Interethnic Relations Research Articles

Ethnic identity and tolerance in a multicultural society: an all-Russian perspective and research in Kabardino-Balkaria

The article presents the results of the study of ethnic identity and ethnic tolerance as significant elements of the mass consciousness of Russians. The empirical basis is provided by representative sociological research conducted in the Russian Federation, data from the «Public Opinion» Foundation, and research conducted in the Kabardino-Balkar Republic, along with in-depth interviews with experts from Kabardino-Balkaria. It is noted that the ethnic diversity in the Russian Federation is enshrined in the public and doctrinal discourse, reflected in the Constitution of the country, and the Strategy of State National Policy. Research shows that while there is a high level of ethnic identity among Russians, there is also a high level of interethnic tolerance, which is necessary for fostering processes of nationwide consolidation. The most significant indicator of interethnic tolerance is the perception that violence in resolving interethnic and interreligious conflicts is unacceptable. Disrupting the established consensus could occur through the breach of fairness in interethnic relations. From 2010 to 2021, Russian society moved towards embracing the multinational character of Russia, with the level of positive assessments of Russian multi-ethnicity rising from 34% to 52%. Normative interethnic tolerance, expressed through the willingness to accept people of different nationalities as citizens of the Russian Federation and residents of their own region (republic, region, city, town, or village), exceeds 70%. Ethnic identity and interethnic tolerance can be viewed as stable dominants of mass consciousness firmly rooted in the realm of beliefs, social practices, and social institutions, actively influencing nation-building processes and national-civic consolidation. The conclusion is that unique models and formats of nationbuilding are emerging in the regions of Russia, shaped not only by federal and regional policies related to ethnic and Russian identity but also by everyday, historically developed, and locally rooted traditional forms of interethnic (and interreligious) interaction and socio-normative practices of interethnic tolerance.

МЕТОДИ КОРПУСНОЇ ЛІНГВІСТИКИ В ДОСЛІДЖЕННІ ЕТНО- І ГЕТЕРОСТЕРЕОТИПІВ

The article presents an interdisciplinary study that combines a linguistic and corpus approach to solving the problems of intercultural and interethnic communication. The basis of the study is the concept of ethnic stereotype. We singled out auto- and heter-ostereotypes, analyzed the stereotypical ideas of Ukrainian speakers about Ukrainians and Russians. Ethnonyms denoting Ukrainians and Russians recorded in explanatory dictionaries of the Ukrainian language became the focus of attention. The ethnonyms «Ukrainian» and «hohol» were analyzed as verbal representatives of the ethnostere-otype. The lexemes «Russian», «katsap», «moscowyt» and «moskal» were analyzed as verbal representatives of the heterostereotype. In the conditions of a full-scale inva-sion of Ukraine, the use of stereotypical ideas about Ukrainians in enemy propaganda proves the importance of this aspect of studying inter-ethnic relations. Ethnonyms are considered according to two aspects: lexicographic and corpus. On the basis of the defi -nitions in explanatory dictionaries of the Ukrainian language, the structure of autostere-otypes and heterostereotypes is determined. By means of a search in GRAK (General Regionally Annotated Corpus) of the Ukrainian language, the specifi city of the compat-ibility of ethnonyms with adjectives of evaluative semantics was traced. The search was carried out both in the corpus in general and in the dynamics of 2014-2023 in media discourse. Comparing the frequency of the combination of ethnonyms with evaluative adjectives during Russia’s war against Ukraine made it possible to trace the transforma-tion of stereotypical ideas of Ukrainian speakers about Ukrainians and Russians

