SUMMARY:

Among the different peoples of the Western borderlands, Belarusians were “latecomers.” This article explores imperial ethno-linguistic policy toward the Belarusians in the context of recent debates on the issue of Russification. The author outlines different perceptions of Russianness (linguistic and confessional) and explores the concept of a three-part Russian nation – Great Russian, Little Russians, Belarusians. The author argues that by the mid-19th century there was a need for books and press in the Belarusian language, but because Belarusians were considered Russians, the imperial establishment either preferred that they adopt Russian language and customs or, at least, limit the use of Belarusian to folklore. Despite general tendencies toward Russification, imperial policies toward the Belarusians were by no means consequent because the authorities had to tread carefully due to the presence of Poles in Belarusian lands and they occasionally made concessions to the Belarusian language.