History /
Why is Poland weaker than Russia? [390]
Finally, do you think if a Polish-Lithuanian-Muscovite Union was formed that it could actually survive?
This is what ultimately happened 2 centuries later, at the end of 18-th century. But this time it was Russian Empire which swallowed part of Poland and Lithuania rather than the opposite. Which language would they speak if Poland would join Russia in 17-th century? Probably situation would be similar to Ukraine and Belarus of 17-th century where many nobles (including those of Ruthenian origin) spoke fluent Polish and common people borrowed many words from Polish. So, basically there would be no principal problems with mutual understanding. Take in account that in 17-th century Polish and Russian languages were way more similar (and simpler) than now. Some part of their modern differences if the result of recent few centuries developments. Russian city of Smolensk (and vicinities) was under Polish rule for many decades. How long could it survive? I think it would largely dependent on how Polish nobles and kings would treat Ruthenian (Russian, Ukrainian, Belarussian) population. If they would proclaim a policy of Slavic brotherhood and religious tolerance, it could survive for a quite a long, I think, possibly for a centuries. Well, in my perception many Russians would welcome idea of Slavic brotherhood and union and mutual protection if Poles would conduct diplomacy clever enough.
Unfortunately for Poles they've got quite a tong-breaking language. I would got a hard time to speak it comfortably. I don't know if it played any role centuries ago.
