Category
Topic
Year
On the etymology of the dialect word prann ’fringe’
Keywords: lexicology, etymology, dialectology, loanwords, Baltic German
The article looks at the origin of the dialect word prann ‘fringe’ and concludes that it is a loan deriving from the equivalent Baltic German word Franje.
Udo Uibo (b. 1956), Institute of the Estonian Language, Senior Lexicographer (Roosikrantsi 6, 10119 Tallinn), udo.uibo@eki.ee
The article looks at the origin of the dialect word prann ‘fringe’ and concludes that it is a loan deriving from the equivalent Baltic German word Franje.
Udo Uibo (b. 1956), Institute of the Estonian Language, Senior Lexicographer (Roosikrantsi 6, 10119 Tallinn), udo.uibo@eki.ee
The word order of Estonian main clause wh-interrogatives
Keywords: Verb Second (V2), language contact, language history, Germanic languages, prosody, corpus study
Estonian is a verb-second (V2) language: in certain types of sentences, the finite verb tends to be the second constituent. The V2 feature of Estonian is most likely to have developed under Germanic influence. However, there are differences between Germanic and Estonian V2 order. The word order of Estonian main-clause wh-interrogatives is one of the major exceptions to the V2 order. Main-clause wh-interrogatives are always V2 in Germanic but predominantly verb-final in Estonian. The paper describes two corpus studies – a synchronic and a diachronic one – that…
Estonian is a verb-second (V2) language: in certain types of sentences, the finite verb tends to be the second constituent. The V2 feature of Estonian is most likely to have developed under Germanic influence. However, there are differences between Germanic and Estonian V2 order. The word order of Estonian main-clause wh-interrogatives is one of the major exceptions to the V2 order. Main-clause wh-interrogatives are always V2 in Germanic but predominantly verb-final in Estonian. The paper describes two corpus studies – a synchronic and a diachronic one – that…
Sound instrumentation in poems by Artur Alliksaar
Keywords: Estonian poetry, Artur Alliksaar, rhyme, alliteration, sound and meaning
From the semiotic perspective, one can tentatively distinguish between two kinds of art – the first is semantically oriented and is involved in creating meaningful messages within the given art form, using ready-made means, while the second, syntactically oriented, aims at generating new possibilities within literary arts. Artur Alliksaar (1923–1966) represents both tendencies: he has created outstanding syllabic-accentual poems and prescribed poetic forms, especially sonnets, but in addition, he has enriched the Estonian poetic language with entirely new possibilities of sound instrumentation, which is particularly evident in his free-verse works.
The article…
From the semiotic perspective, one can tentatively distinguish between two kinds of art – the first is semantically oriented and is involved in creating meaningful messages within the given art form, using ready-made means, while the second, syntactically oriented, aims at generating new possibilities within literary arts. Artur Alliksaar (1923–1966) represents both tendencies: he has created outstanding syllabic-accentual poems and prescribed poetic forms, especially sonnets, but in addition, he has enriched the Estonian poetic language with entirely new possibilities of sound instrumentation, which is particularly evident in his free-verse works.
The article…
Russians versus Russians in contemporary Russian-language Estonian literature
Keywords: Yelena Skulskaya, Andrei Ivanov, identity
Contemporary methodologies increasingly tend towards interdisciplinarity. In the social sciences, mass culture and literature are gaining attention as new sources of knowledge. Looking at literature through the lens of the new methodological frameworks allows for a more comprehensive study of identities and their evolution. This article applies a new methodology of studying the national identity, developed by Ted Hopf and Bentley Allan in the framework of the project Making Identity Count: Building a National Identity Database, which makes it possible to examine the emergence and persistence of the concept of “a Russian from Russia” as…
Contemporary methodologies increasingly tend towards interdisciplinarity. In the social sciences, mass culture and literature are gaining attention as new sources of knowledge. Looking at literature through the lens of the new methodological frameworks allows for a more comprehensive study of identities and their evolution. This article applies a new methodology of studying the national identity, developed by Ted Hopf and Bentley Allan in the framework of the project Making Identity Count: Building a National Identity Database, which makes it possible to examine the emergence and persistence of the concept of “a Russian from Russia” as…
Reflections on peace during a train ride, or If Leida Kibuvits and Virginia Woolf had met
Keywords: nationalism, transnational feminist modernism, Estonian literature, women’s writing, comparative literature
This article reads Estonian writer Leida Kibuvits’s (1907–1976) novel “An Evening Ride” (Rahusõit, 1933) in dialogue with Virginia Woolf’s book-length feminist essay “Three Guineas” (1938) in order to explore how these two writers critique violent and patriarchal nationalism. In its place they imagine, through their affective aesthetics, a peaceful and feminist relationship to the land. The article sees this imaginary meeting as something that Saidiya Hartman would term critical fabulation, and it situates Kibuvits’s and Woolf’s dialogue in the critical framework of transnational feminist modernist studies. By doing so, the…
