| Abstract [eng] |
The theme of the study – The Cultural Adaptation of Italians in Lithuania. The object of the study: cultural adaptation of italians. The study tasks are: 1) to discuss the adaptation process, 2) to discuss the concept of the cultural shock, 3) to analyze the factors that determine the successes and failures of the cultural adaptation; 4) to introduce the main features of italian and lithuanian cultures; 5) to interview 13 italians in order to reveal the particularity of the cultural adaptation of italians. The method of the study - analytical, interpretive. The theme of the study is innovative in Lithuania – there are no studies in which is analysed the process of the cultural adaptation of Italians in Lithuania. The research of the study revealed that the process of cultural adaptation of Italians in Lithuania is smooth. Italians residing in Lithuania from 1 to 4 years did not suffer cultural shock. Respondents still feel not independent, the majority of them still did not achieve the purpose that they have had before arriving in Lithuania. Only the Italians who arrived already knowing that they will work in Lithuania – now feel the security and think that they reached the goal of the stay in our country. They almost never think of the return to Italy. The Italians are interested in Lithuanian culture, they are able to speak Lithuanian, try to communicate with Lithuanians in Lithuanian. Italians, living in Lithuania from 4 to 7 years, came in Lithuania with the clear purpose, they are interested in activities carried out in Lithuania. Work or study are the strongest things that keeps respondents in Lithuania. They are anxious about well-being in Lithuania. This group is unstable because they think all the time about returning back in Italy. They can stay steadily only if they have good financial conditions. Italians, living in Lithuania from 7 to 18 years, adapted in Lithuania comprehensively. They are active members of the community of Lithuanians – visit cultural events, interect with Lithuanians. They are not interested in communicative process with Italians; also don’t go in Italy very often. They feel Lithuanians more than Italians. To sum up, the most successful group in adaptation process is Italians living more than 6 years. They have families, good income, the Lithuanian languages skills are in a high level. |
