The article describes the impact of cultural identity in the process of self-categorization with the Russian-speaking community in the Russian-speaking groups in Chisinau and Tiraspol. The main theoretical approach of the study of Russian-speaking groups is the concept of cross-border Russian language space. Analysis of the factors is conducted in the following areas: scope of the usage of the Russian language, identification with Russian culture and willingness to impart the traditions of Russian culture and language to children.

cultural identity, identification, Russian-speaking community, Russian-language cross-border area