Synthesis and conflict: Russian-speakers' discursive response to Latvia's nationalising state

Cheskin, A. (2012) Synthesis and conflict: Russian-speakers' discursive response to Latvia's nationalising state. Europe-Asia Studies, 64(2), pp. 325-347. (doi: 10.1080/09668136.2011.642582)

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Abstract

Based on media discourse analysis, this article addresses the construction of Russian-speaking identity in Latvia from a discourse-theoretical approach. Through a focus on the discursive elements of identity formation it will be argued that public projections of Russian-speaking identity are both a counter-reaction to, and a synthesis with, constructed ‘Latvian’, ‘Russian’ and ‘European’ identities and discourses. It will be shown that although Latvia's Russian-speaking identity is often constructed negatively, in opposition to the Latvian state and the Latvian ‘Other’, it is now increasingly premised upon an acceptance of various Latvian narratives and discourses which are enabling the emergence of amore positive Latvian–Russian identity.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Cheskin, Dr Ammon
Authors: Cheskin, A.
College/School:College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Central and East European Studies
Journal Name:Europe-Asia Studies
Publisher:Taylor and Francis
ISSN:0966-8136
ISSN (Online):1465-3427
Published Online:02 February 2012

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