Politics of the Russian Language Beyond Russia

Russia emphasizes soft power to secure foreign policy interests, with a focus on language promotion and acceptance. This volume explores case studies in Ukraine, Germany, and Ireland, examining the politics, role of the Russian Federation, and challenges of promoting Russian.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 30 June 2021
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

Russia's growing emphasis on soft power as a means to secure its foreign policy interests has garnered increasing attention in recent research. While much focus has been placed on Russia's cultural and public diplomacy initiatives, there has been a notable gap in examining the intentions behind these efforts and their reception by various target audiences. This volume aims to bridge this gap by exploring the intricacies of Russian language promotion and its acceptance in a diverse range of case and country studies, including Ukraine, Germany, and Ireland.

A diverse group of scholars contributes to this volume, delving into the legal status and practical applications of Russian in communication and media contexts, both domestically and internationally. They examine the politics surrounding the Russian language, the role of the Russian Federation in shaping these politics, and the challenges faced in promoting Russian in specific contexts across the globe.

One key theme that emerges is the complex interplay between language promotion and national identity. Scholars explore how the promotion of Russian can contribute to the construction and reinforcement of Russian national identity, particularly in contexts where Russian is not the dominant language. They also examine the ways in which the Russian language can be used as a tool for cultural preservation and promotion, particularly in regions with significant Russian-speaking populations.

Another important aspect of the volume is the role of the Russian Federation in influencing the politics of the Russian language. Scholars analyze the Federation's policies and initiatives aimed at promoting Russian, including language education programs, cultural exchange programs, and media outlets. They examine how these policies are received by different target audiences and assess their impact on the broader Russian language community.

The challenges faced in promoting Russian are also explored in depth. Scholars discuss the linguistic, cultural, and political barriers that may hinder the acceptance and use of Russian, particularly in non-Russian-speaking countries. They examine the strategies employed by Russian language advocates to overcome these challenges and promote the language's visibility and relevance.

The volume concludes with a reflection on the future of Russian language promotion. Scholars offer insights into the potential trends and developments that may shape the future of Russian language use and its role in international relations. They discuss the potential challenges and opportunities that may arise as Russia continues to emphasize the importance of soft power in its foreign policy.

In conclusion, this volume provides a comprehensive examination of Russian language promotion and its acceptance in a range of case and country studies. It sheds light on the complex interplay between language, identity, politics, and power, and offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by Russian language advocates in promoting the language globally.

Weight: 540g
Dimension: 162 x 242 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474463799