Nauchnyi Dialog
Nauchnyi dialog (Scientific Dialogue), registration certificate PI No. FS 77-86214 issued 27.10.2023 by Roskomnadzor, is an open-access peer-reviewed scientific journal. Nauchnyi dialog (Scientific Dialogue) publishes research articles presenting novel concepts and significant achievements in the fields philology and history.
Theme: Russia and the world in dialogue
- Russian world: language, literature, folklore, history
- History of the abroad through the eyes of russian researchers
- Russian world surrounded by other cultures: comparative studies
- Media communications and journalism: a world without borders
- Theory and methodology of language and literature research as a space for dialogue between different scientific traditions
Mission of Nauchnyi Dialog — organizing a dialogue between national research traditions in the humanitarian branches of science - historical and philological.
Tasks:
1) accumulation of knowledge about Russian culture through studies of language, literature and Russian history as the main markers of identity surrounded by other identities;
2) exchange of interpretations of a foreign cultural text: Russian literature and history as interpreted by foreign colleagues - and foreign literary and historical discourse as interpreted by Russian researchers;
3) presentation of the observations of researchers from different countries of the media development as a factor in globalization;
4) inviting researchers from different countries to present and discuss theories, approaches, methods, techniques for analyzing language, text, discourse, since due to a long period of closed development of national scientific traditions and schools, discrepancies have accumulated in the choice of research problems, interpretations of key terms, methodological preferences.
Language of publications: Russian. Each article is provided with metadata in English.
Published since 2012.
The Journal accepts for consideration (1) review articles containing theoretical and statistical generalizations and (2) original research articles presenting the results of empirical investigations.
All submitted manuscripts undergo mandatory peer review (reviews provided by authors are not accepted).
Submissions are reviewed within the average period of 3–10 months.
Current Issue
Vol 14, No 7 (2025)
LINGUISTICS
From New Year's Staple to Cultural Heritage: Olivier Salad in Artistic and Media Discourse
Abstract
This article explores the functioning of the lexical unit “Olivier salad” within artistic and media interpretations. The materials for analysis are drawn from the Russian National Corpus (both main and newspaper corpora), the lexicographical resource “New in Russian Lexicon: Dictionary Materials,” various websites, and more. Over 1,300 examples have been analyzed. It is noted that in contemporary communication, “Olivier” is becoming a common noun. Derivatives of the analyzed term are presented, including “olivyezhka,” “olivyeviy,” “olivyev,” and “raw-Olivier,” among others. The study demonstrates that these nominations are found in contexts related to New Year’s celebrations as well as discussions of social phenomena, serving as metaphorical designations. Based on contextual surroundings, the study reveals distinctive features of the value perception of the lexical unit “Olivier salad,” emphasizing the ambivalence of its evaluation: while its traditional nature is acknowledged, the salad is also critiqued for its primitiveness and banality. The signification of Olivier is highlighted through an economic metaphor (the “Olivier index”). The authors note the archetypal nature of the image, its symbolism, and its ritualized, ceremonial character. Aspects of meaning are identified that have led to further metaphorical nominations of phenomena from other spheres, most commonly socio-political ones, utilizing a typified context (simple, inevitable like Olivier, etc.).
Nauchnyi Dialog. 2025;14(7):9-28
9-28
Cognitive Modeling of Concept RUSSIA: Fragment of Linguistic Worldview of First-Wave Emigrants
Abstract
This paper presents the results of modeling and provides a comprehensive characterization of the frame structure of the concept RUSSIA. The hypothesis is put forward that the concept RUSSIA acts as a key representamen of the linguistic worldview of the firstwave emigrants (1918–1940). The study analyzes its functioning within the poetic legacy of émigré poets Olga Skopichenko, Marianna Kolosova, Maria Vizi, and Iustina Kruzenshtern-Peterets. The source base comprises 1,149 poems. The paper offers the results of a comparative analysis of the concept RUSSIA objectified in migration discourse, focusing on its invariants as elements of the individual authorial styles (idiostyles). The methodology incorporates continuous sampling of poems verbalizing the concept RUSSIA and its correlates, componential analysis, cognitive-discursive analysis, field structure analysis, and frame analysis. The study introduces into scientific discourse the data from a cognitive interpretation of metonymic and metaphorical models representing the concept via frames and subframes. It is emphasized that the frame RUSSIA IS THE SELF (RUSSIA — IS I) emerges as the absolute dominant of the concept in the émigré consciousness. The paper highlights the accentuated value component of the concept and the integration of its cognitive, linguistic, cultural, and social levels within the émigré sociolect. It is concluded that the concept RUSSIA within the émigré linguistic worldview constitutes one of the models of the broader national concept.
