"The Motherland is wherever the Russian word is spoken": sinologist Nikolai Vavilov on native land, language and shared roots

The project "What Does the Motherland Begin With", implemented by the National Centre RUSSIA with the support of the Government of the Russian Federation, continues to gather heartfelt answers to this important question. Sinologist, commentator, political scientist and public figure Nikolai Vavilov, the author of books on the political system of the People's Republic of China and host of the original channel "China — Vavilov", said that for him, the Motherland is not only a place on the map, but also his native language, culture and the Russian word that unites us.

"For me, the Motherland is not only my native land and nature, historical sites, Moscow and Saint Petersburg. It is also my native language and literature, without which no individual can develop. If you asked Pushkin, Turgenev or Dostoevsky this question, they would also say that the Motherland is not simply the land, but also the native word. Our Motherland is therefore not confined to our borders — it is broader. It exists wherever the Russian word is spoken. There are entire enclaves of the Russian world in China, Brazil, the United States of America and other countries. Wherever people have preserved our language, wherever they think and read in it, our Motherland continues to exist, live and renew itself," said Nikolai Vavilov.

He added that Russians and Chinese have a largely shared understanding of the Motherland. According to him, this is because both peoples have endured severe trials, but it was their love for their native land that helped them persevere.

"I think that it was the Russians and Chinese whom others tried hardest to deprive of their Motherland. They were the ones who suffered and died fighting for it. Neither the British, Americans nor Germans were persecuted in the same way, but there were attempts to deprive Russians and Chinese of their Motherland, their native language and the very concept of their own country. Preserving this concept is therefore of paramount importance to our peoples. Even if you have spent your entire life in the United States or the United Kingdom, for example, you return to your origins and native roots. Two countries, Russia and China, overcame the crisis together and are now undergoing a revival. Love for the Motherland is growing in both countries," concluded Nikolai Vavilov.

The project "What Does the Motherland Begin With" continues to reveal new dimensions of love for the Fatherland through personal stories, reflections and discussions about what makes us part of our native country. Anyone can take part in the project by sharing their thoughts in a comment or video on the russia.ru website.