• Russian Language and Literature
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• no.66
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• pp.251-275
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• 2019

The Nagorno-Karabakh region, which belonged to Azerbaijan SSR during the Soviet period declared its independence as the Republic of Artsakh in 1991. Currently, the region is internationally regarded as Azerbaijani territory, but in reality it is a part of Armenia. Therefore, Armenian language policies are applied, and Armenian language is defined as a state language. Even though the Azerbaijani population of Nagorno-Karabakh and the number of Azerbaijani speakers have increased during the Soviet period, the Armenians have not learned and used Azerbaijani language. This becomes the basis for Russian language to maintain its solid position as a lingua franca in the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Also, Russian language is a required subject for all Artsakh's higher education institutions, secondary and general education institutions just like in Armenia. It is because the Azerbaijan war from 1991 to 1994 was virtually supported by Russia, and Armenia recognized Russia as its most important volunteer and protector. In the Republic of Armenia, Russian is regarded as a language of communication among ethnic minorities, and the use of Russian language continues to be active.