Prethodno priopćenje
Lenin’s Views on the National and Language Question
Nikola Rašić
; Institut za migracije i narodnosti, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Sažetak
Lenin's views on the national and language question had a great impact on policies in almost all socialist countries. However, the author of this paper claims that Lenin rarely developed his ideas in this matter, and therefore his essentially political-pragmatic texts include a large number of inconsistencies, contradictions and unclear points. Nevertheless the author states that three orientations characterised this part of Lenin's writing: i.e. his stance towards federalism, towards national cultures and towards the question of a state language. In regard to federalism, Lenin at first upheld an antifederal opinion, yet he later accepted federalism (albeit as a transitional phase). In this context he formulated his important concept of the right of peoples to self-determination to the point of separation. In regard to national cultures, Lenin was convinced in the usefulness of “natural” assimilation, and he thought that schooling should not be national. He allowed, however, for the use of national languages. Furthermore, he was opposed to the concept of a state language and thought that the language problem would be solved in the course of events. At the end of the paper, the author (again) emphasises that it is difficult to separate Lenin as a thinker from Lenin as a politician. But according to the author recognition should be given to Vladimir Ilič as a man who was always prepared to take part in democratic debate and to change his opinions in accordance with the needs of the historical moment.
Ključne riječi
national question; language question; federalism; national culture; state language
Hrčak ID:
128054
URI
Datum izdavanja:
29.9.1989.
Posjeta: 1.716 *