Nauchnyi Dialog. 2025;14(7):29-46
29-46
Image of Russia in Textbooks for Teaching Russian as a Foreign Language to Indian Students
Abstract
The aim is to examine the representation of Russian civilizational and cultural identity in educational materials designed for Indian students. The research explores the linguistic and imagological potential of Russian textbooks for foreigners. It analyzes the curricula adopted by Indian educational institutions offering courses in Russian language and culture. The study focuses on characterizing the textbooks used as primary sources for constructing Russia’s image, identifying the specific strategies employed in shaping this representation. The sources comprise six textbooks produced by Russian and Indian publishing houses, selected for their prevalence in Indian university programs. Methodologically, the study draws upon linguistic imagology, linguistic axiology, and content analysis. The findings suggest that the textbooks portray Russia as a distinctive and original culture, globally recognized for its numerous eminent figures across diverse fields, a country that upholds both traditional and modern holidays while actively engaging with the international educational community. Furthermore, the study highlights that the diverse techniques used to shape Russia’s image effectively convey knowledge about the country in line with educational objectives, gradually fostering a coherent and multifaceted perception of Russian society and reality.
Nauchnyi Dialog. 2025;14(7):47-67
47-67
Linguistic Rigidity of Gender Binomials
Abstract
This article examines the linguistic rigidity of the components of gender binomials, particularly the pairs “man and woman” and “husband and wife.” The study draws on texts from the media, specifically a newspaper subcorpus of the Russian National Corpus. The objective of this research is to uncover the social factors influencing the degree of linguistic rigidity within these gender binomials. It has been established that the specific structure of a binomial (the primacy of the male gender versus the secondary status of the female gender, or vice versa) reflects entrenched social hierarchies in society based on gender differences and stereotypes. Additionally, it has been found that the irreversibility or reversibility of a binomial may depend on the degree of phraseologization, grammatical number (singular/plural), as well as prosodic features. Key themes have been identified in which the female gender is preferred in the initial position of the binomial. A high degree of linguistic rigidity has been noted in the examined binomials, following the established model with the male gender in the first position. Temporal segments have been identified during which a decrease in this rigidity is observed: from 1990 to 1994 and from 2014 to 2021, particularly highlighting an increase in the proportion of binomials featuring the female gender in the first position. Prospects for further research into gender binomials as significant units of linguistic encoding of sociocultural experience are also proposed.
Nauchnyi Dialog. 2025;14(7):68-83
68-83
Mem-Representation of Current Socio-Political Discourse in Germany: Constant and Variable Characteristics
Abstract
This study examines internet memes from Germany between 2021 and 2025, sourced from German-speaking segments of platforms such as Reddit, kekememes, and 9gag. The analysis focuses on genetic, genre-specific, structural, audience-oriented, and semantic characteristics. A thematic classification of memes based on their objects and subjects of critique, along with an assessment of the thematic groups' content and user interaction responses, has enabled a characterization of the degree of politicization on these platforms. The findings indicate a growing trend toward a decreased interest in political memes among audiences. Additionally, a tendency towards the complexity of memes through genre hybridization has been identified. A prominent meme trend for 2025 is highlighted: the parodic meme “Set.” Constant features of reality representation in contemporary meme culture in Germany include the predominance of the assimilation of foreign memes, replication of visual elements, and the relationship of coordinationcomplementarity between visual and verbal components. The analysis reveals widespread audience engagement and reliance on current precedent phenomena that predominantly convey negative meanings. The dominance of advice memes, macros, comics, comparison memes, and memes with minimal background roles is noted. Furthermore, the study identifies a frequent generation of meaning through the identification of critique objects with recognizable archetypes of negative qualities, as well as the creation of humor based on expressive character facial expressions and non-verbal support for verbal components.
Nauchnyi Dialog. 2025;14(7):84-112
84-112
Stereotypical Representations of Austria and Austrians among Russian University Students: Findings from a Word Association Experiment
Abstract
This study investigates the cognitive representations and affective-evaluative reactions of Russians towards Austria and its people. A free word association experiment was employed as the primary methodological tool. The novelty of this research lies in the absence of a comprehensive analysis of this particular heterostereotype within the scholarly discourse. The respondent pool consisted of 103 students from three Russian universities. The experiment yielded 146 stimulus words and 340 individual reactions, which were systematized into seven thematic categories and three groups based on emotional valence (positive, neutral, negative). The findings indicate a predominantly positive perception of Austria and its inhabitants among the Russian respondents. However, a critical stance towards certain historical facts was noted. The analysis determined the frequency of stereotype mentions and the ratio of conventional to non-conventional associations. A significant prevalence of non-conventional associations (67%) was revealed; these were characterized by their individuality and sporadic occurrence, suggesting a non-homogeneous nature of the heterostereotype within the Russian youth cohort. A comparison of preliminary respondent profiling data with the association experiment results identified four overlapping thematic areas: “Culture,” “History,” “Language,” and “Contemporary Political and Socio-Economic Situation.” The elicited associations supplemented the image of Austria and Austrians with three additional categories: “Cuisine,” “Geography,” and “People.”
