What are the implications of using impersonal sentences in Russian to convey a sense of objectivity in academic writing?

Impersonal sentences (безличные предложения) in Russian are sentences without a subject performing the action. They often use verbs in the impersonal form or with constructions like 'нет' (net – there is no), and can create a sense of objectivity in academic writing. The primary implication of using impersonal sentences is to remove the direct focus on the researcher or any specific individual performing the action or holding an opinion. This helps present information as factual and universally valid, rather than as a personal interpretation. For example, instead of saying 'Я считаю, что...' (Ya schitayu, chto... – I believe that...), one could use 'Считается, что...' (Schitayetsya, chto... – It is considered that...), thereby attributing the opinion to a general consensus rather than to the writer alone. This makes the statement seem more objective. Impersonal sentences are often used to describe general processes, states of affairs, or inevitable outcomes. Constructions with 'нужно' (nuzhno – it is necessary), 'можно' (mozhno – it is possible), and 'необходимо' (neobkhodimo – it is necessary) without a clear subject performing the action further contribute to this sense of objectivity. For example, 'Необходимо провести анализ' (Neobkhodimo provesti analiz – It is necessary to conduct an analysis) sounds more objective than 'Мы должны провести анализ' (My dolzhny provesti analiz – We must conduct an analysis). Overuse of impersonal sentences can however make the writing sound passive, vague, and excessively formal. Therefore, it is important to strike a balance, using impersonal sentences strategically to emphasize objectivity while maintaining clarity and engagement.