litvánorosz

Litvánorosz is a term historically used to refer to the inhabitants of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania who identified with or were perceived as Russian. This designation often encompassed people of East Slavic ethnicity who lived within the vast territory of the Grand Duchy and spoke East Slavic dialects, which were precursors to modern Belarusian and Ukrainian languages. The term's usage reflects a complex historical and linguistic reality, where ethnic and political identities were fluid and often intertwined.

During the period of the Grand Duchy's expansion and its subsequent union with the Kingdom of Poland, a significant portion of its population consisted of East Slavs. These populations, while under Lithuanian rule, maintained their distinct cultural and religious traditions, largely adhering to Eastern Orthodoxy. The term litvánorosz was employed by various chroniclers and observers, both from within and outside the Grand Duchy, to distinguish these East Slavic subjects of Lithuania from other ethnic and linguistic groups within the realm. It is important to note that this term does not represent a single, monolithic ethnic group but rather a broad categorization of East Slavic peoples within a specific historical and political context. The precise meaning and connotations of litvánorosz could vary depending on the time period and the perspective of the person using it.