Troubled Minds, or Psychiatry in Vilnius in the Second Half of the 19th Century

This article presents an overview of the development of psychiatric centres in Vilnius in the second half of the long 19th century. The author analyses how, having undergone a whole range of infrastructural and conceptual changes, this branch of medicine was transformed from being a series of Medieval practices based on the forced isolation of patients to a science acknowledging modern methods of treatment. The most changes could be seen in the period from 1903 to 1905, when the Vilnius District Hospital, the largest psychiatric asylum in the Russian Empire, was established. This period coincided with the leadership of the new institution’s first director Nikolai Krainskii. It was then that the principles of non-restraint and the ideas of cultivating a patient’s work activities and social skills, which had been formulated in Western Europe at the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries, were implemented. On the other hand, the author also tries to show how, under the effects of degeneration theory, psychiatry in the Russian Empire adopted a conservative political bias, which seemed to be effective in constructing discriminatory models of interethnic relations. The conclusion arising from this research is that in Vilnius, much like in other multiethnic Imperial border cities, psychiatric asylums served not only as medical institutions but also as statistical centres. Data about patients collected each year by the clinics and then passed on to the Medical Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs was a potentially useful tool for the stigmatisation of entire local ethnic communities.

Lviv Under the Soviets (1939-1941): Students, Refugees and Deportees

The Soviet aggression against Poland at the outbreak of the Second World War resulted in the annexation of more than 50% of the pre-war Polish territory to the Soviet Union, with the rest occupied by Germany. With a focus on western Ukraine, the initial period of Soviet rule is reviewed in the context of the German-Soviet geopolitical alliance, the troubled history of inter-ethnic relations, and the changes imposed by the regime. The situation at Lviv University illustrates the shift from Polish to Soviet sovereignty. In the autumn of 1939, with the earlier antisemitic policies lifted, many Jews applied for admission to the university under Soviet control. The university files show how the political changes were perceived at the time. They also highlight the influx of refugees escaping the German occupation in the rest of Poland. On a broader level, Soviet policies introduced contradictions that had a negative impact on all ethnic groups within the annexed territory. Even though the Soviets granted the right to citizenship to Polish citizens under their control, the regime unleashed systematic repressions. Removed from key positions, Poles were targeted by Soviet propaganda and the security apparatus. Despite a façade of Ukrainization, local Ukrainians were distrusted and their pre-war leaders persecuted. Jews were generally relieved that they had escaped falling under the Nazis. While some of them gained access to higher education and positions in the civil administration, many others were arrested and deported to labour camps, because of their pre-war political affiliations, ‘undesirable’ class distinctions, and refugee status.

Ethnic culture of the Khakass people through the prism of women’s family values (to the anniversary of Larisa Viktorovna Anzhiganova)

On the 3rd of April, 2023, the Doctor of Philosophy, Larisa Viktorovna Anzhiganova celebrated her anniversary. She is the first and currently the only woman in the region with a degree of the Doctor of Philosophy. Her research interests are related to the study of ethnocultural problems of Khakassia, in particular, the philosophy of ethnos, ethnic culture, interethnic relations, gender studies. Her scientific activity was conducted within the walls of the N. F. Katanov Khakass State University (since 1980), Khakass Research Institute for Language, Literature, and History (1994–1998). It is of particular interest due to the relevance of the topic of the doctoral dissertation “The evolution of the worldview of an ethnic group (by the example of the Khakass people)” (1999, Moscow) and other works that cover the value problems of the ethnic group, including women’s family values. The researcher pays significant attention to the issues of the Khakass’ ethnocultural foundations. An important stage in the development of scientific and organizational activities of L.V. Anzhiganova was the holding of the Interregional Сonference “Ethnic Capital: Resources and Institutional Forms”, which promises to become regular. The philosopher’s ideas played an important role in the formation of the ethnic culture of the Khakass people.

Confluence of Influence

This article explores the intricate web of Russo-Serbian influence operations in Montenegro, examining their multifaceted nature and their profound impact on the country's politics and society. It investigates the joint efforts of Serbia and Russia in shaping narratives that significantly influence Montenegro's social dynamics, its political processes, identity politics, religious identification and interethnic relations.

Historical Roots of Interethnic Harmony and Tolerance in Uzbekistan

Objectives: This article explores the historical roots of interethnic harmony and tolerance in Uzbekistan, a country situated in Central Asia. Uzbekistan has a rich and diverse cultural heritage, with a long history of different ethnic groups coexisting and interacting within its borders. The paper examines key historical periods and events that have shaped the foundations of interethnic harmony in the region.
 
