| Abstract [eng] |
This master's thesis undertakes an analysis of 10 semi-structured interviews conducted within the framework of qualitative field research with Georgian students. The objective of the author is to explore how Georgian students employ cultural elements, such as language, religion, and historical narratives in the construction of their Georgian identity, while simultaneously making ethnic boundaries in the context of the war in Ukraine. The analysis of the gathered empirical data reveals that ethnic identity holds significant relevance for Georgian students as a fundamental aspect of their being. It is concluded that the research participants employ language as a means to demonstrate interethnic boundaries, particularly in social interactions where they are addressed in the Russian language. It is important to note that this practice is not used with Ukrainians. The analysis further demonstrates that Georgian students identify with Ukrainians when referring to the war in Ukraine as their own. Examination of historical narratives indicates that the participants also invoke the conflicts in Abkhazia (1992-1993) and the Russian-Georgian war (2008) to draw interethnic boundaries within the context of the war in Ukraine. Regarding the element of religion, it should be underscored that an analysis of the collected research material does not provide conclusive evidence to assert that religion is used by the participants for the purpose of making interethnic boundaries. This observation may be attributed to the diminishing significance of religion expressed by the participants, alongside their sometimes negative attitudes towards the Georgian Orthodox Church. In sum, this study affirms theoretical perspectives emphasizing the socially and culturally constructed nature of ethnic identity through relational processes. The findings of this master's thesis hold potential relevance for studying the effects of Russian migration resulting from the war in Ukraine on Georgian society, as well as for conducting further investigations into ethnic and national identities. |
