Autocracy in Lithuanian Language and Culture

Abstract

In this article, the concept of autocracy in Lithuanian discourse is analyzed using the method developed by the Lublin School of Ethnolinguistics. The focus on the concept of autocracy stems from the observation that, when asked to name antonyms for the word democracy, students most commonly mention autocracy and authoritarianism. Lithuanian lexicographical sources and the General Lithuanian Encyclopaedia provide the most general meaning of autocracy without offering any evaluation or comparison with other forms of government. While young people and media writers often compare autocracy with other forms of government, such as dictatorship or tyranny, they tend to highlight both its positive and negative characteristics. Even indirect comparisons, both in surveys and media texts, reveal nuanced aspects of democracy (such as unity, protection of human liberties and rights, participation in the governance of the state, and control of elected power) and shades of meaning associated with autocracy (including fear, suppression civil rights, disregard for the public or the community, and division). While it can be argued that, in general, democracy is viewed positively by Lithuanians, both surveys and media texts indicate a lack of consensus. There is a noticeable tendency to view autocracy positively and democracy negatively, suggesting a longing for strong leadership and perhaps a sense of uncertainty about how to handle the freedoms offered by democracy. The S–Q–T (System – Questionnaires – Text) analysis reveals that autocracy is perceived as a form of government, the opposite of democracy, representing the dominance of one person in the affairs of a society or community rather than a value.