Russes

Russes is the French noun used to refer to Russians, i.e., people from Russia or of Russian ethnicity. In English-language contexts the equivalent term is Russians. The word appears in French-language media, literature, and discussions about Russia and its people, and is used to denote nationality as well as cultural identity.

In terms of population, ethnic Russians are the largest single ethnic group in Russia, a country characterized by substantial ethnic and linguistic diversity. The concept of Russes can also extend to people of Russian descent living outside Russia, contributing to a global diaspora with communities in Europe, North America, and other regions.

Language and culture are closely tied to the term. The Russian language, a Slavic language within the Indo-European family, is the predominant language of Russia and widely spoken by people of Russian heritage worldwide. Russian literature, music, cinema, and Orthodox Christian traditions are prominent cultural expressions associated with Russians. Within multilingual and multiethnic contexts, identities labeled as Russes can vary by region and history, reflecting local experiences and migrations.

History and usage note: the term Russes has appeared in historical and literary contexts for centuries. In modern English, Russians is standard usage, while Russes remains common in French-language texts and bilingual references. See also: Russians; Russian language; Slavic peoples.