Karjalaism

Karjalaism is a cultural and linguistic phenomenon that emerged in the 19th century among the Karelian people, an ethnic group native to the Karelian region in northwestern Russia. The term "Karjalaism" refers to the Karelian national movement, which sought to revive and promote Karelian language, culture, and identity. The movement was influenced by the broader Finnish national awakening, known as the Finnish Renaissance, which took place in the same period.

The Karelian national movement gained momentum in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with the establishment of Karelian-language schools, newspapers, and literary works. The movement aimed to counteract the Russification policies of the Russian Empire, which sought to suppress Karelian language and culture. Notable figures in the Karelian national movement include the poet and linguist Paavo Cajander, who played a significant role in the development of the Karelian language and literature.

Despite the efforts of the Karelian national movement, the Karelian language and culture faced significant challenges in the 20th century. The Soviet Union's policies of Russification and collectivization led to a decline in Karelian language use and cultural practices. However, the Karelian national movement continued to persist, and in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, there has been a resurgence of interest in Karelian language and culture, with the establishment of Karelian-language media, cultural events, and educational initiatives. Today, the Karelian language is recognized as an official language of the Republic of Karelia, a federal subject of Russia, and efforts are ongoing to preserve and promote Karelian culture and identity.