Re-Creation of the Nation: Orthodox and Heterodox Discourses in Post-Soviet Russia

Abstract

The article explores the dynamics of the orthodox and the heterodox discourses in the Post-Soviet mainstream media reporting on the theme of the celebrations of the 9 May Victory Day. It maps the Russian discursive data covering the period from 1992 to 2007, to Pierre Bourdieu's theoretical model and examines the linguistic tools of the Russian heretical break, as well as the contest between the discourses for symbolic capital in the production of new and commonly accepted national knowledge. Four discursive stages are identified each characterized by a different combination and interrelation between the heretical and orthodox language. The article demonstrates that these stages may be construed as separate specific periods in the reconstruction, after the disintegration of the Soviet authoritative discourse, of national unified meanings. It is argued that while in the first period, corresponding with Boris El'in's presidency, heterodoxy and discontinuity are the main features of the newspaper Victory Day stories, during Vladimir Putin's presidency, the re-creation of the nation gains momentum. Three other discursive stages are singled out in which the orthodox discourse enters competition, colonizes the heterodoxy and finally claims dominance.