Patterns in the Adoption of Russian Linguistic and National Traditions by Alaskan Natives

Abstract

During the past two and a half centuries the traditions and culture of the native people of Alaska have been affected first by the Russian and then by the Anglo-American culture. The traces of the Russian influence can be observed even 150 years after the cession of this territory to the US, as verified by the expeditions of Russian America Heritage Project documenting sustained the Russian influence, the religious one in the first place. At the initial stage of exploration of Russian America, influence was predominantly exercised through taking amanats (hostages) resulting in close contacts between the Russian fur hunters and the representatives of native population. In contrast to Siberia, where this practice originated from, Alaskan amanats were treated quite kindly and passed the Russian customs and traditions to their kin. After Russian American Company was established, the Russian Orthodox Church took over as the primary bearer of the Russian cultural traditions with the men of faith acting as advocates of the native population in the colonial administration among other things. The Russian Orthodox Church retained its authority and the primary role of the mediator between the civilizations even after the cession of Alaska.