Language and Ethnicity in Central and Eastern Europe: Some Theoretical Aspects

The author defines ethnicity as a community which enables a reproduction of culture. i.e. a system of moral regulation within communities. Cultural identity of a community is a means by which it affirms its moral value vis-à-vis others. The elements of culture (language, religion, customs, historical legacy) serve to an ethnic community for defining borders towards other communities. Nationalism (particularly in Central and Eastern Europe) makes use of the mobilization of ethnic identities. A prominent role in that process is played by intellectuals, who have monopoly over cultural production, particularly over the imposition and preservation of the language standard. On the background of this theoretical and historical analysis, the author highlights the causes of intensive ethno-nationalist conflicts in Central and Eastern Europe.