PLASTICITY OF ETHNIC IDENTITY
Despite numerous studies in the field of ethnology, there still remain a number of questions concerning socio-linguistic issues related to ethnic identity of individuals and social groups. One of the main problems is the mechanism of transforming ethnicity, notably causes, conditions, and functions of ethnic plasticity. The article deals with instances of ethnic plasticity actualization in different communicative situations in which the interlocutors are inclined to strive to «manage» their own ethnicity. The article is divided into several sections: description of the role of language in the process of ethnic identity development, grounds for selecting the theoretical basis, linguistic analysis of the language material, interpretation and description of the data, and conclusion. The phenomenon of ethnic plasticity is considered from the standpoint of the biological theory of knowledge (1970). The purpose and the motives of ethnic plasticity are analyzed in light of the orientational influence exercised by the participants - representatives of different ethnic groups - in the process of communication. The results of linguistic analysis confirm the assumption that plasticity of ethnic identity is not only an important characteristic of ethnicity but also a significant form of human behavior which can be of primary relevance for intercultural communication.