Estonian Russophone Identity in 2020

Abstract

In 2020, the dominant narrative surrounding identity is one of Social Reinvention. Russophones in Estonia shaped their identity in relation to the Soviet past, Estonians, Russians from Russia, and Westerners as Others. There remains a desire to improve economic conditions, which were further exacerbated by the pandemic. The development of Estonian Russophone identity is largely driven by cultural evolution, a factor highly valued within the minority. While concerns persist about the potential loss of Russophone cultural space built over the years, there is an acknowledgement that integration through learning the Estonian language can improve living standards for future generations. Still, there is a strong desire to preserve Russian schools in Estonia, as they remain a vital symbol of Russophone identity, reinforcing cultural and linguistic bonds within the minority. This report begins by outlining the chosen sources, followed by an in-depth examination of the identity categories identified during data analysis, emphasizing the key discourses found in the selected texts.