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Exploring Russian-Speaking Identity from Below: The Case of Latvia

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  • Ammon Cheskin

Abstract

Recent research on the acculturation strategies of Russian speakers in Latvia has demonstrated that there is a high level of support for integration (identifying with both Latvian and Russian cultures) compared to marginalization, separation, or assimilation. However, a number of researchers have also highlighted the negative impact of top-down narratives and discourses produced by the country's politicians and journalists. These discourses, it is argued, hamper the integration process by creating incompatible identity positions between ‘Russian-speakers’ and ‘Latvians’. Accordingly, this research turns to focus group interviews with Russian speakers in Latvia in order to uncover the nuances of their identity-forming processes, their relations with the respective Russian and Latvian states, and their acculturation strategies, which are commonly overlooked in top-down accounts. Based on the analysis of the qualitative data it will be argued that there is great potential for an integrated, yet culturally distinct Latvian-Russian identity in Latvia.

Suggested Citation

  • Ammon Cheskin, 2013. "Exploring Russian-Speaking Identity from Below: The Case of Latvia," Journal of Baltic Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 44(3), pages 287-312.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:rbalxx:v:44:y:2013:i:3:p:287-312
    DOI: 10.1080/01629778.2012.712335
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    Cited by:

    1. Zane Varpina & Kata Fredheim & Marija Krumina, 2021. "Who is more eager to leave? Differences in emigration intentions among Latvian and Russian speaking school graduates in Latvia," SSE Riga/BICEPS Occasional Papers 13, Baltic International Centre for Economic Policy Studies (BICEPS);Stockholm School of Economics in Riga (SSE Riga).

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