STUDYING THE CORRELATION OF THE TERMS «RUS» AND «UKRAINE» IN CANADIAN UKRAINIAN STUDIES

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to outline the history and current state of the use of the terms «Rus» and «Rusyns» and their correlation with the terms «Ukraine» and «Ukrainians».

Methodology. The main research method was the historical-cultural method, which consists in close studying relevant historical sources. In addition to historical material, data from philology and biology (genetic studies) were used.

Scientific novelty. The article traces in detail the history of the terms «Rus» and «Rusyns» and their gradual replacement by the terms «Ukraine» and «Ukrainians» while preserving the term «Rusyns» in some Eastern European regions. Presented information can be used in teaching History of Ukraine, History of Ukrainian culture, Ukrainian studies and related subjects in schools and higher educational institutions.

Conclusions. The ethnonym «Rusyns» and the name of the state «Rus» were lost in the greater territory of modern Ukraine, and remained in use only in the Carpathian region (and in those areas where emigration from this region took place). At the same time, the rulers of Muscovy appropriated the name Rus in the form of «Russia», which was supposed to emphasize their claims to the heritage of Kyivan Rus. This has led to considerable confusion in Western historical thought. Therefore, the prospects of further research should include not only the clarification and clarification of specific scientific facts, but also further popularization and explanatory work on the origin of nations, states and ethnonyms, which should form a complete picture of historical succession both in Ukraine and abroad.