 Methods: The article begins by delving into the ancient history of Uzbekistan, highlighting the influence of various civilizations and empires, such as the Persian, Greek, and Arab empires. These interactions fostered cultural exchange, religious pluralism, and linguistic diversity, laying the groundwork for a society that embraced differences and valued coexistence. Furthermore, the paper explores the legacy of the Silk Road, which played a pivotal role in connecting different regions and facilitating trade and cultural exchange. The Silk Road brought together merchants, scholars, and artisans from diverse backgrounds, fostering cross-cultural understanding and tolerance.
 
 Results: The article also examines the impact of Islam on interethnic relations in Uzbekistan. Islam arrived in the region during the 8th century and became a unifying force, transcending ethnic boundaries. The spread of Sufism, a mystical branch of Islam, further promoted a spirit of harmony and acceptance, emphasizing the importance of spirituality over divisions based on ethnicity or social status. Moreover, the article discusses the Soviet era and its effect on interethnic relations. During this period, the Soviet government implemented policies aimed at promoting equality and unity among different ethnic groups. Education and employment opportunities were made accessible to all, fostering a sense of shared identity and promoting social cohesion. Finally, the article examines contemporary Uzbekistan, highlighting the efforts of the government in promoting interethnic harmony and tolerance. The country has adopted policies that protect minority rights, encourage cultural diversity, and foster dialogue among different ethnic groups. Initiatives such as language and cultural festivals, interethnic marriages, and inclusive education programs contribute to a society where diversity is celebrated and valued.
 Conclusion: In conclusion, Uzbekistan's historical roots of interethnic harmony and tolerance can be traced back to its ancient civilizations, the Silk Road, the influence of Islam, and the policies implemented during the Soviet era. These factors have shaped a society that embraces diversity and promotes peaceful coexistence among its various ethnic groups. Understanding and appreciating these historical foundations are crucial for fostering continued harmony and tolerance in Uzbekistan and beyond.

Julius Nyerere, Comprehension of Slavery, and Nation Building: Some Notes on Popular Consciousness in Modern Tanzania

This article examines the image of Julius Nyerere, the first president of independent Tanzania, among present-day citizens. Spotting of both the presence and persistence of his image in popular consciousness became an unexpected result of unrelated field research on the historical memory of 19th century slave trade and its influence on interethnic relations in the country. The study did not include any questions about Julius Nyerere, colonialism, or Tanzania’s independence. However, many respondents on their own will start talking about Nyerere’s role in connection with the abolition of the slave trade (sic), about his contribution to building a peaceful nation without ethnic tensions, the spread of the Swahili language, and education. The variety of answers shows that almost any positive shift in the development of Tanganyika and Tanzania can be attributed to him in popular consciousness. This demonstrates the continuing importance of Nyerere’s image and legacy for ordinary Tanzanians.

Exiled Participants of the January Insurrection in Altai (1863-1864)

The topic of the Siberian exile of the participants of the January Insurrection (1863-1864) is one of the most important and complex, occupying a special place both in Russian history and in the history of neighboring countries. The relevance of this problem is determined by the importance of this event, which had a great impact on the formation of Russian-Polish relations in the 19th century, the need for a detailed study of the life of the participants of the insurrection in Siberian exile. Extremely difficult interstate relations in the modern world cause an acute need to address the historical experience of cohabitation and interaction of exiles of different nationalities who found themselves in Siberian conditions in the second half of the 19th century. In this regard, there is a need for further in-depth study of the living conditions of exiles in Siberia, their relationship with the administration and the local population. The article deals with the period of stay in Altai of the participants of the January Insurrection (1863-1864), exiled from Mogilev, Minsk, Vitebsk, Grodno provinces. Based on the available sources, the work reflects the issues of the number, places of accommodation, material situation, activities of the exiles, supplemented with details of their biography. Some of the exiles served as scribes, accountants, engaged in education, crafts, beekeeping, having a significant impact on the development of the local population. In the process of direct communication in the conditions of living in Altai, interethnic relations and contacts between the exiles were formed.

