Article

Name: Typology of Russian polyglots in a historical perspective

Authors: Dina B. Nikulicheva

Institute of Linguistics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation

In the section Linguistics

Abstract:

This article analyzes the quantitative and qualitative shifts in acquired multilingualism within Russia over the last three centuries, focusing on its distinct evolutionary trajectory. The research examines Russian polyglots as a distinct linguistic profile, covering the period from the early 1700s to the first quarter of the 2000s. Comparing social, ethnic, gender, and age factors along-side the number and range of languages used identifies the historical dynamics of Russian multilingualism. A significant theoretical contribution is the discussion surrounding the operational definition of a “polyglot.” A proficiency benchmark of a minimum of seven languages is utilized to guarantee precise comparisons and to differentiate between typical multilingualism and genuine hyperpolyglotism. A novel classification involving four periods and their corresponding polyglot archetypes is proposed: polyglot aristocrats, polyglot scholars, polyglot enthusiasts of the Soviet era, and online polyglots. Alexander Griboedov, Alexander Pushkin, and Leo Tolstoy represent the first category. The second comprises scholars such as Alexander Vostokov, Vasily Bartold, Ivan Boduen de Courtenay, and Alexander Kazem-Bek. Soviet polyglots, including Anatoly Starostin, Sergey Khalipov, Irina Shubina, and Willi Melnikov, represent the third group. Notable 21st-century polyglots are Dmitry Petrov, Alan Bigulov, Yan Aleshkevich, and Bela Devyatkina. The research explores the evolution from aristocratic education as a catalyst to the multi-ethnic scholarly tradition and the Soviet “enthusiast” movement. For the 21st century, the study highlights personalized lingua-didactic strategies, reliance on AI technologies, and the revival of early multilingual upbringing. Ultimately, the work demonstrates the polyglot personality adaptation to the shifting sociocultural and technological landscapes of Russia.

Keywords: linguistic personality, acquired multilingualism, polyglottery, historical dynamics, lingua-didactic practice

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