National Awakening and National Consciousness in Belarus

In: Nationalities papers: the journal of nationalism and ethnicity, Band 27, Heft 4, S. 565-578

Abstract

The demography, culture, & language of contemporary Belarus are studied to determine the present level of national self-awareness. An overview of politics & social change in Belarus throughout the 20th century is followed by an analysis of the relationship between nationalism, culture, & native language. Noting the elevation of Russian to national language status under President Alyaksander Lukashenka, it is contended that Belarusian scholars & cultural figures have become increasingly troubled by the loss of their native language. Even though Belarusian culture exists in the background of the national society, it is asserted that the young generation's concern with political issues has raised national consciousness in Belarus during the 1990s. Future research is encouraged to examine the potential relegation of Belarusian to a folk language, along with the role of Belarus in the political sphere dominated by Russia. J. W. Parker