VI. CONCLUSIONOverall, the survey results imply a more positive situation for the Mordvin languages and imply that if the local languages are given some encouragement in the education system, they will survive. Education, among other policies, can indeed be seen as a solution to the problems the Mordvin languages face regarding their future. Recent developments in Mordovia as well as the responses gathered for the survey may be an indicator that education and other policies facilitating the revival of Erzya and Moksha may actually be feasible. Nevertheless, despite responses being mostly positive, the Mordvin languages may very well still be under threat and the positive responses of the survey may be due to limitations including the fact that only 90 people were asked and that Erzyans and Mokshans were extremely difficult to find. Moreover, many of the non-Mordvinic peoples asked were people acquaintances who were aware that I am in favor of protecting the Mordvin languages and may have provided positive answers to be sympathetic. Alternatively, the positive responses received from Mordvinic peoples and from most other individuals (particularly ethnic Russians) may be proof that Erzya and Moksha really do have good prospects for the future. Ultimately, regardless of how much danger the Mordvin languages currently face, preserving them is of utmost importance. When a language goes extinct, the nation that spoke that language loses its identity and also its dignity and this in turn leads to problems such as increased rates of suicide and depression (Sorosoro, 2009). Ergo, Erzya and Moksha—as well as other endangered languages—should be protected and preserved. Education, among other official policies, can be a decisive factor in protecting such languages. (3715 words)
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