The Involvement of Marginalized Menja Society Children in primary education: A case study of the Bench Sheko Zone, Ethiopia

The study aimed at examining the involvement of marginalized Menja Society Children in primary schools of Bench Sheko Zone. The research utilized a case study design to explore how in-school and out-of-school factors affect the educational participation of Menja Society Children in the Bench Sheko Zone. Qualitative data were collected through interviews, observations, focus group discussions, and document analysis. The snowball sampling technique was used to select informants for the study. The study revealed that factors such as distance, low literacy rates, religious marginalization, economic challenges, limited peer interaction, lack of respect, and unfair treatment are the primary barriers preventing these children from participating in education. Additionally, cultural practices like pot making, agricultural work, and charcoal production also contribute to the marginalization of Menja Society Children. In conclusion, the study underscores the importance of addressing the complex and multi-faceted challenges that marginalized Menja Society Children have been facing in accessing education. The study emphasizes the importance of providing support and resources for Menja children, such as educational materials in their native language and culturally sensitive teachers. It also calls for a comprehensive and collaborative approach to address the educational challenges faced by marginalized Menja Society Children, prioritizing their needs and promoting inclusivity within schools and the wider community. The study recommends creating an inclusive and supportive environment for marginalized students within schools, prioritizing their educational needs, and developing appropriate solutions to ensure equal access to education. It also suggests ongoing awareness campaigns and efforts to promote inter-ethnic relations through various activities. Additionally, providing training for teachers and leaders in cultural diversity and inclusive teaching methods is crucial for establishing a more inclusive learning environment for all Menja children.

The Relationship Between Religious Knowledge, Religious Personality and Inter-Ethnic Tolerance Among Malaysian Undergraduate Students

In a modern society that comprises various ethnic and religious groups, who share different cultures and languages, tolerance between these groups is a critical element in building peace and harmony. In the Malaysian context, the promotion and fostering of ethnic tolerance has become one of the main agendas of the government in strengthening inter-ethnic relations. This is one of the best ways to prevent ethnic conflict in a pluralistic Malaysian society. In addition, building ethnic tolerance among students of different ethnicities, whether in schools or higher education institutions, should be a major concern that needs to be systematically addressed from within the Malaysian education system. To date, past studies have shown that ethnic slurs, prejudice, and discrimination among students still occur, even though various efforts has been introduced to foster tolerance in the education system and curriculum. As such, the role of religiosity is identified as an important element in sustaining ethnic tolerance. Therefore, the objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between religious knowledge, religious personality and inter-ethnic tolerance among Malaysian undergraduate students. Data was collected from 53 Malaysian undergraduate students using a survey questionnaire. A Pearson correlation analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between the variables. The results show a positive significant relationship between religious knowledge, religious personality and inter-ethnic tolerance among Malaysian undergraduate students. The results of this study indicate that the role of religious knowledge and religious personality could lead students to achieve ethnic tolerance in a multi-racial and multi-religious country like Malaysia.
 Keywords: inter-ethnic tolerance, religious knowledge, religious personality, undergraduate students, Malaysia

Traditional culture of the ethnicities of Uzbekistan based on materials from expeditions of Soviet ethnographers in the 1980s.

This article focuses on the reporting materials compiled by ethnographers working at the State Museum of Ethnography of the Peoples of the USSR who in the 1980s participated in expeditions to the Republic of Uzbekistan. They set themselves the goal not only to collect information or artefacts valuable for studying the cultural history of particular region, but also to explore the transformation of national identity, that was a consequence of linguistic, cultural and economic integration of the ethnicities inhabiting Uzbekistan. After many years of expeditions the collections of the Russian Ethnographic Museum were replenished with valuable and unique objects. The article pays attention to corporeal, illustrative, and reporting materials that attest to traditions and innovations in the material culture of modern Uzbekistan, as well as interethnic relations. The authors adhered to the methodological principles of historical anthropology, which focus on the evolution and diversity of societies and social relations. The scientific novelty lies in the fact that, based on the study of sources introduced into scientific circulation for the first time, the authors came to the conclusion that the expeditions not only contributed to the preservation of the material culture of the region under study, but also recorded the difficulties in interethnic relations long before they became part of the official discourse of national policy in the USSR. The national-territorial demarcation carried out by the Soviet government in Central Asia in 1924 took place, for the most part, not in accordance with the ethnicity of the peoples living in the territory, but according to ideological and economic parameters. Consequently such a significant event, regardless of its overall effect, created the preconditions for interethnic problems, which were indicated in the named reports.

