The Status of the Russian Language in the Republic of Moldova: An Indicator of Geopolitical and Sociocultural Transformations

Abstract

The status of the Russian language in the Republic of Moldova represents a significant indicator of geopolitical and sociocultural transformations in the post-Soviet period. The historical legacy of the Soviet era granted Russian a dominant role in administration, education, and interethnic communication, an influence that continues to manifest in public and media spaces. Changes in the legislative framework concerning language policy reflect shifts in the country’s geopolitical orientation, as well as the symbolic competition between European and Eurasian identity models. From a sociocultural perspective, the continued use of Russian highlights the multilingual character of Moldovan society, as well as the challenges in consolidating a common civic identity centered on the official language. In this context, the issue of the Russian language extends beyond the linguistic dimension, functioning as a political and identity tool relevant for analyzing transition processes and the redefinition of the Moldovan state. This article seeks to examine the distinctive features of the Russian language’s status in the Republic of Moldova.