Nauchnyi Dialog. 2025;14(7):113-132
113-132
Corpus Analysis of Artificial Intelligence Terminology in Russian: Insights from Almanac “Artificial Intelligence” Using AntConc
Abstract
This study is situated at the intersection of corpus linguistics and terminology studies. It highlights the significant evolution of corpus linguistics, from early text collections to the establishment of large national and specialized corpora in the 21st century. The importance of contemporary technologies, such as machine learning and natural language processing, is emphasized for their role in opening new avenues for analyzing large data sets. The article addresses the methodological aspects of researching terminological units within the field of artificial intelligence (AI) based on modern analytical compilations. The aim of the research is to identify patterns in the formation of compound designations, as well as the orthographic and stylistic norms governing the use of AI terms in the Russian language. To achieve this goal, frequency analysis and content analysis methods were employed using AntConc, resulting in the identification of 100 core terms, along with collocations constructed from these terms. The findings indicate that AI terminology in Russian is actively evolving, with a predominance of Anglicisms and hybrid forms. The stylistic features of texts reflecting the technical context and target audience are discussed. In conclusion, the necessity for establishing norms for the use of AI terms in light of their integration into the Russian language is underscored.
Nauchnyi Dialog. 2025;14(7):133-160
133-160
“We-Identity” Discourse in Academic Communications and Favored Groups of 21st Century Russia
Abstract
This article examines the academic discourse of “we-identity,” established within the practices of authors and readers of scientific texts as a discursive community. The empirical data source comprises highly cited publications from the Russian Index of the Science Citation database published between 2000 and 2024, featuring the lexeme “identity” in their titles, along with the titles of citing publications and contexts of citation. A discursive-analytical approach to the research allows for the characterization of conceptual strategies in the unfolding of the “we-identity” scientific discourse against the backdrop of shifting favored groups within Russian society, delineating four distinct phases: 2000–2009 — Russian identity as part of a globalization and transculturalism narrative; 2010–2013 — Russian identity, still affiliated with the global community, becomes fragmented along sociographic lines; 2014–2021 — a marked transition from global identity to local identity; 2022–2024 — a shift from local identity to national solidarity. It is established that the landscape of Russian scientific discourse on “we-identity” is marked by lexemes reflecting the emergence and transition of favored groups in Russian society, relevant to each new period of selfidentification. The study concludes that there has been a fourfold change in favored groups within the “we-identity” scientific discourse of the 21st century: these are the global community, sociographic group, region, and nation.
Nauchnyi Dialog. 2025;14(7):161-181
161-181
COMMUNCATIONS. MEDIA TECHNOLOGES. JOURNALISM
Cognitive-Semantic Mechanisms of Poverty Euphemization in Russian and Uzbek Media Discourse
Abstract
This article focuses on identifying and describing the cognitive-semantic mechanisms of euphemization and the frame models representing poverty. The study is based on a bilingual corpus of 800 media texts (420 in Russian and 380 in Uzbek) from central and regional media outlets, which yielded 63 euphemistic nominations. Cognitive-semantic annotation was conducted according to B. Warren's taxonomy (metaphor, metonymy, litotes, abstraction, generalization), along with frame-semantic modeling as proposed by C. Fillmore, enabling the identification of dominant frames within each subcorpus. The findings indicate that the Russian discourse is predominantly characterized by the frames of “temporary hardship” and “threshold/boundary,” which are realized through litotic and figurative forms (e.g., nebogatyy “not wealthy,” v trudnom material'nom polozhenii “in a difficult material situation,” za chertoy bednosti “below the poverty line”). Conversely, the Uzbek discourse is shaped by the frame of “institutional accounting,” represented through metonymic designations based on registries (e.g., temir daftar (iron notebook), ayollar daftari (women's notebook), mechr daftari (notebook of mercy)) and standardized terms (e.g., kam taminlangan (low-income), echtiyodzhmand (needy), kiyin moliyaviy vaziyatda (in a difficult financial situation)). It is demonstrated that both linguistic communities avoid direct lexemes for poverty such as Russ. bednyy / Uzb. kambagal (indigent), softening negativity through quantitative or situational descriptions. The study establishes that universal cognitive operations underlie common euphemization mechanisms, while their specific realizations are determined by the sociopolitical context and genre norms of national media discourses.
