Contacts of Russian in the post-Soviet space

Abstract

The article discusses the importance of contact linguistic research for a general understanding of the language dynamics and linguistic processes in the post-Soviet space. Unlike political and macrosociolinguistic studies, contact linguistic case studies on language contacts in FSU are still scarce; some reasons being the heterogeneity of data and isolation of Eastern scholars. The review is concerned with contacts of Russian language with Ukrainian, Kazakh and Estonian. It is demonstrated that the particular cases are relevant for a general discussion on the directionality of contact-induced change, grammar of code-switching, and the emergence of contact varieties.

Spatial Perspectives on Adopting and Developing the Two-Way Immersion Program in Estonia’s Kindergartens: Resources & Risks

“…In short, Estonia's TWI programs serve as a resource for other countries in the region broadly defined. This dual-language model shaping and sharing points to the enduring relevance of "post-Soviet space" (Verschik, 2010) in terms of policy borrowing and lending for languagelearning policy. If, as Verschik argues, we can conceptualize the "whole post-Soviet space into a kind of language laboratory" (2010, p. 86) due to contacts between Russian and other languages, then we will possibly see in the coming years the productivity of TWI space for resource development beyond the borders of Estonia.…”

East vs West: Geopolitical Orientations and Language Practices of Residents of Central and Southern Ukraine

“…Since Ukraine gained independence in 1991, the language policy has been aimed at strengthening the role of the Ukrainian language in all spheres of social life, and massive changes are also taking place at the population level, cf. Verschik, 2010, Bilaniuk, 2020 In addition, it is often assumed that there are two models of identity in Ukraine: one focuses on Ukrainian national identity and emphasizes differences from Russia, and the second consists in a sense of East Slavic unity, in particular unity with Russia, in opposition to the "West" (cf. Kulyk, 2014Kulyk, , 2018.…”

“…Since Ukraine gained independence in 1991, the language policy has been aimed at strengthening the role of the Ukrainian language in all spheres of social life, and massive changes are also taking place at the population level, cf. Verschik, 2010, Bilaniuk, 2020.…”

Spatial Perspectives on Adopting and Developing the Two-Way Immersion Program in Estonia’s Kindergartens: Resources & Risks

“…Lühidalt öeldes on Eesti kahesuunalistest keelekümblusprogrammidest kasu teistele endise Nõukogude Liidu riikidele. Selline kakskeelse mudeli kujundamine ja jagamine osutab postsovetliku ruumi (Verschik, 2010) püsivale olemasolule, mis võimaldab keeleõppepoliitikat selliselt laenata. Kui saame, nagu Verschik väidab, vene ja teiste keelte vaheliste kontaktide tõttu kontseptualiseerida "kogu postsovetlikku ruumi omamoodi keelelaboratooriumiks" (2010, lk 86), siis näeme lähiaastatel kahesuunalise keelekümblusruumi produktiivset rakendamist ka väljaspool Eesti piire.…”