Russianisation is spelled with three syllables: /rʌʃənaɪˈzeɪʃən/. The first syllable starts with the short vowel sound /ʌ/ as in "cup" followed by the consonant cluster /ʃn/. The second syllable has the long vowel sound /aɪ/ as in "eye" and ends with the consonant /z/. The last syllable starts with the vowel sound /ə/ as in "sofa" followed by the consonant cluster /ʃn/. This word refers to the process of making something more Russian in character or culture.
Russianisation refers to the process or policy of promoting and imposing Russian culture, language, and political and social norms on individuals or communities belonging to other ethnic or linguistic groups within the Russian Empire or the modern-day Russian Federation. It encompasses various aspects including linguistic assimilation, cultural dominance, and political integration.
Linguistically, Russianisation entails the suppression or suppression of other local languages and the imposition of Russian as the primary language of communication, both among the local population and in official government and educational institutions. This may involve the banning or restricting the use of other languages or promoting Russian as the only language of instruction.
Culturally, Russianisation seeks to marginalize or eradicate non-Russian cultural practices and traditions, replacing them with Russian customs, religious beliefs, literature, and artistic expressions. This could involve promoting Russian history, literature, and arts as the predominant cultural touchstones while diminishing or suppressing the cultural heritage of minority groups.
Politically, Russianisation aims to integrate non-Russian regions or territories into the Russian state apparatus, eroding their autonomy or identity. This can be done through the appointment of Russian administrators, manipulation of electoral processes, or the imposition of Russian laws and regulations that may be incompatible with the local customs or values.
Russianisation has been particularly significant in regions such as Crimea, Siberia, Central Asia, and the Baltics, where Russian influence expanded through colonization, annexation, or demographic shifts. The term can also be used metaphorically to describe the spread or imposition of Russian influence beyond geographical boundaries, such as in the realms of media, politics, or cultural exports.
The word "Russianisation" is derived from the noun "Russianize" or "Russify", which means to make or become Russian in character, culture, or language. The term originates from the adjective "Russian", which pertains to Russia, its people, language, or culture. The word "Russian" itself comes from Old East Slavic "Rusĭ", referring to the medieval state of Rus, which eventually evolved into the modern-day country of Russia.