French influences in Russia, 1780s to 1820s : the origins of permanent cultural transfer
This dissertation defines aspects of Russian culture which bear the marks of French influence and explores the historical origins of that influence. While it is generally acknowledged that Russiaâs culture has been influenced by France, no systematic history of the origins of this influence has been written. Previous research has dealt only superficially with the topic, focusing almost exclusively on the Francophile preferences of societyâs elite. The present study examines Russian society more broadly and explores those elements of French cultural influence still relevant today through an historical analysis of the Russian language. French loanwords found in dictionaries from the time of Peter the Great to the present are analyzed chronologically and topically, yielding the conclusion that the most significant period of long-lasting French influence was the turn of the nineteenth century and was primarily cultural in natureâincluding the areas of fashion, cuisine, the arts, interior design and etiquetteâbut was also in areas related to technology and official administration. Following this lexical analysis, other primary sourcesâarchival documents, military memoirs, and periodical publications from
Coker, Adam Nathaniel
History ; Russian History ; Imperial Russian History ; Cultural History ; Language ; Culture ; Immigration ; Napoleonic Wars ; Lexicography ; History of Publication, Printing, Journalism, and Book trade
French influences in Russia, 1780s to 1820s : the origins of permanent cultural transfer. This dissertation defines aspects of Russian culture which bear the marks of French influence and explores the historical origins of that influence. While it is generally acknowledged that Russiaâs culture has been influenced by France, no systematic history of the origins of this influence has been written. Previous research has dealt only superficially with the topic, focusing almost exclusively on the Francophile preferences of societyâs elite. The present study examines Russian society more broadly and explores those elements of French cultural influence still relevant today through an historical analysis of the Russian language. French loanwords found in dictionaries from the time of Peter the Great to the present are analyzed chronologically and topically, yielding the conclusion that the most significant period of long-lasting French influence was the turn of the nineteenth century and was primarily cultural in natureâincluding the areas of fashion, cuisine, the arts, interior design and etiquetteâbut was also in areas related to technology and official administration. Following this lexical analysis, other primary sourcesâarchival documents, military memoirs, and periodical publications from
french_influence russia origin permanent cultural_transfer defines aspect russian culture bear mark french_influence explore historical origin influence generally_acknowledge russia culture influence france systematic history origin influence write previous dealt superficially topic focus_almost exclusively preference society elite present_study examines russian society broadly explore element french cultural influence still relevant today historical_analysis russian language french loanword find dictionary time peter great present analyze chronologically yield conclusion significant period long lasting french_influence turn primarily cultural nature include area fashion art interior design etiquette also area relate technology official administration following lexical analysis primary_source archival_document military memoir periodical publication