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Journals / Alınteri Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi / 2026 / Cilt: 10 Sayı: 3

Intergenerational Transmission of Laz in the Eastern Black Sea Region: A Qualitative Sociolinguistic Study of Youth

Doğu Karadeniz’de Lazcanın Kuşaklar Arası Aktarımı: Gençler Üzerine Nitel Bir Sosyodilbilimsel Araştırma

Cüneyt Yılmaz(15 KASIM KIBRIS ÜNİVERSİTESİ, SİYASAL VE SOSYAL BİLİMLER FAKÜLTESİ)0000-0003-1655-588X
Pages
298–315
Publication Date
2026-09-30
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

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⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

The findings indicate that young people perceive Laz as a strong marker of cultural identity and belonging; however, the daily use of the language has significantly narrowed due to education, urbanization, social environment, and modern living conditions.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

🎯
Objective & Hypothesis:This study aims to comprehensively examine the current state of Laz language use among young people living in the Eastern Black Sea region, their attitudes toward the language, and the processes of intergenerational transmission.
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Key Findings & Data:The sample consists of 20 young individuals aged 18-30 who identify as Laz and come from families where Laz is spoken.
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Conclusion & Impact:The findings indicate that young people perceive Laz as a strong marker of cultural identity and belonging; however, the daily use of the language has significantly narrowed due to education, urbanization, social environment, and modern living conditions.
🔬Design:Araştırma Makalesi
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:Lazca · Gençler · Dil Kaybı

Abstract

This study aims to comprehensively examine the current state of Laz language use among young people living in the Eastern Black Sea region, their attitudes toward the language, and the processes of intergenerational transmission. The sample consists of 20 young individuals aged 18-30 who identify as Laz and come from families where Laz is spoken. Participants were selected through purposive sampling, and semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted. The interviews were organized around four main themes: the frequency of Laz use in daily life, language proficiency, the influence of social environment, perceptions of language loss, and future transmission processes. The collected data were analyzed using thematic analysis, through which recurring patterns and significant themes were identified. The findings indicate that young people perceive Laz as a strong marker of cultural identity and belonging; however, the daily use of the language has significantly narrowed due to education, urbanization, social environment, and modern living conditions. The study also reveals that language loss is shaped not only by individual choices but also by broader social, cultural, and structural dynamics. In conclusion, the research emphasizes the importance of educational policies, digital content production, cultural initiatives, and strategies aimed at increasing public visibility to ensure the sustainability of the Laz language.

Özet

Bu araştırma, Doğu Karadeniz bölgesinde yaşayan gençler arasında Lazca kullanımının mevcut durumunu, gençlerin dile yönelik tutumlarını ve dilin kuşaklar arası aktarım süreçlerini kapsamlı bir biçimde incelemeyi amaçlamaktadır. Araştırmanın örneklemini, 18-30 yaş aralığında, kendilerini Laz olarak tanımlayan ve ailelerinde Lazca konuşulan 20 genç birey oluşturmaktadır. Amaçlı örnekleme yöntemiyle seçilen katılımcılarla yarı yapılandırılmış derinlemesine görüşmeler gerçekleştirilmiştir. Görüşmeler; Lazcanın günlük yaşamda kullanım sıklığı, dil yeterliliği, sosyal çevrenin etkisi, dil kaybına yönelik algılar ve gelecekteki aktarım süreçleri olmak üzere dört temel eksen etrafında şekillendirilmiştir. Elde edilen veriler tematik analiz yöntemiyle değerlendirilmiş, tekrar eden örüntüler ve anlamlı temalar belirlenmiştir. Bulgular, gençlerin Lazca’yı güçlü bir kültürel kimlik ve aidiyet unsuru olarak gördüklerini, ancak eğitim, kentleşme, sosyal çevre ve modern yaşam koşulları nedeniyle Lazcanın günlük kullanım alanlarının daraldığını göstermektedir. Araştırma ayrıca, dil kaybının yalnızca bireysel tercihlerden değil, toplumsal, kültürel ve yapısal süreçlerden kaynaklandığını ortaya koymaktadır. Sonuç olarak çalışma, Lazcanın sürdürülebilirliği için eğitim politikaları, dijital içerik üretimi, kültürel faaliyetler ve kamusal görünürlüğü artırıcı stratejilerin önemini vurgulamaktadır.

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Cite This Article

Yılmaz, C. (2026). Intergenerational Transmission of Laz in the Eastern Black Sea Region: A Qualitative Sociolinguistic Study of Youth. Alınteri Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi, Cilt: 10 Sayı: 3, 298–315. https://doi.org/10.30913/alinterisosbil.1941220

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