The kaleidoscope of language, ethnicity, and identity in Uzbekistan.

P. 295–312.

Isaeva K., Adams B. G., van de Vijver F.

The historical and political situation of Uzbekistan created a unique context where language

and ethnicity do not completely overlap for all groups. The study focused on three groups of

Uzbeks: Uzbek Uzbek-speakers, Russian Russian-speakers, and Uzbek Russian-speakers. We

explored how national, ethnic, ethnolinguistic, and religious identities are associated with

interethnic friendship and romantic relationships in these three groups. Identities that are more

inclusive (national and ethnolinguistic) were associated with more positive interethnic

attitudes and practices, while the opposite was found for ethnic identity. The national, ethnic,

ethnolinguistic, and religious identities were strongest for Uzbek-speaking Uzbeks and

weakest for the Russian-speaking Russians. Our study demonstrated the relevance of a

profound knowledge of the local history and context to understand the role of the various

social identities for the groups in Uzbekistan.

Keywords: identity, Uzbekistan, interethnic relationships

In book

Changing Values and Identities in Post-Communist World

Switzerland: Springer, 2018.