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Wertsch, J. Narrative Templates as Underlying Cultural Codes

Abstract: The article analyzes the notion of a ‘cultural DNA’, describes the grounds for differentiating between specific nar rati ves and narrative templates and brings forward certain arguments proving the assumption that there is the ‘expulsion of alien enemies’ template lying in the basis of the Russian mnemonic community. According to the author, this template has got the two opposing properties, – generalizability (or schematization) and ethnocentric particularity, and such a template is rather a norm than an ex ception. National narratives are very resistant to change. It explains why it is so diffi cult to bring changes and to offer new strategies.


Keywords:

cultural studies, history, cultural code, cultural DNA, national narrative, Russian mnemonic community, narrative template, the ‘expulsion of alien enemies’ template, specifi c narrative, ethnocentric particularity.


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