What does this research mean for the field?

The Formalist method, particularly through the lens of the rediscovered Ukrainian Formalist tradition, provides critical analytical insights into the contested field of Russophonia and helps scholars navigate the tension between scientific rigor and political solidarity during Russia's war of aggression. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.METHODOLOGICAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.ESTABLISHES_NEW_DIRECTION.

What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to explore how formalism can offer insights into Russophonia within the context of Ukraine's cultural landscape.

May 18, 2026

Ukrainian Formalism and Russophonia as Methods? Some Preliminary Observations, Proposals, and Doubts Regarding Possible Intersections

Key Points

The aim is to explore how formalism can offer insights into Russophonia within the context of Ukraine's cultural landscape.
Examines intersections between formalism and Russophone studies in Ukraine.
Analyzes the rediscovery of local Formalist tradition.
Evaluates challenges for Ukrainian culture amid Russia's war of aggression.
Highlights the complexities of maintaining scholarly rigor while supporting cultural solidarity.
Demonstrates the relevance of formalism in understanding contested areas of Slavic and Eurasian studies.
Identifies tensions surrounding the cultural impact of Russia's aggression on Ukrainian identity.

Abstract

SUMMARY: This essay offers initial considerations on the intersections between the emerging field of Russophone studies and Formalism. Focusing on Ukraine – where the local Formalist tradition is currently being rediscovered – the author examines how the Formalist method provides insights into Russophonia, a highly contested area within Slavic, East European, and Eurasian Studies. By framing these entanglements within Russia's war of aggression, the essay highlights the resulting challenges for Ukrainian culture. It specifically addresses the tension faced by scholars seeking to maintain scientific rigor alongside active solidarity. Резюме: Эссе предлагает размышления о точках пересечения между формирующейся областью русофонных исследований и формализмом. На примере современных работ, посвященных украинскому формализму 1920-х гг., автор показывает, как формальный метод позволяет поновому осмыслить феномен русофонии – сферы, вызывающей споры в рамках славистики, восточноевропейских и евразийских исследований. Автор акцентирует внимание на вызовах для украинской культуры, возникающих при рассмотрении этой проблематики в контексте агрессивной войны России. В частности, в эссе затрагивается проблема совмещения строго научного подхода с политической солидарностью.

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Ukrainian Formalism and Russophonia as Methods? Some Preliminary Observations, Proposals, and Doubts Regarding Possible Intersections

Key Points

Abstract

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