Translation and Interpreting as a Tool for Multiethnic State Development: A Diachronic Case of Russia

The research goal is to consider the phenomenon of translation and interpreting (T&I) as a tool for multilingualism inside a multiethnic state using Russia as an example. The study explores a number of issues, including language repertoire and legislation on languages in Russia, milestones within the historical paradigm of translation and interpreting practice with the use of local languages of peoples in Russia across history, current trends regarding T&I with the use of local languages of peoples within the Russian Federation. The research combines theoretical and applied qualitative analysis and stands on the grounded theory. The findings lead to the conclusion that translation and interpreting can be a tool for sustainable multilingual development inside a multiethnic state under certain conditions, namely the following: 1) T&I use languages of peoples who are citizens of the respective state; 2) T&I operate on grounds of state legislation as part of its policy implementation within the major areas of the multiethnic country activities; 3) local languages are part of T&I Academia and Industry activities in terms of research, training, and institutionalization; 4) the use of languages within multilingual state follows the principles and practices of international, and regional multilingual T&I, thus representing mesolevel (local), along with mega (international) and macro (regional) levels of the contemporary multinational world development. The findings also justify the relevance of a diachronic study of T&I practices for multilingual state development.