Language as a means of creating an «external» image of the country (based on the language of Moscow Russia of the XVI century)

Abstract

The article is devoted to the language situation in Muscovy, which was characterized in the XVI
century by complexity and contradictions. The author of the article has conducted the analysis of language
in connection with history of the state, its culture and peculiarities of intercultural communication
of people as native speakers in the transitional period of Russia’s development. As a result of the study
of the Slavic and Western European scientists opinions, views of foreign observers, the material of the
early ABCs and grammars , the conclusion is drawn that throughout the XVI century the language of
Muscovy did not possess the internal unity and monolithicity (consolidation), which was reflected in the
existence of several hypostases of the Russian language, being in the relationship of complementarity,
interconnection and sometimes of combination. It is proved that for a century such fuzzy, illogical relations
of different forms of language had a significant influence on the formation of the potential image of
the actual Russian language and the Russian people in the outside world. It is argued that understanding
of the linguistic and extra-linguistic factors of speech situation inside the country, taking into account
the view from the side can give a sufficiently adequate and objective overview of the relevant people.