This book examines the functions of French in various spheres, domains and genres. This is the first volume of a two volume set which explores the profound impact of the French language and culture on Russian high society and consciousness in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Volume 1 provides insights into the development of the practice of speaking and writing French at the Russian court and among the Russian nobility from the mid eighteenth century to the mid nineteenth century, after which the circle of Russians who continued to use French in Russia was narrower. In the process, readers will be introduced to a wide range of types of text. They will also encounter examples of the impact of the French language on Russian and will reflect on the practice of code switching and the distinction between bilingualism and diglossia. It deepens our understanding of the process by which Russia was integrated into the mainstream of modern European civilisation. It contributes to knowledge of the development of national self consciousness in Russia. It extends awareness of the importance of francophonie in European culture, especially during the age of the Enlightenment and the Romantic age. It provides an in depth example of the social and cultural effects of major language contact. It introduces readers to the discussion of the positive and negative effects of bilingualism or multilingualism and biculturalism or multiculturalism.

About the Author
Derek Offord is Research Professor in Russian at the University of Bristol. Lara Ryazanova Clarke is Senior Lecturer in Russian and Academic Director of the Princess Dashkova Russian Centre at the University of Edinburgh. Vladislav Rjeoutski is Research Fellow at the Deutsches Historisches Institut Moskau. Gesine Argent is Postdoctoral Research Assistant at the University of Bristol.


Book Information
ISBN 9780748695515
Author Derek Offord
Format Hardback
Page Count 288
Imprint Edinburgh University Press
Publisher Edinburgh University Press
Weight(grams) 566g