Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'pluralism'

English Word: pluralism

Key Russian Translations:

• плюрализм (/plʲʊˈra.lʲɪz.m/) - [Formal, Academic]

Frequency: Medium (Common in academic, political, and philosophical discussions, but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate - Requires understanding of abstract concepts and political terminology; suitable for learners with a solid grasp of Russian grammar)

Pronunciation (Russian):

плюрализм: /plʲʊˈra.lʲɪz.m/

Note on плюрализм: The initial "плю" sound involves a soft "л" (palatalized), which can be challenging for English speakers. Stress falls on the third syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: The state or condition of having multiple views, beliefs, or groups coexisting, especially in politics or society.

Translation(s) & Context:

• плюрализм - Used in formal contexts like political debates or academic papers to describe diversity in opinions or systems.

Usage Examples:

• В современном обществе плюрализм идей является основой демократии.

  In modern society, pluralism of ideas is the foundation of democracy.

• Политический плюрализм позволяет различным партиям соревноваться на выборах.

  Political pluralism allows different parties to compete in elections.

• Культурный плюрализм способствует обогащению общества за счет разнообразия традиций.

  Cultural pluralism contributes to enriching society through diversity of traditions.

• В философии плюрализм часто противопоставляется монополии на истину.

  In philosophy, pluralism is often contrasted with a monopoly on truth.

• Экономический плюрализм подразумевает наличие нескольких конкурирующих систем.

  Economic pluralism implies the existence of several competing systems.

Secondary Meaning: The acceptance of multiple possibilities or interpretations in various fields like philosophy or religion.

Translation(s) & Context:

• плюрализм - Applied in intellectual or religious contexts to emphasize tolerance of differing viewpoints.

Usage Examples:

• Религиозный плюрализм в России отражает историческое разнообразие вероисповеданий.

  Religious pluralism in Russia reflects the historical diversity of faiths.

• Философский плюрализм отвергает абсолютные истины в пользу относительности.

  Philosophical pluralism rejects absolute truths in favor of relativity.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

плюрализм is a masculine noun of the second declension, ending in -изм, which typically follows regular patterns in Russian. It is indeclinable in most cases due to its foreign origin, but can inflect in certain grammatical contexts.

Note: While the base form is commonly used, the plural forms like плюрализмы are less frequent and appear in specific contexts.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • многообразие (variety) - Often used interchangeably in cultural contexts, but implies broader diversity.
  • разнообразие (diversity) - Similar, but more general and less formal.
• Antonyms:
  • монополизм (monopolism) - Refers to a single dominant system or idea.
  • унитаризм (unitarism) - Emphasizes unity over diversity, especially in political structures.

Related Phrases:

• политический плюрализм - Political pluralism; Refers to the existence of multiple political parties and ideas in a system.
• культурный плюрализм - Cultural pluralism; Describes the coexistence of different cultural groups within a society.
• идеологический плюрализм - Ideological pluralism; Involves diversity in ideologies, often in academic or philosophical discussions.

Usage Notes:

плюрализм is a direct borrowing from English and other Western languages, making it a formal term primarily used in intellectual, political, or academic settings. It precisely corresponds to the English "pluralism" in contexts involving diversity of opinions or systems. Be cautious with its usage in everyday Russian, as it may sound overly academic; opt for simpler synonyms like "разнообразие" in casual conversations. When choosing between translations, use плюрализм for formal writing or debates, but ensure the context emphasizes coexistence rather than mere variety.

Common Errors:

• English learners often confuse плюрализм with its plural form, incorrectly using плюрализм in situations requiring плюрализмы. For example, incorrect: "Я изучаю плюрализм" (when referring to multiple types); Correct: "Я изучаю плюрализмы" (for plural instances). This error stems from English's lack of extensive case systems.

• Another common mistake is misplacing stress, saying /plʲʊraˈlɪz.m/ instead of /plʲʊˈra.lʲɪz.m/, which can alter perceived meaning or make the word sound unnatural. Always emphasize the third syllable.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture and history, плюрализм gained prominence during the post-Soviet era as Russia transitioned to a more open society. It is often associated with democratic reforms and contrasts with the Soviet emphasis on uniformity, symbolizing freedom of thought and expression. However, in contemporary Russia, discussions around плюрализм can be politically charged, reflecting tensions between traditional values and global influences.

Related Concepts:

• демократия (democracy)
• мультикультурализм (multiculturalism)
• толерантность (tolerance)