The ethnonymy and linguonymy of Belarusians and Ukrainians in the formation of their identity

Abstract

The article deals with the formation of the ethnonymy and linguonymy of Belarusians and Ukrainians. Since a diachronic approach is adopted, the necessary historical-geographical and linguistic context is given. The research is based on two ideas: 1) a stable ethnonym testifies to the strong ethno-identity of the people, and changes in the ethnonymy indicate changes in ethnic self-consciousness; 2) The name of the language spoken by the ethnos, as well as the ethnonym, is very significant for ethnic identity, and a stable linguonym and its formation is more important for the mentality of the people than intralinguistic changes. By the beginning of the 20th century, both Belarusians and Ukrainians had a stable triad “ethnotoponym – ethnonym – linguonym”, which means they have seen themselves as independent peoples for over a century. Similarities and differences in the formation of Belarusian and Ukrainian ethnonymy and linguonymy will also be noted in this article.