Language Policy in the Soviet Union

Nonfiction, Reference & Language, Education & Teaching, Teaching, Language Experience Approach, Language Arts, Linguistics
Cover of the book Language Policy in the Soviet Union by L.A. Grenoble, Springer Netherlands
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: L.A. Grenoble ISBN: 9780306480836
Publisher: Springer Netherlands Publication: April 11, 2006
Imprint: Springer Language: English
Author: L.A. Grenoble
ISBN: 9780306480836
Publisher: Springer Netherlands
Publication: April 11, 2006
Imprint: Springer
Language: English

Soviet language policy provides rich material for the study of the impact of policy on language use. Moreover, it offers a unique vantage point on the tie between language and culture. While linguists and ethnographers grapple with defining the relationship of language to culture, or of language and culture to identity, the Soviets knew that language is an integral and inalienable part of culture. The former Soviet Union provides an ideal case study for examining these relationships, in that it had one of the most deliberate language policies of any nation state. This is not to say that it was constant or well-conceived; in fact it was marked by contradictions, illogical decisions, and inconsistencies. Yet it represented a conscious effort on the part of the Communist leadership to shape both ethnic identity and national consciousness through language. As a totalitarian state, the USSR represents a country where language policy, however radical, could be implemented at the will of the government. Furthermore, measures (such as forced migrations) were undertaken that resulted in changing population demographics, having a direct impact on what is a central issue here: the very nature of the Soviet population. That said, it is important to keep in mind that in the Soviet Union there was a difference between stated policy and actual practice. There was no guarantee that any given policy would be implemented, even when it had been officially legislated.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Soviet language policy provides rich material for the study of the impact of policy on language use. Moreover, it offers a unique vantage point on the tie between language and culture. While linguists and ethnographers grapple with defining the relationship of language to culture, or of language and culture to identity, the Soviets knew that language is an integral and inalienable part of culture. The former Soviet Union provides an ideal case study for examining these relationships, in that it had one of the most deliberate language policies of any nation state. This is not to say that it was constant or well-conceived; in fact it was marked by contradictions, illogical decisions, and inconsistencies. Yet it represented a conscious effort on the part of the Communist leadership to shape both ethnic identity and national consciousness through language. As a totalitarian state, the USSR represents a country where language policy, however radical, could be implemented at the will of the government. Furthermore, measures (such as forced migrations) were undertaken that resulted in changing population demographics, having a direct impact on what is a central issue here: the very nature of the Soviet population. That said, it is important to keep in mind that in the Soviet Union there was a difference between stated policy and actual practice. There was no guarantee that any given policy would be implemented, even when it had been officially legislated.

More books from Springer Netherlands

Cover of the book Improving Prognosis for Kidney Disorders by L.A. Grenoble
Cover of the book Localizing the Moral Sense by L.A. Grenoble
Cover of the book The Mind and the Brain by L.A. Grenoble
Cover of the book Virtue Ethics and Human Enhancement by L.A. Grenoble
Cover of the book Theme Cities: Solutions for Urban Problems by L.A. Grenoble
Cover of the book The Family Good Health Guide by L.A. Grenoble
Cover of the book Stem Cells and Cancer Stem Cells, Volume 10 by L.A. Grenoble
Cover of the book Cognition and Fact by L.A. Grenoble
Cover of the book Product-Oriented Environmental Management Systems (POEMS) by L.A. Grenoble
Cover of the book Quasi-Geostrophic Theory of Oceans and Atmosphere by L.A. Grenoble
Cover of the book Emulsion Polymerization of Vinyl Acetate by L.A. Grenoble
Cover of the book Recent Advances in Burns and Plastic Surgery — The Chinese Experience by L.A. Grenoble
Cover of the book Water Soluble Vitamins by L.A. Grenoble
Cover of the book Equality of Treatment and Trade Discrimination in International Law by L.A. Grenoble
Cover of the book EPR of Free Radicals in Solids I by L.A. Grenoble
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy