Russian-language proficiency of bi/multilingual (Russian–English [+additional language]) children in Saskatchewan, Canada, as compared to monolingual children in Russia. Very few studies of Russo-English bilingual children’s lan- guage performance are available in the Canadian context, and no studies have ever been conducted in Saskatchewan, where input is severely re- stricted compared to other contexts due to demographic reasons. The ma- jor impetus for the study was therefore to determine if in these settings, bi/multilingual children can develop minority language proficiency com- parable to that of their monolingual peers in Russia. The methodology employed in the study focuses on the linguistic analysis of audio record- ings of a picture description task performed by participants. Oral lan- guage proficiency parameters (including vocabulary, fluency, and syntac- tical complexity) in the speech of the 5–6-year-old bi/multilingual chil- dren were compared with the ones produced by a control group (monolin- gual children) from Russia. The results demonstrate that the oral language proficiency in the bilingual group is on a par with that of the monolingual group. However, reading and writing skills of the bi/multilingual group are less developed than in the control group. Key words: bilingualism, Russian–English, Canada, Russian as a heritage language Résumé Cet article rapporte les résultats d’une étude qui examine les compétences langagières en russe d’enfants bi/multilingues de la Saskatchewan au Ca- nada (russe–anglais [+ autre langue]), comparées à celles d’enfants mo- nolingues vivant en Russie.
    [Show full text]
  • Pilot Description of Phonetic Features of Canadian Doukhobor Russian the Proposed Presentation Focuses on the Phonetic Character
    Pilot description of phonetic features of Canadian Doukhobor Russian The proposed presentation focuses on the phonetic characteristics of Doukhobor Russian speech. Doukhobors are a religious, ethnic, linguistic, and cultural minority who immigrated to Canada from Russia in 1899 Canadian Doukhobor Russian is a unique language spoken by this minority. The language is not found anywhere else in the world and is on the brink of extinction. In some families descending from the original 8,000 Doukhobor settlers, Doukhobor Russian is still maintained, although the numbers of Doukhobor Russian speakers and dwindling, and most fluent speakers are in the age group between 60 and 90 years old. There are about 200-300 fluent speakers of Doukhobor Russian still remaining in Canada, most of them residing in British Columbia, and a few – in Saskatchewan. There are also a few speakers remaining in Saskatchewan. The unique features of Canadian Doukhobor Russian stem from a lexico- grammatical base of 19th century central and southern Russian dialects, combined with loan words from Ukrainian, Canadian English and languages of Transcaucasia: Georgian, Armenian, Azerbaijani (Makarova, 2012). No detailed phonetic descriptions of Doukhobor Russian are available to date. The objective of the study was to outline differences between Doukhobor and Standard Russian at segmental level. The presentation reports the results of an experimental phonetic (acoustic and auditory) study of segmental quality in the speech of ten speakers of Canadian Doukhobor Russian (4
    [Show full text]