The Formation of the Estonian Nation from the Semiotic Aspect
The Formation of the Estonian Nation from the Semiotic Aspect

Summary/Abstract: Generalising different discussions of nationalism, (e.g. Deutsch 1966, Gellner 1983, Smith 1995, Eley and Suby 1996) we can state that a nation is, foremost, a certain social-political representation of human groups or associations where national culture fulfils a connective or cognitive role. The notion of “nation” unites culture and politics into a symbiotic relationship. In the preliminary stage of the development of a nation the arguments of identity are drawn from culture. Culture itself seeks political protection from the state. During the development of a state, national culture is used to legitimate politics or to integrate society (nationalism as imperative) (Gellner 1994: 2208–2222).

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