The debates of linguists on 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 of "Belarus" often causes righteous anger among the citizens of this hospitable country. It’s worthwhile to figure out, Belarus or Belarus - what is the right name for a neighboring state?
Sources of disputes
For the second decade since the collapse of the Soviet Union and Belarus was proclaimed an independent state, the question remains unanswered: "Belarus or Belarus - how right?"
Especially often, heated debate begins to intensify before public holidays or if some public figure in his speech used one or another name of this country. But, despite the fact that both versions of the name of the state are accepted in the press, the feuds do not lose relevance. On the territory of Russia, the name “Belarus” is the most common, and most Russian speakers defend this position. So whose point of view is correct?
Russian position
Despite the fact that, in comparison with other countries, Russian scientists most often participate in disputes over the name of Belarus, they have different positions regarding the question: “How is it right - Belarus or Belarus?” The Institute of the Russian language offers for use precisely the notorious form "Belarus". The same form is considered official and is reflected in dictionaries and reference books printed on the territory of Russia. Other sources explain that the official name of the country is still Belarus, and Belarus is a synonym acceptable for use in a colloquial or journalistic style. It is also 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 - Belarus or Belarus. Some Russian language scholars insist that forms adopted in one state are not required to be used in another. In particular, this also applies to a country such 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. But is this speculation?
International standards
Of course, in order to resolve the confusion with the variety of names of states, there are norms accepted in world practice. So, according to the “Codes for Representing Countries,” no Belarus exists in the world. But there is a recognized Republic of Belarus. The most interesting is that, in addition to this official name, a permissible abbreviated Belarus is indicated nearby. Needless to say, these standards are confirmed and consistent with the position of the UN? However, this does not reduce the debate about how to speak - Belarus or Belarus.
Imprint of statehood
Of course, the positions of historians and linguists do not have to converge. Moreover, progress does not stand still, history is taking its course, the borders of states are changing along with their names. In the world there are a sufficient number of countries 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 touched on 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 passed on changing the name of the state, which indicated - the Republic of Belarus and the abbreviated name of Belarus. In addition, the law said that in other languages these names are used according to the Belarusian sound. Moreover, it is considered the correct form with one "s". Accordingly, Belarus or Belarus - 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 on historical sources, phonetics traditions or other reasons.
However, Russian scientists absolutely disagree with this position and even show their willingness to publicly challenge it. Scientist Leonid Krysin insists that no state, including Belarus, has the right to impose an obligation on the Russian side to name another country in one way or another. From the point of view of international law, such an argument seems completely unfounded. The academician explains this from the position of philology as follows: in the Russian language there is no post-prefix vowel “a”, therefore the word “Belarus” does not correspond to the grammar. Therefore, according to the scientist, it does not matter how to say it - 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, according to Krysin, depends on personal preferences.
Historical reference
Despite the official clarification of the position regarding the use of the name of the state of Belarus, many researchers cite the fact that such a name as Belarus has every right to exist, since it has been fixed historically. It’s worth a little investigation. The roots of this name really appeared in the ancient Germanic languages. Then it designated the land of "White Russia". Later, this name penetrated into Latin, and later into Old Slavic languages.
During the heyday of the Polish- Lithuanian Commonwealth, Lithuanian culture almost replaced the Belarusian culture, respectively, and the return of Belarusians to their sources began much later. Prior to this, the ancestors of modern Belarusians called themselves “Litsvin”.
Modern theories
Today, Belarusian scientists have adopted a more loyal position. They argue that it is necessary to separate 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 researchers, people should be called accordingly: in this case, they see the noun “Belarus” as much more suitable, rather than the generally accepted “Belarus”.
Belarusian scientists are not going to dictate their opinion to their Russian colleagues, however, they continue to insist that international law should be guided by UN standards, and not personal considerations. However, most likely, these heated debates about what name to use - Belarus or Belarus, will not disappear in the near future.