Multilingualism in eighteenth-century Russia: Language identity in the life of Ekaterina Dashkova

This bachelor thesis examines multilingualism among the eighteenth-century Russian elite by looking at the specific case of Ekaterina Dashkova (1743-1810). Born and raised in St. Petersburg high society, this princess was taught to speak multiple languages, most importantly French and Russian. Languages played an important role in her life, especially when she was at the head of the St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences, as well as the Imperial Russian Academy. In these functions, she was able to directly contribute to promotion and codification of the Russian language. This thesis analyses the role of multilingualism in Dashkova’s life, making use of her memoirs as its main primary source. It argues that Dashkova was in an extraordinary position during a time when linguistic norms were changing. These shifting norms had a profound impact on her linguistic identity, while at the same time her position at the head of the academies allowed her to contribute to policy aimed at steering...Show moreThis bachelor thesis examines multilingualism among the eighteenth-century Russian elite by looking at the specific case of Ekaterina Dashkova (1743-1810). Born and raised in St. Petersburg high society, this princess was taught to speak multiple languages, most importantly French and Russian. Languages played an important role in her life, especially when she was at the head of the St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences, as well as the Imperial Russian Academy. In these functions, she was able to directly contribute to promotion and codification of the Russian language. This thesis analyses the role of multilingualism in Dashkova’s life, making use of her memoirs as its main primary source. It argues that Dashkova was in an extraordinary position during a time when linguistic norms were changing. These shifting norms had a profound impact on her linguistic identity, while at the same time her position at the head of the academies allowed her to contribute to policy aimed at steering those very shifts.Show less

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Multilingualism in eighteenth-century Russia: Language identity in the life of Ekaterina Dashkova