斯大林民族定义是中国民族理论中最广为人知又最富争议的定义,科学解读该定义对于准确运用该定义认识民族的发展过程具有重要意义。通过对斯大林民族定义在运用于汉民族形成问题上时引起的矛盾进行分析,指出造成该定义本身科学性和特定指向性矛盾的客观原因,提出民族形成的关键在于民族文化认同的形成。 The definition of Stalin’s nationality is the most widely known and controversial definition in Chinese national theory. To interpret the definition scientifically is of great significance for the accurate application of the definition to understand the development of the nation. By analyzing the contradiction caused by the definition of Stalin nationalism when applying it to the formation of the Han nationality, this paper points out the objective reasons for the conflict between the scientific definition and the specific orientation. It points out that the key to the formation of the nationality lies in the formation of national cultural identity.