Nauchnyi Dialog. 2025;14(7):183-212
183-212
Engineering Mass Media Discourse: Specifics of Dispositif Modeling
Abstract
This study presents a linguorhetorical reconstruction of the mechanisms of dispositif modeling in texts aimed at popularizing engineering knowledge within mass media, which constitute the periphery of engineering discourse. It is argued that such media texts, by adhering to rhetorical strategies, are designed to foster a new understanding of advanced engineering practices, reshape the traditional image of engineers in the collective consciousness, and enhance the prestige of engineering education. In the preliminary phase of the research, an initial experiment was conducted to verify the prevailing trend among youth of holding stereotypical and outdated perceptions of engineers and their functions. During the main phase of the study, a linguorhetorical reconstruction was carried out to identify the methods and means of implementing the dispositive strategy of text formation, which determines the structural-compositional organization of the text and its persuasive potential. The macrostructure of media texts on engineering, centered around the headline complex, is described; the model-like nature of this macrostructure and its reproducibility are revealed; observations regarding the topical composition of the macrostructure are made. Three models of argumentation that facilitate a renewed perspective on engineering and engineers are reconstructed: models of demonstrative, narrative, and analogical types.
Nauchnyi Dialog. 2025;14(7):213-233
213-233
LITERARY STUDIES. FOLKLORE
Symbolism of Avian Imagery in 20th Century Russian Prose
Abstract
This article addresses the issue of the ideological and artistic content of ornithological symbolism in 20th century Russian prose. The study focuses on the works of I.S. Shmelev, I.A. Bunin, B.K. Zaitsev, M.A. Osorgin, L.F. Zurow, V.P. Astafyev, E. Nosov, B. Vasilyev, and T. Tolstoy, all of which incorporate bird imagery into their narrative frameworks. The aim of this research is to uncover the multifaceted symbolic significance of ornithological images in 20th century Russian prose, exploring the unique artistic visions of individual authors and the unifying national “code of interpretation” within Russian literature. The relevance of this study is underscored by contemporary literary scholarship's focus on axiomatically significant themes in Russian literature and the perception of the domestic literary process in its indivisible wholeness. The scientific novelty of this work lies in the analysis of avian imagery, which reveals the distinct role of this artistic motif as one of the dominant elements in the national worldview. The authors conclude that birds are frequently represented in 20th century Russian literature as idealized figures — “measures” of human morality. It is demonstrated that certain aspects of symbolism become dominant during various historical periods: spiritual enlightenment, identification with the homeland and home, reflections on heroism and valor, ecological issues, and the metaphorization of ornithomorphic characters.
Nauchnyi Dialog. 2025;14(7):235-258
235-258
Reception of Dionysian Music as an Intermedial Aspect of German-Language Promethean Discourse in Lipiner’s Poem “Der entfesselte Prometheus”
Abstract
This study analyzes the poem “The Liberated Prometheus” (“Der entfesselte Prometheus,” 1876) by Austrian writer S. Lipiner (1856– 1911) through the lens of the reception of Dionysian music within the literary text. The relevance of this research is underscored by contemporary literary studies' interest in Promethean discourse and the theme of Dionysianism. For the first time in domestic literary scholarship, this paper presents findings on Lipiner's poem from an intermedial perspective concerning the issue of Dionysian music. Attention is given to the genesis of Dionysian music, tracing its roots back to the philosophy and literature of ancient Greece. Sources correlating with the Dionysian discourse include works by Hesiod (8th century BCE), Goethe (J. W. Goethe, 1749–1832), and Nietzsche (F. Nietzsche, 1844–1900). The results of a comparative analysis of elements in Goethe's “Faust” and Lipiner's “The Liberated Prometheus” are presented. The continuity of Lipiner's poem with Goethe's interpretation of Dionysian music is posited. The significance of Nietzschean approaches to Dionysianism for Lipiner's poem is demonstrated. The author concludes that the intermedial aspect of Dionysian music in the work under study is most fully revealed in the context of the cult of Dionysus, characteristic of Austrian literature at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries.
