Shows the significance of clan and territorial identification in the processes of ethnic stereotypes# formation among the Southern and the Northern Altaian groups. While analyzing both verbal as well as non-verbal communication standards, the author points out towards the reasons for the existing divergences between the Southern and the Northern Altaians that have influenced the formation of #new ethnoses#.

Ethnonym #Altaians# refers both to the Southern (Altai Kizhi, Telengit) as well as to the Northern (Tuba, Chalkandu, Kumandy) groups living in the Altai Mountains and forming the titular ethnos of the Republic of Altai.

Basing her analysis on field research materials, the author concludes that the clan belonging is the key orientation factor in the social communication. The clan belonging influences not only the situation of communication but it also fixes the communicational status of its participants. Clan name indicates person#s territorial origin (sub-mountain regions - Northern Altaians, mountain regions - Southern Altaians); rare clan names indicate belonging to a particular ethno-territorial group; detailed information concerning place of inhabitancy can reveal the person#s belonging to a particular ethno-territorial group, taking its name from a river valley.

In conclusion the author determines five regions in which ethnic stereotypes of Southern and Northern Altaians have been formed with regard to e.g. level of particular group#s assimilation with the Russian-speaking population; typical patterns of behaviour; distinctiveness of dialect; outer appearance.