Language as a Tool for Self-identification: A Study of the Language Praxis among Russian-speaking Non-binary People

This thesis examines the linguistic strategies employed by Russian-speaking individuals who identify as non-binary. The study first outlines the key theoretical foundations of gender and queer studies from which a post-structuralist understanding of non-binary gender identity emerges, and proposes an analytical framework through which non-binary identities can be conceptualized. It subsequently focuses on issues central to gender and queer linguistics, its research scope, and topics relevant to the study of Slavic languages, with particular attention paid to Russian. Assemblage theory and the concept of linguistic becoming are introduced as the principal theoretical frameworks underpinning the analytical part of the thesis. The analysis adopts a qualitative approach, drawing on principles of sociolinguistic research and elements of multimodal discourse analysis to examine the linguistic practices of non-binary individuals across nine case studies. These case studies are based on publicly available content from social media platforms such as X, TikTok, Instagram, and Telegram. Particular emphasis is placed on a comprehensive examination of linguistic strategies in relation to metalinguistic aspects and the material dimensions of self-presentation. The findings reveal considerable variability in the...