This is not just a date on the calendar — it’s a reminder of one of the many indigenous nations colonized by the Russian Empire, the Soviet Union, and now the Russian Federation.
The Erzyans are a distinct Finno-Ugric people with an ancient history, unique culture, traditions, and language. But today, the Erzyan language is endangered. Not due to natural decline, but because of systematic Russification, forced assimilation, and the erasure of identity.
Russia claims to be a “multinational” state, but in reality, it wages a cultural and linguistic war against everyone who refuses to submit to the “Russian world.”
We must remember and support the struggles of people like the Erzyans to defend their right to exist as they are. Freedom is not only political independence. It’s also the ability to speak your language and live your culture openly.
Watch this video about the Erzyan people and their language.
And don’t forget: empires fall, but language survives — if we don’t betray it.