Nauchnyi Dialog. 2025;14(7):259-277
259-277
Historical and Literary Context of Poetic Dialogue Between A.S. Pushkin and A.I. Gotovtseva in Almanac “Northern Flowers for Year 1829”
Abstract
This article presents a comprehensive analysis of the epistolary poem by the Kostroma poetess A.I. Gotovtseva, titled "A.S.P." (To Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin), published in the almanac “Northern Flowers for the Year 1829”. This poetic address is contextualized within Gotovtseva's other works, including her message to Y.N. Bartenyev. The poem by the Kostroma poetess is also compared with a previously published poetic letter to Pushkin by Prince P.I. Shalikov. The article summarizes existing scholarship on Pushkin's “Response to A.I. Gotovtseva,” highlighting that the commentary provided by V.P. Gaevsky and P.V. Annenkov has not been significantly revised since its initial publication. The author proposes additions to the traditional commentary, taking into account the historical, literary, and biographical contexts that influenced the creation of Pushkin's poem. The study of the poetic dialogue between Pushkin and Gotovtseva incorporates new information regarding the addressee of Pushkin's "Response." The article provides biographical data on the Kostroma poetess, identifies archival sources, and presents materials from periodicals previously overlooked by literary scholars. The author hypothesizes why, despite her brilliant debut, Gotovtseva did not become a regular contributor to the almanac “Northern Flowers.” It is asserted that the history of the poetic dialogue between Pushkin and Gotovtseva aligns more with a series of poetic "duels" rather than with a collection of madrigals.
Nauchnyi Dialog. 2025;14(7):278-315
278-315
Siberia as a Local Text in Poetry of Pavel Vasiliev
Abstract
This article examines the poetic works of Soviet poet Pavel Nikolayevich Vasiliev (1910– 1937) to construct the Siberian text as a semiotic phenomenon in Russian culture. Utilizing the methodology of Yuri M. Lotman, it posits that the local hypertext comprises three subtexts: text as name, text as topos, and text as time. The study reveals that Siberia is personified in the author’s perception as a feminine figure. It demonstrates that the Siberian topos, in the poet's metageographical representation, emerges as an autonomous territory — a country in its own right. Notably, the major geocultural elements of this topos include the great Siberian rivers. The cities are perceived by the poet both concretely (Omsk, Irkutsk, Tyumen) and generically (Siberian Chicagos). The research emphasizes that significant semiotic characteristics of the Siberian text encompass the harsh climate and vastness of the territory. It shows that the transmission of the Siberian text as chronos involves a diachronic connection linking the past with the present, thereby actualizing specific meanings. Vasiliev’s poems depict typical Siberian characters: the merchant-gold miner and the Siberian peasant, embodying common traits of the Siberian character. The authors conclude that the construction of the Siberian text in Vasiliev’s poetry represents a significant contribution to the representation of Siberian text as a vital phenomenon in Russian culture.
Nauchnyi Dialog. 2025;14(7):316-331
316-331
HISTORY
Permanent Defensive Structures of Khingan Tunnel: Design and Construction
Abstract
This study explores the history of the fortification defense system of the Khingan Tunnel on the Chinese Eastern Railway during the years 1914–1918. The relevance of this research is underscored by the lack of specialized works addressing the history of permanent defensive structures that protect both the eastern and western portals of the Khingan Tunnel, as well as the viaduct at the Petlya junction. The research is grounded in primary source materials, including documents from the current administration of the Main Military-Technical Directorate of the War Ministry and the Main Directorate of the General Staff. The article examines the construction projects for concrete blockhouses intended to safeguard the tunnel portals and junction. It introduces data regarding the sequence, scale, and cost of the planned works into scholarly discourse. A comprehensive overview of the progress made in constructing these structures is presented. For the first time, information is published concerning the fabrication of two sets of armored gates for the Khingan Tunnel. An assessment is provided regarding the outcomes of implementing such a large-scale defensive project during wartime. The article emphasizes the significance of blockhouses as unique monuments of the early 20th-century Russian military engineering school located in Manchuria. The necessity for their preservation and musealization is highlighted.
Nauchnyi Dialog. 2025;14(7):333-352
333-352
Physical Education and Sports in Daily Service of Baltic Fleet Crews during World War I (August 1914 – February 1917)
Abstract
This article examines the role of physical education and sports activities in the daily service of personnel within the Baltic Fleet during World War I. It investigates measures taken to maintain the physical and moral-psychological condition of the crew as factors contributing to combat readiness, and explores their evolution in comparison to the early 20th century. The authors analyze sources documenting the organization of physical education for crews (such as orders and watch logs), as well as visual representations of sailors' participation in these initiatives and their attitudes towards them (including photographs and personal accounts). Through comparative analysis, the study traces the correlation between the frequency of physical training sessions and the operational activity of ships and units, as well as their locations and seasonal variations. Utilizing a historical-genetic method, the authors identify connections between established principles of physical training from the early 20th century and emerging trends. The findings suggest that physical education and training were predominantly conducted within the traditions of that era. Furthermore, physical education and sports did not serve as a factor in strengthening crew solidarity due to the persistent caste divisions between sailors and officers.
