Introduction. Language is one of the factors of ethnocultural security. It acts as one of the most important objective properties of an ethnic group, as well as a symbol of ethnic affiliation. Language forms and develops culture, performs the most important ethnosocial functions. However, in recent decades, the problem of language preservation in the context of globalization became one of the pressing global problems. All this actualizes the problem of titular languages and languages of small peoples. The problem of preserving ethnic identity is quite acute in both Kalmykia and Buryatia. This is due to the loss of language and interrupted during the years of Soviet power religious tradition. The purpose of this article is to identify common and distinctive features of modern ethno-lingual processes in Kalmykia and Buryatia. Methods. A comparative method, analysis of statistical information, and an expert survey were used. A study of the problem of language preservation in Kalmykia and Buryatia revealed mainly similar features of the development of ethno-lingual processes in these regions. Kalmyk and Buryat languages are threatened with extinction. The population of the native language is rapidly declining. At the same time, knowledge of the language by the younger generation is also declining. Language from the category of a real ethno-differentiating sign becomes only a symbolic sign of a people. However, a survey of experts showed that modern Kalmyk and Buryat societies convey increasing interest in traditional culture and language. They note the popularity of Kalmyk and Buryat languages learning courses. In general, experts positively assess government measures to develop the language in these Republics. Thus, despite global threats and factors negatively affecting ethnic identity, there are positive trends and conditions for the development of culture and language in the Republics under examination.