Petr Nadbitov, About Kalmyk Language and Culture

In this video Petr, a famous Kalmyk choreographer, talks about Kalmyk language, culture and dances. He says that the Kalmyks should keep their language alive. He adds that today many Kalmyks speak, think and write in Russian. 80 per cent of the Kalmyk youth does not know their native language. According to Petr, Kalmyk dances are connected with the Kalmyk language. For example, during a dance people sing shavash (a Kalmyk praise to the dancer). In the 1960s Kalmykia used to hold competitions of Kalmyk sayings. Today, by contrast, people lost interest in traditional songs and dances. Petr bemoans the fact that today the young people do not understand the meaning of Kalmyk words, although many want to learn their native tongue. For example, in Moscow, Kalmyks organize language classes. Petr says that such initiatives should be supported. In order to revive Kalmyk, a law should be passed making highly paid jobs contingent on the knowledge of Kalmyk. This law should be applicable to Kalmyks only. Although Petr acknowledges that this measure may sound harsh, he sees no other way around it. If the Kalmyks are to survive as a nation, they need to keep their dances and folk songs alive. He points out that there are many good teachers of Kalmyk in secondary schools, who can help revive the language. Petr’s wish is to see and keep Kalmyk folklore alive so that Kalmyk children know about their roots. Finally, he warns that if the Kalmyks forget their language, their link with Kalmyk dances will be also lost. With no culture or dances left, the nation will cease to exist.Sponsored by Arcadia Fund, a charitable fund of Lisbet Rausing and Peter Baldwin