History of Russia-specific terms, denoting national minorities languages: non-Russians language and small nation language

Abstract

The paper written within the frame of the international scientific project PICS and the GRIMLE study of terms denoting minorities languages attempts to analyze such notions as “non-Russians language” and “small nation language”. Both notions are unique for the post-Soviet space and have rich cultural and historic implied sense. These notions semantic components are analyzed. The components evolution, transformation and change of the scope of use are traced. All these factors serve for deeper understanding of specific for modern Russia terms and should be took into consideration while translating and carrying out international studies.