Teoreetilisi noppeid eestluse ajaloost (sissevaade 1988. a Loomingu Raamatukogu 25./26. numbrisse)
Theoretical viewpoints from the history of Estonian nationalism

Summary/Abstract: In recent years, discussions about nationalism have polarized public opinion, and strong opposition exists now on both sides of the ideological front line, i.e. between supporters and opponents of nationalistic attitudes. Many public figures have appealed to a more balanced viewpoint, stating that the current confrontation is somewhat artificial and motivated by psychological rather than political reasons. The question of how to give meaning to nationalism in 21st century Estonia remains nevertheless unanswered. In the following essay I will search for possible answers from recent Estonian history, when nationalism was a more organic part of public discourse. I will examine selected writings from the history of Estonian nationalism, i.e. from “Valik II. Artikleid eestluse ajaloost”, which was put together by Toomas Haug in 1988. The collection includes passages from authors such as Villem Reiman, Juhan Luiga, Eduard Laaman, Johan Kõpp, Oskar Loorits, Uku Masing, Hans Kruus, Karl Ast-Rumor and Ants Oras, from 1901 to 1956. I take a theoretical approach to the ideas represented in the texts, indicating their historical background and interconnectedness. The dominating aspects are language, Finno-Ugrism and historicism.

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