This article reads Estonian writer Leida Kibuvits’s (1907–1976) novel “An Evening Ride” (Rahusõit, 1933) in dialogue with Virginia Woolf’s book-length feminist essay “Three Guineas” (1938) in order to explore how these two writers critique violent and patriarchal nationalism. In its place they imagine, through their affective aesthetics, a peaceful and feminist relationship to the land. The article sees this imaginary meeting as something that Saidiya Hartman would term critical fabulation, and it situates Kibuvits’s and Woolf’s dialogue in the critical framework of transnational feminist modernist studies. By doing so, the…
Despair and morbid vitality in Djuna Barnes’s “Nightwood” and Reed Morn’s “Talented Parasite”
Keywords: affect, modernist literature, gender, sexuality, Djuna Barnes, Reed Morn
This article focuses on American writer Djuna Barnes’s novel “Nightwood” (1936) and Estonian writer Reed Morn’s novel “The Talented Parasite” (Andekas parasiit, 1927). Specifically, the article analyses how the two novels represent bodies, affects and materiality, relying on the notion of affective modernism (Taylor 2012). English-language modernist texts have been frequently portrayed as aiming for impersonality and the rejection of emotions and sentiment. Authors like Julie Taylor have challenged this assumption, demonstrating the presence of emotions, drives and sensations in modernist texts. New research on modernism has shown modernist texts both…
This article focuses on American writer Djuna Barnes’s novel “Nightwood” (1936) and Estonian writer Reed Morn’s novel “The Talented Parasite” (Andekas parasiit, 1927). Specifically, the article analyses how the two novels represent bodies, affects and materiality, relying on the notion of affective modernism (Taylor 2012). English-language modernist texts have been frequently portrayed as aiming for impersonality and the rejection of emotions and sentiment. Authors like Julie Taylor have challenged this assumption, demonstrating the presence of emotions, drives and sensations in modernist texts. New research on modernism has shown modernist texts both…
The multipositionality of Marta Sillaots in the first decades of the 20th century
Keywords: translation history, translator studies, multipositionality, gender
The perspective of multipositionality as a means of taking a holistic approach to a person’s multiple lives, i.e. to their different professional fields of activity, has been used to a great effect in translation (including translator) studies. This article explores the feasibility of adapting this concept to the Estonian literary context by looking at the case of Marta Sillaots (1887–1969), known to the wider public mostly as a translator and critic. Less known is her work as a teacher, journalist, and an author of not just children’s stories, but of adult prose, too.
It…
The perspective of multipositionality as a means of taking a holistic approach to a person’s multiple lives, i.e. to their different professional fields of activity, has been used to a great effect in translation (including translator) studies. This article explores the feasibility of adapting this concept to the Estonian literary context by looking at the case of Marta Sillaots (1887–1969), known to the wider public mostly as a translator and critic. Less known is her work as a teacher, journalist, and an author of not just children’s stories, but of adult prose, too.
It…
Decadent writing as feminist practice
Keyword: New Woman, literary decadence, melancholy, creativity, desire
This article analyzes Alma Ostra’s (1886–1960) literary debut, the novella “Aino” (1923), which carries an air of decadence combined with naturalistic elements. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, during the fin de siècle period, decadent aesthetics was a province mostly occupied by men. Several gender-sensitive cultural researchers have shown that the attitudes (such as elitism, individualism, colonialism) and imagery contained in these texts are misogynistic by nature. Building on this, feminist scholars have asked how the forms of decadent aesthetics employed by male authors of the time are reshaped in the…
This article analyzes Alma Ostra’s (1886–1960) literary debut, the novella “Aino” (1923), which carries an air of decadence combined with naturalistic elements. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, during the fin de siècle period, decadent aesthetics was a province mostly occupied by men. Several gender-sensitive cultural researchers have shown that the attitudes (such as elitism, individualism, colonialism) and imagery contained in these texts are misogynistic by nature. Building on this, feminist scholars have asked how the forms of decadent aesthetics employed by male authors of the time are reshaped in the…
A woman writing about birds
Keywords: nature writing, woman writer, Alma Toom, ecofeminism, ornithology
This article discusses the first book of Estonian nature writing authored by a woman: “Vilsandi Bird Kingdom” (Vilsandi linnuriik) by Alma Toom, published in Tartu by the publishing house Loodus in 1932.