Национальная идентичность и коллективная память как опоры для страны-цивилизации. Рецензия на книгу: «Национальная идентичность и коллективная память: между прошлым и будущим» / Отв. ред. Т.А. Сенюшкина; науч. ред. Е.А. Сенюшкин. Симферополь, 2022

The article is a detailed review of the collective monograph “National Identity and Col­lective Memory: Between the Past and the Future”,published in Crimea. The authors are scientists from different cities of Russia, as well as Serbia and Kazakhstan, representa­tives of different branches of humanitarian science. The monograph presents theoretical research on the problems of identity and identification, the modern identity crisis, in par­ticular in the post-Soviet space, problems of collective memory in relation to interethnic relations, the politics of memory in various states, technologies of influence on the for­mation of national identity and collective memory. The analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of this work is a primary focus of this review.

Perkembangan Pasar Tradisional Pancur Batu di Deli (1960-1975)

This research uses a historical method consisting of heuristic stages, verification, interpretation and historiography, and uses a socioeconomic approach to explain chronologically the presence of the Pancur Batu market which then brings its development and influence on the welfare of the local community. The results showed that Pancur Batu Market was present since its area became part of the Deli tobacco plantation area centered in East Sumatra in 1872. The development was even more crowded in 1960 when a proposal was made by local residents to the regional government of Deli Hulu regarding the construction and expansion of the Pancur Batu market area in the form of adding stalls and los. In addition, the development of the Pancur Batu Market then has a significant influence on the negative direction in the form of traffic congestion because the Pancur Batu area is a link between the highlands and low flats and the condition of market waste is increasing, but from the positive side, there is a harmony of inter-ethnic relations in Pancur Batu and the increasing income of the population. Keywords: Pancur Batu, distribution of goods, market influence

The Manipur Violence; Beginning of the End or End of the Beginning? A Critical Study

In the Indian state of Manipur, significant violence erupted in early May (end of April) 2023. Over a hundred people have been killed since then, and tens of others have been forced to evacuate their homes. However, while receiving almost no international notice, the issue has posed some critical questions regarding managing inter-ethnic relations in the world's greatest democracy. For many years, tensions between various groups have lingered, but it is now clear that this has burst into new violence. In addition, there have been calls for the state to be partitioned. This type of crisis is known as 'External Self-Determination,' in which a group wishes to secede from an existing country and form its own sovereign state. As a result, the purpose of this investigation is to answer three particular questions: What exactly is the basic root of this tragic massacre? And would it be dangerous to be perceived as a "new federal state in India, or even a sovereign country?" Finally, how will this unwelcome circumstance be resolved?

Central Asia: Historical and Cultural Heritage in the structure of interethnic relations of the late XX – early XXI century

The article examines the history of the development of strategies and practices for the preservation of cultural and intangible cultural heritage in the countries of post-Soviet Central Asia. It is shown that they developed dynamically, in general, in accordance with global trends; they were correlated with UNESCO documents and fixed at the level of national legal systems, state cultural policy, in academic and socio-political discourses. The concepts of cultural heritage were the basis of the national sovereignty of the countries of Central Asia – the lists of internationally recognized objects of cultural heritage and masterpieces of intangible cultural heritage acquired a significant character. At the same time, in the course of a broad humanitarian dialogue, interethnic strategies for the study, preservation and popularization of cultural heritage were being formed. Their ideology was determined by the civilizational approach and the principles of "practical Eurasianism". When approving national priorities, the Central Asian states focused on multi-vector, multipolar cooperation, including relations in culture, politics, and economy. Historical and cultural heritage was a factor of their integration into the world cultural community and into the space of the Turkic world. With the creation of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), the processes of cultural dialogue in the post-Soviet space have reached a new level. The formation of variable integration models has determined one of the main trends in the development of Central Asian countries.