Nauchnyi Dialog. 2025;14(7):353-372
353-372
India in Pages of “St. Petersburg Vedomosti” in 18th Century
Abstract
This article analyzes the representation of India in the first Russian periodical newspaper, the St. Petersburg Vedomosti. The study draws on issues of the newspaper published between 1728 and 1781, which have been digitized and made publicly accessible by the Library of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Based on this data, the author calculates the frequency of news articles about India, identifies key thematic areas, and determines the primary sources of this information. The findings indicate that during the 18th century, information about India was regularly published in the St. Petersburg Vedomosti. It is established that the main source of information regarding India was news received through Europe. For thematic analysis, nine semantic blocks were identified. The study demonstrates that during this period, Russian society may have formed general perceptions of the foreign policies of Western European powers, particularly Great Britain and France, concerning Hindustan, trade with this region, and the activities of East India Companies. The author asserts that traditions, culture, and daily life of Indians were scarcely described in the newspaper. It is emphasized that the information about India could contain errors and inaccuracies, as well as biased evaluations of events borrowed from European perspectives.
Nauchnyi Dialog. 2025;14(7):373-391
373-391
Murghab Sovereign’s Estate: Transformation during Early Years of Soviet Power (1917–1932)
Abstract
This study investigates the transformation of the Murghab Sovereign’s Estate into the Bayramali state farm and collective farms within the Murghab oasis. The sources for this article include local organizational documents from the period of the Provisional Government and Soviet authority, memoirs of participants in the struggle to establish new power in Turkmenistan from 1917 to 1935, as well as statistical materials from the first Five-Year Plan. It is demonstrated that the former estate was of interest to the Provisional Government in the context of its continued operation, while the Soviet regime undertook its radical transformation. The study establishes that during this new era, the estate was reorganized: collective farms emerged focusing on cotton cultivation, and a state farm assumed responsibilities for continuing the acclimatization of cotton and other crops, introducing new agricultural practices, training engineering personnel, and other agronomic functions. It is reported that former princely factories retained their product range and continued to supply textile enterprises and the domestic market. Hydraulic structures were preserved and further developed. The findings indicate that under Soviet power, the Murghab Sovereign’s Estate transformed into a significant regional center for cotton production and primary processing.
Nauchnyi Dialog. 2025;14(7):392-411
392-411
Forest Management Practices in Economic Activities of Old Believer Semeyskys of Transbaikalia in Second Half of 19th Century
Abstract
This study analyzes the activities undertaken by forestry administrations in the Transbaikal region and the practices of forest resource utilization by the Semeysky Old Believers in their economic activities during the latter half of the 19th century. Both published and unpublished sources were utilized. The corpus of unpublished materials includes documents related to administrative and regulatory aspects of forestry in the Transbaikal region, housed in the State Archive of Irkutsk Oblast. A comprehensive analysis of these sources enabled an examination of the historical development of territorial forest management structures in Transbaikalia, particularly in areas where Semeysky settlements were located. The focus is on the territory of the TroitskoSavskoye forestry, which spanned the Upper Udinsk district and partially covered the Troitsko-Savskoye district, home to Semeysky communities. The authors highlight intriguing facts about resource-rich areas pertinent to forestry, such as the Malkhansky site known for its nut-gathering resources. Issues related to forest utilization among Old Believers residing within the Kyakhta land grant are identified. It is noted that prior to 1890, forestry administrations had not been established in Transbaikalia, and there were no specialized institutions managing forest resources, leading to uneven exploitation of forest resources and impacting the subsistence systems of Old Believer communities.
Nauchnyi Dialog. 2025;14(7):412-428
412-428
Exiled Settler P. O. Lehman: A Teacher of German and French at Tobolsk Classical Gymnasium (1830–1840)
Abstract
This article examines the life of P. O. Lehman, a retired non-commissioned officer and participant in the Patriotic War of 1812–1814. Convicted of fraud in 1822, Lehman served two years in prison before being exiled to Siberia for settlement. In 1830, he was appointed as a teacher of German and French at the Tobolsk Classical Gymnasium. The novelty of this study lies in the presentation of unpublished archival data related to Lehman's case, which is introduced into scholarly discourse for the first time. The article emphasizes Lehman's journey of repentance and his pursuit of clemency. The author highlights the decision-making processes regarding staffing at the Tobolsk Classical Gymnasium and the unique interactions among the gymnasium directors, civil and military governors, and the Ministry of Public Education during critical staffing shortages that impacted public education in Western Siberia. The conclusion drawn is that P. O. Lehman represents a rare case in Siberia of a repentant criminal who not only restored his lost good name and professional reputation but also contributed to the advancement of gymnasium education in Western Siberia.