Alma Toom, also spelled Thom (1903–1944 or 1945), was a schoolteacher on the small island of Vilsandi and the spouse of the overseer of the Vilsandi bird protection area, Artur Toom. Her sole published book, “Vilsandi Bird Kingdom”, was based on her husband’s oral stories narrated to the visitors of the bird islands and her own personal observations of nesting…
This article discusses the first book of Estonian nature writing authored by a woman: “Vilsandi Bird Kingdom” (Vilsandi linnuriik) by Alma Toom, published in Tartu by the publishing house Loodus in 1932.
Alma Toom, also spelled Thom (1903–1944 or 1945), was a schoolteacher on the small island of Vilsandi and the spouse of the overseer of the Vilsandi bird protection area, Artur Toom. Her sole published book, “Vilsandi Bird Kingdom”, was based on her husband’s oral stories narrated to the visitors of the bird islands and her own personal observations of nesting…
Life like algebra
Keywords: women’s writing, women writers, biographies, public figures
Alide Ertel (1877–1955) was an Estonian woman writer active in the early 20th century. The most significant factors influencing her creative path were being born into a wealthy South Estonian family of farmers, her good education, and traveling not only within the Tsarist Empire but also in Western Europe. The active participation of Ertel’s family in the public life also played an important part. Ertel herself was involved in politics, taking part in the 1905 revolution as well as the events of 1917, which can be considered important factors shaping Ertel’s life, work,…
Alide Ertel (1877–1955) was an Estonian woman writer active in the early 20th century. The most significant factors influencing her creative path were being born into a wealthy South Estonian family of farmers, her good education, and traveling not only within the Tsarist Empire but also in Western Europe. The active participation of Ertel’s family in the public life also played an important part. Ertel herself was involved in politics, taking part in the 1905 revolution as well as the events of 1917, which can be considered important factors shaping Ertel’s life, work,…
“How beautifully God has created me that I’m allowed to be an Estonian.”
Keywords: children’s literature, literary history, women writers, national ideology
The period of Estonian independence between 1918 and 1940 was also a prolific time for Estonian children’s literature: various genres evolved and books were being published vigorously. However, works from that period have received relatively little attention from researchers. This article focuses on realistic children’s fiction written by women in the second half of the 1930s, known as the authoritarian Era of Silence. Characteristically of the era, there were public debates on whether children’s literature should depict reality in an idealized way or handle problematic aspects as well.
In this article, I have…
The period of Estonian independence between 1918 and 1940 was also a prolific time for Estonian children’s literature: various genres evolved and books were being published vigorously. However, works from that period have received relatively little attention from researchers. This article focuses on realistic children’s fiction written by women in the second half of the 1930s, known as the authoritarian Era of Silence. Characteristically of the era, there were public debates on whether children’s literature should depict reality in an idealized way or handle problematic aspects as well.
