Martin Paulsen is a Professor and Head of the Department of Foreign Languages at the University of Bergen. His research focuses on East Slavic languages (Russian, Belarusian, Ukrainian), language ideology, metadiscourse, and the intersection of digital media with linguistic practices. He specializes in sociolinguistics, contemporary literature, and the historical development of linguistic norms in post-Soviet contexts. He holds a PhD in Russian Studies from the University of Bergen (2009) and an MA in Slavic Languages from the University of Oslo (2004). His work explores topics such as the role of language in national identity, online communication dynamics, and the sociopolitical dimensions of literary criticism. He leads the Research Group for East Slavic Languages, Societies, and Cultures and has participated in NFR-funded projects like The Future of Russian and Web Wars . Paulsen’s recent research includes analyses of Ukrainian national narratives in the context of the Russia-Ukraine war, digital transformations of language norms, and the cultural impact of cyberactivism. He has published extensively on topics ranging from transliteration debates to the sociology of literature, with a focus on post-Soviet societies. His work frequently intersects with contemporary geopolitical issues, including Belarusian authoritarianism and Ukrainian academic solidarity. He serves as a columnist for Bergens Tidende and contributes to public discourse on Eastern European politics and human rights. His interdisciplinary approach bridges traditional humanities scholarship with modern digital and sociopolitical challenges.









