Discussion of the role of non-Russian languages in the Soviet Union (USSR) focuses on the history of ethnic group languages and language policy in Estonia since the collapse of totalitarianism. A historical overview of Soviet Union language policy is offered, with attention given to the ideological goals influencing policy, and their realization and results. Three periods are discerned: the first characterized by urgent and violent measures used to implement Communist ideals, including elimination of whole ethnic groups; the second emphasizing homogenization and elimination of ethnic markers; and the third occurring with the introduction of "perestrojka," when ethnic and linguistic self-determination continued to be denied despite official change in policy. Three simultaneous processes are noted: increasing economic malfunction; the attempt by indigenous nations to establish political sovereignty or gain additional rights; and the attempt of indigenous nations to protect their languages and cultures. The three processes are seen as generating a crisis in the Soviet Union. Estonian linguistic policy adopted soon after the Soviet occupation in 1940 until the present is analyzed, including language attitudes among non-Estonians and language policy in education. Democracy and self-determination are seen as necessary for the solution of linguistic problems. A 20-item bibliography is included. (MSE)