Commodification of the Russian language in Turkey: economic potential and labor market

this article investigates the impact of the Russian language on the Turkish labor market in the context of a growing Russian-speaking diaspora and the commodification of language skills. The author examines the transformation of Turkey's linguistic landscape and the economic opportunities arising from knowledge of the Russian language. Particular attention is paid to analyzing the demand for Russian-speaking specialists in various sectors of the Turkish economy, as well as studying the mechanisms through which the Russian language becomes an asset in the labor market. The research covers the adaptation of Russian-speaking migrants, assesses their competitiveness, and identifies factors influencing their employment. The use of the Russian language in business communication, education, tourism, and the impact of these practices on the formation of new economic niches are also considered. Furthermore, the governmental policy aimed at supporting and integrating Russian-speaking migrants is analyzed. The study employs a comprehensive approach, combining the analysis of statistical data on migration, the analysis of job vacancies and advertisements in the labor market, and expert interviews with representatives of the business community and the Russian-speaking diaspora. The main findings of the study identify the growing economic significance of the Russian language in the Turkish labor market and determine the key factors influencing its commodification. The novelty of the research lies in the comprehensive analysis of the impact of Russian-speaking migration on the transformation of the Turkish labor market and the identification of new economic opportunities associated with knowledge of the Russian language. A specific contribution of the author to the topic is the development of a model for assessing the economic potential of the Russian language in Turkey, taking into account factors such as the demand for Russian-speaking specialists, their competitiveness, and the impact on the development of individual sectors of the economy. The research shows that the Russian language is becoming an important competitive advantage for specialists in the fields of tourism, trade, education, and IT, and also contributes to the development of new business areas geared towards the Russian-speaking audience. The results of the study can be used to develop effective strategies for integrating Russian-speaking migrants into the Turkish economy, as well as to develop educational programs aimed at training specialists who speak Russian and are in demand in the labor market.

the Russian language, commodification, economic potential, labor market, the Republic of Turkey, labor migration, geopolitics, language policy, demand, specialists