Картина будущего в социально-философском осмыслении писателей XX века (И. Ефремов, Р. Анайя): трансформация межэтнических отношений в ходе глобализации

The article determines the nature of the reflection of ideas about the future society development and the transformation of interethnic relations in the works of the Russian Soviet writer and Chicano author of the 20th century. The novels of Ivan Efremov “Andromeda Nebula” (1957) and Rudolfo Anaya “Jalamanta” (1996) are involved in the study. The purpose of the article is to identify the scenarios of the future presented in the novels of I. Efremov, R. Anaya, and the features of interethnic relations’ transformation in literary texts. The methodological basis of the research consists of works devoted to the study of the multidimensional representation of future image, including literary, the features of utopian consciousness, the poetics of the fantastic. The article applies a comprehensive approach to models of the expected future presented in literary texts, based on a combination of the method of socio-philosophical analysis, semiotic and comparative and historical research methods. Based on the analysis of the novels, similarities and differences in the representation of the writers’ ideas about the future social structure are established, the multiplicity of models of the future associated with the recreation of a utopian model in the text (the image of an ideal future) is shown. Special attention is paid to identifying the specifics of interethnic relations in the hypothetical reality of the future.

A Comparison of Ethnic Policies in Rwanda and Tanzania

Ethnic construction is a historical phenomenon and process, generally involving two main directions: assimilation, integration, and unity among ethnic groups, and differentiation, separation, and diversification. Typically, these directions alternate and may coexist during certain historical stages. Tanzania and Rwanda are both multi-ethnic countries, but their ethnic relations could not be more different. The former, with more than 120 ethnic groups, is basically in harmony, while the latter has erupted into large-scale ethnic conflicts. Rwanda and Tanzania exhibit significant differences in their processes of ethnic construction, influenced by factors such as colonial rule and ethnic policies. The composition of ethnic groups and interethnic relations in these countries demonstrate distinct characteristics. This study aims to compare the ethnic composition and ethnic policies of Rwanda and Tanzania, elucidating the shaping role of ethnic policies on interethnic relations and exploring practical pathways towards ethnic integration and coexistence. This paper mainly analyses the process and relationship of ethnic construction in Rwanda and Tanzania through literature and data analysis. This paper finds that whether the relationship between ethnic groups is harmonious mainly depends on whether the government can gradually eliminate ethnic barriers and strengthen ethnic identity while respecting history, rather than ignoring or even strengthening the contradictions between ethnic groups.

THE PROBLEM OF WRITING AND TRANSLATING WORDS WITH NATIONAL AND CULTURAL SPECIFICS IN THE KAZAKH LANGUAGE

Chinese vocabulary with national and cultural specific meanings - words unique to Chinese society, expressing objects, concepts or phenomena with their own characteristics of time, era. Such vocabulary covers all areas of the political, economic, cultural, and social life of Chinese society. In comparison with the vocabulary of other languages, you can see that some words in Chinese have their own cultural connotation. At present, in connection with the development of interethnic relations, the role of translation is increasing. The purpose of the study is to reveal ways of translating vocabulary that has a cultural connotation that is unique to Chinese and not found in other languages. Words with Chinese characteristics reflect the historical, cultural characteristics inherent in the country itself. Their correct translation is one of the urgent problems of the translation process. The idea of the study is to implement and improve intercultural relations. In the process of translation, it is important to be able to approach the problem in a macro-and dynamic way, without clinging to a certain fixed form and combining many translation methods with each other. Various cooperation with China, various exchanges and communications are carried out through language. And the accuracy of the translation of words and political terms with Chinese characteristics directly affects the understanding of their policies, which is the practical significance of the study. In connection with the development of interethnic relations, the role of translation is increasing. The practical significance of this study lies in the fact that the ways of their correct solution are considered, it is shown how to designate and translate the words of this lexical group. As a result, it was revealed that in the process of translating words only from Chinese into Kazakh, it is necessary to use all its types – transliteration, interpretative translation, literal translation and free translation to correctly express the connotations of Chinese culture.

THE USE OF PROJECTIVE TECHNIQUES IN DIAGNOSING ETHNIC
 TOLERANCE OF SERVICEMEN OF THE NATIONAL GUARD TROOPS
 OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION

The article presents the results of the study on ethnic tolerance of military personnel undergoing military conscription service in the troops of the National Guard of the Russian Federation. The authors analyse the possibilities of projective diagnostics in the study of the system of interethnic relations in a multinational team of a military unit.