How has the Russian language evolved in the 2020s?

Suomi–Venäjä-seura is launching a series of discussions dedicated to contemporary Russian language and the changes it has undergone in recent years.

The project aims to enhance the understanding of transformations in the Russian language among specialists on Russia residing in Finland. We seek to support those who speak Russian but are losing touch with current linguistic contexts due to reduced travel to Russia and outdated educational materials.

The target audience includes educators, journalists, translators, researchers in history, politics, and society, as well as anyone studying Russian or working with Russian-related topics.

The project will feature a series of five thematic discussions:

1. Relocation: the language of migration — emigration, asylum, integration

2. Special Operation: the language of war — mobilization, army, losses, weapons

3. Informants: the language of society — laws, foreign agents, surveillance, repression

4. Blockage: the language of the internet — censorship, artificial intelligence, social media, propaganda

5. Self-isolation: the language of purity — pandemic, family values, identity, anti-LGBT legislation

   
   

Following the discussions and further research, a Russian-Finnish dictionary of new words and expressions from the 2020s will be created and made publicly available.

The series is conducted in partnership with the Initiative FoReDi association, uniting political migrants from Russia who arrived in Finland after 2022.

The project is supported by Juhlarahaston apuraha.

Events will take place at the Albatross cultural space (Kanavaranta 7 F, 00160 Helsinki).

Stay tuned for announcements — the first meeting is coming soon.