ISBN:
9780748697441
Language:
English
Pages:
1 Online-Ressource (248 p)
,
13 B/W illustrations 3 B/W tables
Edition:
[Online-Ausgabe]
Series Statement:
Russian Language and Society
Series Statement:
RLS
DDC:
306.442917104796
Keywords:
Anthropological linguistics
;
Russian language Social aspects
;
LANGUAGE ARTS & DISCIPLINES / Communication Studies
Abstract:
Frontmatter -- Contents -- Preface -- Acknowledgements -- Abbreviations -- Glossary -- 1. Introduction -- 2. Discourse, Memory, and Identity -- 3. Latvian State and Nation-Building -- 4. Russian-Language Media and Identity Formation -- 5. Examining Russian-Speaking Identity from Below -- 6. The 'Democratisation of History' and Generational Change -- 7. The Primacy of Politics? Political Discourse and Identity Formation -- 8. The Russian Federation and Russian-Speaking Identity in Latvia -- 9. A Bright Future? -- Appendix 1: Materials Presented to Focus Group Participants for Discussion -- Appendix 2: Full Results of 9 May Survey -- Appendix 3: Preamble to the Latvian Constitution (Satversme) -- Bibliography -- Index
Abstract:
A theoretical and empirical study of discourse among Russian-speakers in LatviaThe political shocks of the 2014 Ukrainian crisis have been felt in many former Soviet countries, not least Latvia, where over 35% of the population are native Russian speakers. At a time when analysts and commentators are unsure about Russia's future plans to intervene on behalf of their 'compatriots', this study provides a detailed political and cultural analysis of Russian-speaking identity in Latvia.By using Russian-speakers in Latvia as a specific case study, this volume also offers a fresh methodological approach to the study of discourses and discursive strategies. It outlines a coherent methodology to study the evolution of discourses over time, rather than a single de-contextualized and static time period.Drawing on media analysis, elite interviews, focus groups and survey data, Russian Speakers in Post-Soviet Latvia situates the identity strategies of Russian speakers within the political, cultural, and economic transformations of the post-Soviet era. By assessing political, cultural, and economic links with their home state (Latvia) and their potential kin-state (Russia), it offers important insights into the complex identity positions of Latvia's Russian speakers, and how these positions have evolved in Latvia since the late Soviet period.In a time when many will question the loyalty of Russian speakers to their various 'host states' this book provides a timely, scholarly account of ethnic politics in Latvia. It also offers a methodological framework that allows for the mapping of trends in discursive strategies, exploring how they evolve through time.Key FeaturesUses focus-group interviews, elite interviews, survey data and critical discourse analysis to focus study discoursesFeatures a case study of Russian speakers in Latvia to add to the debate surrounding the status of Russian speakers outside RussiaFocuses on the temporally contingent nature of discourse - discussing discursive change and the possibility that a discourse can exist
Note:
Mode of access: Internet via World Wide Web.
,
In English
DOI:
10.1515/9780748697441
Permalink
