Kõrvalnimesõnastajad

Kõrvalnimesõnastajad, or side-by-side name listers, are a group of individuals who live in Estonia, a country located in Northern Europe. They are ethnic Estonians who, due to various historical and social circumstances, have chosen to live on the eastern side of the Estonian-Russian border. This decision has often resulted in them maintaining connections to both Estonian and Russian cultures, as well as sharing connections with other ethnic groups in the region.

Historically, many kõrvalnimesõnastajad were Estonians who lived in the areas of Estonia that are now part of the Russian Federation. With the signing of the Tartu Peace Treaty in 1920, which ended the Estonian War of Independence, it was decided that the population living in these areas would be subjects of Estonia if they chose to relocate. As a result, many of these individuals moved to the Estonian side of the border, changing their place of residence but maintaining their cultural identity.

Today, kõrvalnimesõnastajad continue to maintain ties to both Estonian and Russian cultures. They speak both Estonian and Russian, often maintain social connections across the border, and have a distinct self-identity that differs from both Estonians and Russians. Their unique position has led to a rich cultural heritage, influenced by multiple historical and social contexts. Research on the kõrvalnimesõnastajad is often interdisciplinary and draws on sociology, history, and anthropology to understand the complexities of their lives and experiences.