Russkij jazyk in native english-language fiction: towards the poetics of russisms in non-russian literature

Abstract

Introduction. Against the torrential flow of Anglicisms into Russian, as well as many other languages, the present paper aims at considering the possible reasons behind introducing loans from Russian into English-language literature.

Materials and methods. The research encompasses authentic English-language literary works in the historical, dystopia and fantasy genres, featuring Russisms. The analysis algorithm includes (1) identification of the Russisms, which can be introduced via a scope of techniques varying in transparency, and (2) identifying their stylistic function in the literary text.

Results. All three of the genres under study feature Russian loans, yet, there are considerable differences as to the effects pursued. (1) In historical novels Russisms are employed to help construct a veritable culturally specific environment, yet absolute accuracy of description is not required. (2) In dystopias elements of the Russian language are used in a particular ideological function, resulting in the effect of negativisation. (3) In fantasy the primary function of Russisms is that of exotisation.

Discussion. The undertaken study allows to raise and answer two kinds of questions: (1) Why-question, or why would a writer risk the text intelligibility opting for the language heterogeneity;(2) How-question, or how accurately do the writers reproduce elements of the Russian linguaculture.

Conclusion. The research allows to show the unique relations established between the Russian and English linguocultures, which are reflected in literature. The genre shift also indicates a change in the overall perception of Russian which seems to be losing its ideological charge.