Nauchnyi Dialog. 2025;14(7):429-445
429-445
Socio-Economic Changes in Eighteenth-Century Scotland as Perceived by Clergy: Evidence from Invernessshire
Abstract
This study examines the perceptions of clergy regarding socio-economic changes in Invernessshire, Scotland, during the late eighteenth century. Utilizing the “Statistical Account of Scotland” as a primary source, the research explores how local ministers interpreted the transformation of the region, including enclosure movements, industrial development, and demographic shifts. The author argues that clergy, influenced by the idea of progress, tended to idealize the rational restructuring of society: in their narratives, the traumatic aspects of social change were downplayed. While certain instances highlighting the challenges and failures of modernization in Invernessshire were acknowledged, clergy more frequently emphasized successful examples of regional improvement. They proposed ideas for transforming the county that aligned with the “spirit” of the improvement movement and welcomed changes among local inhabitants that distanced them from the traditions of previous centuries. The author concludes that a critical approach is necessary when utilizing the “Statistical Account of Scotland” as a source.
Nauchnyi Dialog. 2025;14(7):446-462
446-462
Soviet State and Industrial Cooperation in Second Half of 1945–1947: From “Manual Management” to Market Agreement
Abstract
This study explores the management methods of cooperative industry in the context of its transition to the production of civilian goods during the years 1945–1947. It examines the perspectives of leading domestic and international researchers on the topic. The sources include both published and archival documents. For the first time, data from the Chelyabinsk region concerning the structure, personnel numbers, and production volumes of cooperatives within the regional industrial system are introduced into scholarly discourse. The research addresses the challenges faced by small non-state enterprises, such as the inadequacies in pricing procedures, rising production costs due to equipment wear and tear, reduced supplies from centralized raw material funds, unsatisfactory product quality and range, acute shortages of working capital, and the resulting outflow of qualified personnel. A review of post-war government decrees from 1945 to 1947 and the practical activities of local party and Soviet bodies in implementing these policies indicates a shift in political strategy regarding the cooperative sector of the economy. The authors conclude that these initiatives marked a transition from a mobilization model of “manual” management to a “market agreement,” characterized by increased state support alongside an expansion of monetary incentives and autonomously made decisions.
Nauchnyi Dialog. 2025;14(7):463-486
463-486
Stalin Automobile Factories during 1941-1945: Challenges of War and Paths to Adaptation
Abstract
This study examines the operation of the Stalin automobile factories during the Great Patriotic War, focusing on their evacuation, reorganization, and adaptation to wartime conditions. It addresses issues of production management, technological cooperation, and crisis resolution. The research aims to analyze the processes of evacuation and reorganization within the Soviet automobile industry, as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of production management under wartime circumstances. The sources utilized include archival documents from the Russian State Archive of Economics, the Russian State Archive of Socio-Political History, and other repositories, encompassing regulatory, reporting, and statistical materials. Methods employed include retrospective analysis, content analysis, and statistical data processing. The author concludes that the evacuation of the Moscow Stalin Automobile Plant and the establishment of new facilities in the Urals and Volga region enabled the preservation of the production capacity of the automobile industry. It is established that the organization of the Main Administration of Stalin Automobile Plants (Glavavtozis) facilitated the coordination of operations among disparate enterprises. The study illustrates that the management experience and design developments accumulated during the war were instrumental in the post-war reconstruction of the country.
Nauchnyi Dialog. 2025;14(7):487-508
487-508
Role of Regional Press in Representing Historical Culture of Cossacks: Bicentennial Celebration of Kuban Cossack Host in “Kuban Provincial News”
Abstract
This study investigates the role of regional press in shaping the historical culture of the Cossacks, focusing on the coverage of the bicentennial celebration of the Kuban Cossack Host in the “Kuban Provincial News.” It examines the interplay between commemorative events and the editorial policies of 19thcentury publications, thereby enhancing our understanding of the mechanisms behind historical narrative formation and the popularization of specific stereotypes about Kuban Cossacks, as well as the role of official authorities in this process. The research draws from both official and private press sources at both metropolitan and local levels. Key methodologies employed include comparative-historical analysis, cultural-historical analysis, content analysis, and discourse analysis. Attention is given to the debate surrounding the dating of the formation of the Kuban Cossack Host, which is reflected in pre-revolutionary metropolitan and regional newspapers. The study demonstrates that the local newspaper “Kuban Provincial News” highlighted narrative, monumental, and ceremonial commemorative practices realized in the context of honoring the anniversary of the Kuban Cossack Host. The author concludes that publications from the pre-revolutionary press contributed to shaping public opinion about Kuban Cossacks as exemplary defenders of the monarchy and homeland, emphasizing their long history of service and loyalty to the state.
