Handbook of language & ethnic identity Chapter 5: History by Harald Haarmann

Pre-historic ethnicity? Homo erectus shows no real evidence of ethnic diversity; use of language is debatable Homo sapiens shows strong evidence of cultural diversity throughout the archeological record

The Relationship of Identity and Ethnicity over Time Self-identity in contrast with the “other” “is the prime motor of human evolution, with language as the major signifier in human relations” Identity: kinship, place, worldview (religious/political), value system Political interests and ethnic issues may clash dangerously (e.g., Jewish-Arabic, former Yugoslavia, Russia-Chechnya)

The Historical Role of Language in Ethnicity What role does language play? Language provides the means for constructing identity This does not mean, however, that language is the exclusive or even the major marker of identity Some exceptions: –Jewish identity = religion + ancestry –Serb vs. Croat vs. Bosnian = religion

Linguistic nation This concept developed in 18 th c Age of Enlightenment, spread as policy in 19 th c You are what you speak: ethnonyms and names of languages are usually coextensive Greeks considered all non-Greeks “barbarians” [cf. Slavs and “nemcy”]

Periods when language was a marker of ethnicity Late Antiquity to Middle Ages: Irish, Anglo- Saxon, Germanic cultures Middle Ages: Formation of Romance, Slavic, Nordic cultures and the rise of their vernaculars to literary status Protestantism: Elaboration of literary languages for smaller groups (Finns, Sorbs, Latvians, etc.) Enlightenment and Age of Nationalism: Adaptation of earlier trends for political ends Age of Modern Nationalism: 1990s-present, rise of nations of FSU and East Bloc

Why did Ethnic Revivals become prominent in 1990s? Ethnic issues are easily exploited for political purposes Three reasons for this growth: –Dissolution of Ideological Tensions & Revitalization of National Cultures –Impact of Ethnic Self-Awareness on Political Affairs –Ethnic Mixing of Populations in Western Industrialized Countries

Dissolution of Ideological Tensions & Revitalization of National Cultures Soviet totalitarianism collapsed, as did other communist regimes, and ethnic identities asserted themselves –Soviet Union > Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Belarus, Ukraine, etc. –East Bloc > Poland, Czechoslovakia (>Czech & Slovak Republics), Hungary, Romania, etc. –Yugoslavia > Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia, Montenegro, Macedonia

Impact of Ethnic Self-Awareness on Political Affairs The drive for human rights led to awareness of ethnicity’s role in creating cohesion, as well as spurring economic growth and political influence Economic competition is culture-oriented Increased sensitivity to self-awareness in inter-ethnic relations (lack of such sensitivity can lead to isolation & terrorism)

Ethnic Mixing of Populations in Western Industrialized Countries “In W Europe, traditional patterns of areal ethnicity have dissolved and are being transformed into settings of multiple ethnicity.” Intermingling of languages, cultures, and races provokes various reactions: –increases awareness of ethnic cultures, producing both respect and conflict –minority groups require educational support and cultural autonomy, and this requires state funding

Outlook To avoid ethnic tensions, expressed as self- defense against foreignness: –support interethnic communication and community life –avoid bureaucratic barriers –promote balance between self-esteem and respect for others Avoidance of political manipulation depends more on individual goodwill than on government measures