We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
J. Girniaus „Tauta ir tautinė ištikimybė“ kaip diasporos vadovėlis.
- Authors
Venclauskas, Linas
- Abstract
The main ideas that the Lithuanian philosopher Juozas Girnius presents in his book "Nation and National Fidelity" are analysed in the article. This work of practical philosophy is dedicated to the World Lithuanian Community (Pasaulio Lietuvių Bendruomenė), and it both reflects on the life of Lithuanians living in the U.S. and gives some practical advice on creating and strengthening the Lithuanian diaspora. Being a conservative thinker, Girnius emphasizes the importance of tradition and community. In his thought community is regarded as the highest value and all individuals are enjoined to adhere to common rules and rituals. Girnius urges the fostering of old Lithuanian traditions by creating a special educational system of supplementary Saturdays schools and summer camps for Lithuanian children, in which non-Lithuanians or those who no longer speak Lithuanian are not allowed to participate. In this way the Lithuanian tradition is passed on from generation to generation in accordance with the maxim that Lithuanians should take care to safeguard one another's nationality. Thus subordination of a person to the community and observance of common traditional rituals are given priority over free decisions and personal self determination. The spontaneous dialogue of cultures is restricted as well. All in all, Juozas Girnius created a model of the Lithuanian diaspora which is based, like all other diasporas, on strict abidance of tradition; narrow communication with other cultures; and the nurturing of the Lithuanian language as the most important factors of Lithuanian nationality.
- Subjects
UNITED States; NATION &; National Fidelity (Book); GIRNIUS, Juozas; IMMIGRANTS; LITHUANIANS; EMIGRATION &; immigration
- Publication
Oikos: Lithuanian Migration & Diaspora Studies, 2006, Vol 2006, Issue 1, p59
- ISSN
1822-5152
- Publication type
Article