“Soft power” of the Russian language: cultural aspect

The concept of “soft power” of the Russian language is considered within the framework of the ethnocultural approach, it is proved that the language is aimed at expressing precisely national cultural affiliation, the specific unique environment of the culture, and the cultural dominants of the ethnic group. It is substantiated that the approach to the Russian language as the “soft power” of the state contributes to the development of “cultural” diplomacy. Five functions have been established that the Russian language performs in relation to culture, which allows us to consider the Russian language as the “soft power” of the state (communicative, integration, socializing, translational and cognitive functions). From different points of view, the concept of “Russian World” was analyzed and its basic constructs were identified – the Russian language and the Russian culture based on it (speech forms of explication of recognition of mentality, values, traditions, customs, etc.). Defining the basis of the soft power of the Russian language is attractiveness, the purpose of which is to unite (integrate) citizens of the Russian Federation, compatriots abroad and all those who feel mental and spiritual closeness with Russians. The inadequacy of using the potential of library institutions and the library community to promote the Russian language and expand the space for its use has been proven. Approaches to solving problems of state cultural policy in the sphere of the Russian language are described and proposed. 

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