Міф “тутэйшых”
The Myth of “Tutejšyja”

Summary/Abstract: Th e debatable article considers the origin and evolution of the concept of “tutejšyja (the locals)” within the Belarusian historical and intellectual context. Th e hypothesis is made that the concept of “tutejšyja” is mainly a Polish intellectual construction. Th e functioning of the “tutejšyja” as a form of national identity is observed only in Wilno region whereas this concept was actively used by the Polish authorities during the interwar period in order to manipulate the results of population census data in the Western Belarus. Besides the author analyses peculiarities of interpretation of the concept “tutejšyja” in modern Belarusian intellectual discussions. Th e tendency to attach to these concepts a high cultural and intellectual status is recognized.

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