Language and Power in the Creation of the USSR, 1917-1953

Michael G. Smith delves into the intricate relationship between language and power during a transformative period in Russian history. Focusing on the era from the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917 to the death of Stalin in 1953, he examines how language was wielded as a tool for both unification and division within the newly formed Soviet Union. Through a thorough exploration of historical challenges, the author contextualizes the role of language in shaping political ideologies and societal structures in late Imperial Russia.

As Smith navigates through the complexities of sociolinguistics, he highlights crucial moments and debates that influenced language policy and propaganda. The text provides a nuanced understanding of how the manipulative use of language impacted public opinion and identity, revealing the profound implications of linguistic choices in a regime striving for control. This scholarly work invites readers to contemplate the broader implications of language as a powerful instrument in the creation and maintenance of political authority.