In this article, I have…
The modern lady in women’s writing of the 1910s
Keywords: Marta Sillaots, Alide Ertel, society, New Woman, women’s rights, decadence
This article examines the portrayal of socially active modern urban women in Marta Sillaots’s novellas “Juta” (1912) and “Anna Holm” (1913), as well as in Alide Ertel’s short story collection “The Modern Lady” (Moodne daam, 1919/1920). The characters are analyzed within the framework of the “New Woman”, as surveys sort both Sillaots’s and Ertel’s early works under the theme of women’s emancipation, without acknowledging that they depict emancipated women in a negative light. Such women are characterized by a pursuit of independence, cultural interests, and creativity; mostly, they appear sympathetic…
This article examines the portrayal of socially active modern urban women in Marta Sillaots’s novellas “Juta” (1912) and “Anna Holm” (1913), as well as in Alide Ertel’s short story collection “The Modern Lady” (Moodne daam, 1919/1920). The characters are analyzed within the framework of the “New Woman”, as surveys sort both Sillaots’s and Ertel’s early works under the theme of women’s emancipation, without acknowledging that they depict emancipated women in a negative light. Such women are characterized by a pursuit of independence, cultural interests, and creativity; mostly, they appear sympathetic…
Women prose writers in cultural history and contemporary Estonian cultural consciousness
Keywords: Estonian literature, literary canon, women writers, prose
This article explores a number of factors that have shaped the understanding of the role of women prose writers in Estonian literary history and in contemporary cultural consciousness. Little attention has been paid to the works of women prose writers in literary history, and the cultural consciousness contains myths and stereotypes about women authors which upon closer examination prove unfounded. According to the common perception, women’s strong suit is poetry, whereas in the realm of prose, the creative output of male authors is afforded greater importance. This perspective has sometimes been used to…
This article explores a number of factors that have shaped the understanding of the role of women prose writers in Estonian literary history and in contemporary cultural consciousness. Little attention has been paid to the works of women prose writers in literary history, and the cultural consciousness contains myths and stereotypes about women authors which upon closer examination prove unfounded. According to the common perception, women’s strong suit is poetry, whereas in the realm of prose, the creative output of male authors is afforded greater importance. This perspective has sometimes been used to…
”Excuse me for bothering you with my Siberian language”
Keywords: context, folklore collector, folklore collection, games, Siberian Estonians
This article looks at the descriptions of games written down by Rosalie Ottesson, who lived in the Siberian Estonian community in Russia, mainly in the village of Ülem-Bulanka. The descriptions were sent to the Folklore Department (currently Estonian Folklore Archives) of the Literary Museum in the 1960s and 1970s.
We will approach Ottesson’s descriptions of games and game situations through the concept of vernacular literacy. As a folklore collector, Rosalie Ottesson played a dual role in the village society – on the one hand, she had a traditional background similar to that…
This article looks at the descriptions of games written down by Rosalie Ottesson, who lived in the Siberian Estonian community in Russia, mainly in the village of Ülem-Bulanka. The descriptions were sent to the Folklore Department (currently Estonian Folklore Archives) of the Literary Museum in the 1960s and 1970s.
We will approach Ottesson’s descriptions of games and game situations through the concept of vernacular literacy. As a folklore collector, Rosalie Ottesson played a dual role in the village society – on the one hand, she had a traditional background similar to that…
Hidden undercurrents of “The Atlantic Ocean”
Keywords: Estonian literature, theatre, songs, Juhan Smuul
The play “The Atlantic Ocean” (Atlandi ookean) by the renowned Soviet-era Estonian writer Juhan Smuul has received very little critical attention so far. By closely looking at the work, we can find nuances and undercurrents that help us understand the motives and reasoning behind the characters’ – but in some cases also their author’s – deeds, choices, and attitudes. This article focuses on the songs referred to in the play. The shortish four-act play that is set onboard a Soviet Estonian herring trawler in the summer of 1955 contains references to 22 songs in…
The play “The Atlantic Ocean” (Atlandi ookean) by the renowned Soviet-era Estonian writer Juhan Smuul has received very little critical attention so far. By closely looking at the work, we can find nuances and undercurrents that help us understand the motives and reasoning behind the characters’ – but in some cases also their author’s – deeds, choices, and attitudes. This article focuses on the songs referred to in the play. The shortish four-act play that is set onboard a Soviet Estonian herring trawler in the summer of 1955 contains references to 22 songs in…
Figurative thought during the ”Language crisis of Estonian” in 2020–2022
Keywords: figurative speech, conceptual metaphors, figurative framing, discourse analysis
The paper analyses the patterns of figurative language and thought addressing the abstract domain of “language”, which emerged in the discourse about the language norms and standardisation in Estonian public media in 2020–2022. The situation was perceived as critical by the language practitioners (editors, proof-readers, translators, teachers, etc) because of confusion and ambiguity in respect of when and in what form would the new edition of ÕS (the traditional prescriptive dictionary of Standard Estonian), appear. The ambiguous feelings were accompanied by the sense of threat to fundamental values, and the sense of…
The paper analyses the patterns of figurative language and thought addressing the abstract domain of “language”, which emerged in the discourse about the language norms and standardisation in Estonian public media in 2020–2022. The situation was perceived as critical by the language practitioners (editors, proof-readers, translators, teachers, etc) because of confusion and ambiguity in respect of when and in what form would the new edition of ÕS (the traditional prescriptive dictionary of Standard Estonian), appear. The ambiguous feelings were accompanied by the sense of threat to fundamental values, and the sense of…