Russian Linguistics in Israel

A review of Russian instruction & the academic field of Russian linguistics & literature in Israel notes the unique situation caused by immigration from Russia, as nearly 25% of the population are native speakers of Russian & Russian-language print & broadcast media are active in the country. The history of Russian as a foreign language at seven Israeli universities is outlined; since 1995, Russian is available in Israeli high schools. Besides course programs & a research center in Russian studies, the only department of Russian & Slavic studies in Israel is the one instituted in 1973 at Hebrew U. Faculty & course offerings in Russian literatue & linguistics are described; a preponderance of advanced students & Russian speakers is characteristic of the department, where Russian linguistics is taught in Russian. Fluctuating relationships between Israel & the USSR have caused Israeli Russianists to develop productive ties with colleagues in the West while renewing their connections in Russia at present. J. Hitchcock