The disputes of linguists about how to use the name of the Republic of Belarus correctly have been going on for more than one year. Familiar to most Russians, immigrants from the USSR, the form "Belarus" often causes righteous anger among the citizens of this hospitable country. It is still worth figuring out whether Belarus or Belarus - what is the correct name for the neighboring state?
Roots of controversy
For the second decade, since the collapse of the Soviet Union and Belarus was proclaimed an independent state, the question remains unresolved: "Belarus or Belarus - which is right?"
Especially often, heated debates begin to intensify before public holidays or if some public figure used this or that name of this country in his speech. But, despite the fact that both versions of the name of the state are accepted in the press, the strife does not lose its relevance. In Russia, the most common name is"Belorussiya", and the majority of Russian speakers defend this position. So whose point of view is correct?
Russian position
Despite the fact that, compared to other countries, Russian scientists are most often involved in disputes over the name of Belarus, they have different positions on the question: “What is the right thing - Belarus or Belarus?” The Institute of the Russian Language offers the notorious form "Belarus" for use. The same form is considered official and is reflected in dictionaries and reference books printed in Russia. Other sources explain that the official name of the country is still Belarus, and Belarus is a synonym that can be used in a colloquial or journalistic style. At the same time, it was mentioned that in the text of treaties, including international ones, the use of both names is allowed at the request of the party. So after all Belarus or Belarus?
None of the scientists can give a definite answer. Until now, there is no consensus on how to write in Russian correctly - Belarus or Belarus. Some Russian language researchers insist that the forms adopted in one state are not required to be used in another. In particular, this also applies to such a country as Belarus or Belarus. As correctly noted, the name of Germany, adopted for use in the countries of the former Soviet Union, has nothing to do with its official name. However, is this not speculation?
International Standards
Of course, in order toto resolve confusion with a variety of names of states, there are norms accepted in world practice. So, according to the "Codes for representing countries", there is no Belarus in the world. But there is a recognized Republic of Belarus. The most interesting thing is that, in addition to this official name, an acceptable abbreviation - Belarus - is also indicated nearby. Needless to say, these standards have been confirmed and agreed with the position of the UN? However, this does not reduce the dispute over how to correctly say Belarus or Belarus.
Imprint of statehood
Of course, the positions of historians and linguists do not necessarily have to converge. Moreover, progress does not stand still, history goes on as usual, the borders of states change along with their names. There are a sufficient number of countries in the world that, in addition to territories, have changed their names over time. Among these are Ceylon, which later became Sri Lanka, or Burma, which changed its name to Myanmar, and many others.
At one time, Belarusians also raised the issue of changing the name of their state in the world community. This happened just after the collapse of the Soviet Union. In 1991, a law was issued on changing the name of the state, which indicated - the Republic of Belarus and the abbreviated name Belarus. In addition, the law said that in other languages these names are used according to the Belarusian sound. Moreover, it is the form with one “s” that is considered correct. Accordingly, Belarus orBelarus - how to write correctly, there should be no doubt.
Thus, according to international law, the Republic of Belarus is the full successor of the Belarusian Soviet Socialist Republic. Therefore, from a legal point of view, the official name of this state does not depend in any way on historical origins, traditions of phonetics or other reasons.
However, Russian scientists absolutely do not agree with this position and are even willing to publicly challenge it. Scientist Leonid Krysin insists that no state, including Belarus, has the right to impose on the Russian side the obligation to name another country one way or another. From the point of view of international law, such an argument seems completely unfounded. The academician explains this from the point of view of philology as follows: in the Russian language there is no post-prefix vowel “a”, therefore the word “Belarus” does not correspond to grammar. Therefore, according to the scientist, it does not matter how to speak - in Belarus or Belarus. Moreover, he believes that the name "Belarus" does not carry any negative meaning and does not indicate hostility. Belarus or Belarus - how to use it correctly depends, according to Krysin, on personal preferences.
Historical background
Despite the official clarification of the position regarding the use of the name of the state of Belarus, many researchers refer to the fact that such a name as Belarus has every right to exist, since it has been historically fixed. It's worth doing a little research. The roots of this name are indeedappeared in the ancient Germanic languages. Then it denoted the lands of "Belaya Rus". Later, this name penetrated into Latin, and later into the Old Slavic languages.
During the heyday of the Commonwe alth, Lithuanian culture practically replaced the Belarusian one, respectively, and the return of Belarusians to their origins began much later. Before that, the ancestors of modern Belarusians called themselves “Litsvins.”
Modern theories
Today, Belarusian scientists have adopted a more loyal position. They argue that it is worth separating the official name of the state and the tradition of calling the country an outdated Soviet name. As for the name of the nation, according to the researchers, the people should be named accordingly: in this case, they see the noun “Belarus” as a much more appropriate one, and not the generally accepted “Belarusian”.
Belarusian scientists are not going to dictate their opinion to their Russian colleagues, but they continue to insist that international law should be guided by UN standards, and not by personal considerations. However, most likely, these heated disputes over which name to use - Belarus or Belarus, will not disappear in the near future.
