Leiden University Student Repository

D'Anethan, Victor (2019)

Becoming Relevant After Communism: Andrei Kurkov as Postcolonial Writer

Master thesis | Russian and Eurasian Studies (MA)

This thesis set out to study Andrei Kurkov’s role as a writer within Ukraine’s alleged postcolonial condition. Firstly, I analysed the relationship between Ukraine and postcolonialism with regard to Russia. Secondly, I applied this theoretical framework, especially the concept of hybridity, on the public statements and political opinions of Andrei Kurkov. This thesis has found that Andrei Kurkov fits perfectly the postcolonial frame and can be called a postcolonial writer. The main feature which defines him as such is the fact that he promotes the official recognition of the Russian language as a Ukrainian specificity. Such proposition aims at solving mechanisms of cultural dependency between Ukraine and Russia. Ultimately, I argue that this recognition can positively influence the role of Russian-speaking writers in Ukraine.

Postcolonialism

Hybridity

Andrei Kurkov

Deterritorialisation

Russian language

Ukraine

Author

D'Anethan, Victor

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Specialisation

Russian and Eurasian Studies

Supervisors

Boele, Otto

ECTS Credits

20

Language

en