Nauchnyi Dialog. 2025;14(7):509-534
509-534
“Official Loyalty”: Monarchist Sentiments Among Population of Tambov Province in Early 20th Century (Based on Loyal Letters)
Abstract
This article examines the processes of demonstrating official loyalty to the authorities by the population of the Tambov Province through the submission of loyal letters from 1898 to August 1914. It identifies the reasons and motivations behind the expression of “official loyalty” by residents of this region. The study establishes a correlation between the manifestation of loyalist sentiments and key events in the domestic and foreign policy of the Russian Empire in the early 20th century, including the Russo-Japanese War, the First Russian Revolution, and the Imperial Manifestos of August 6, October 17, and November 3, 1905, as well as the onset of World War I. The influence of situational factors, such as the crop failures of 1905-1906 and seasonal agricultural work, on the activity of peasants — who constituted the majority of the Tambov Province’s population — in expressing loyalty to the Emperor is also considered. The article explores how monarchist sentiments were manifested by local government bodies, various societies, political organizations, and recipients of the Order of St. George through the submission of letters of gratitude. The authors conclude that this particular expression of loyalist devotion was often under the control of official authorities and was frequently initiated by them or exhibited by those addressees who already had a high level of commitment to the monarchical form of governance.
Nauchnyi Dialog. 2025;14(7):535-553
535-553
Training Medical Apprentices at Yekaterinburg Hospital for Factories of Urals and Siberia (1735–1750s)
Abstract
This article presents a pioneering examination of the training of medical apprentices at the Yekaterinburg hospital, based on archival documents, for the hospitals established at various factories across the Urals and Siberia during the years 1735 to 1750. It reconstructs the demographics of these apprentices, including their social backgrounds, ages, prior education, appointments, salaries, and subsequent salary increases. The study traces the career progression of these medical apprentices as they advanced to the position of sub-doctors. It reveals that from 1740 onwards, the Medical Chancellery took control of the training of medical apprentices in Russia, appointing them as sub-doctors with salaries significantly exceeding those set by local Urals authorities. For the first time, the years of operation for the initial hospitals at the factories in the Urals and Siberia are established, along with the duration of service for medical apprentices and sub-doctors. The article highlights the role of German medical practitioners in Yekaterinburg in their training, particularly focusing on the active involvement of Chief Physician Johann Schnee in their subsequent careers. Additionally, it underscores the high territorial mobility of the trained apprentices, detailing their deployment to establish hospitals at other factories due to the transfer of enterprises from private hands to the Mining Department, the initiation of new factory constructions, factory closures, and the growing population in need of medical care.
Nauchnyi Dialog. 2025;14(7):554-572
554-572
Russian Pilgrims in Holy Land in Second Half of 19th – Early 20th Centuries: Quantitative, Gender, and Social Characteristics
Abstract
This article presents and analyzes statistical data concerning the scale and key characteristics of Orthodox pilgrimage from Russia to the Holy Land (Palestine) during the second half of the 19th century and the early 20th century, utilizing materials newly introduced into scholarly discourse from the Archives of the Foreign Policy of the Russian Empire. The study examines the gender and social composition, age demographics, regions of departure, and duration of stay in Jerusalem for pilgrims. The total number of pilgrims is estimated at approximately 170,000 individuals. It is concluded that previously reported figures regarding the number of Russian pilgrims should be regarded as somewhat inflated due to inaccuracies in statistical accounting. The analysis reveals a predominance of women, who constituted up to two-thirds of the total number of pilgrims. Furthermore, it is noted that political and economic factors significantly influenced variations in pilgrimage intensity. The data indicates that after reaching peak levels at the turn of the century, the growth of pilgrimage activities slowed, and a subsequent decline was observed. A “portrait” of the average Orthodox pilgrim during this period is depicted: a female peasant aged between 50 and 70 years from the Little Russian or Great Russian provinces of European Russia.
Nauchnyi Dialog. 2025;14(7):573-592
573-592