| Abstract [eng] |
The paper analyzes the issues related to fostering of national culture in the Irish Lithuanian community. The work discusses the definitions of culture, national culture and its expression, and the role in preserving the Lithuanian national identity in exile, in this case, in Ireland. Sections of the research are dedicated for the importance of preservation of the national identity in the conditions of intensive migration. The aim of the Master’s thesis is to reveal the opportunities for fostering ethnic culture in the Irish Lithuanian community. The object of research is fostering national culture in emigration. The study was conducted in the Irish Lithuanian community. The following tasks were raised to achieve the main objective of the final work: to define the concept of national culture; to reveal the essence of national identity; to characterize the features of identity; to identify national awareness of the importance of cultural values in the society; to identify opportunities for enhancement of national culture; to carry out a research in order to reveal what are the options to cherish the culture in the Lithuanian community in Ireland; to analyze and summarize the research data. The analysis of the scientific literature and summarized data obtained during the research indicate that not only every human, but also every nation poses challenges for itself: seeking for advancement of humanity, by cherishing the traits that have been developed over the centuries by ancestors. To preserve all of this, everyone has to properly carry out their purpose, and achieve the goals. The results of research revealed that fostering national culture in Ireland is prevalent among the Lithuanian emigrants, who are socializing with fellow countrymen, showing the community –level engagement, maintaining ties with the motherland and the family, porting and attending the Lithuanian Saturday school, which is effected along with the unifying activities of the Catholic Church. Fostering national culture requires direct interaction with the community, mutual understanding, trust in one another, and a feeling of security. After all, national culture is the whole nation’s cultural heritage value which is stored and transferred from generation to generation, so the a significant role here is played by the preservation of a way of life, relationships not only within the community but also with the family, and education, understanding what the national identity is and how to preserve it in exile and prevent from assimilation in the culture of other nations. |
