Aleksandra Wierucka
University of Gdansk, Poland
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Published in: Current Issues in European Cultural Studies; June 15-17; Norrköping; Sweden 2011
Linköping Electronic Conference Proceedings 62:17, p. 159-168
Published: 2011-11-22
ISBN: 978-91-7519-993-1
ISSN: 1650-3686 (print), 1650-3740 (online)
The paper describes ways of constructing cultural identity of one of the smallest European nations – the Livs; who live on the north shores of Baltic Sea in Latvia. Brief historic and cultural overviews are the background for following Livs’ stories; in whose lives historical events are interwoven. The stories show how Livs are using their cultural resources in order to construct local communities.
The stories share some common points; but each one is different as it focuses on matters important for each speaker. Looking at individual stories through history and vice versa enables us to perceive Livs’ culture in new dimension and at the same time to perceive what is truly important: consciousness of cultural identity that enables Livs to endure all misfortune. Preserving the fragments of centuries old traditions prove to be the only way to subsist culture.
The paper can also be considered a part of this year’s celebration of Year of Liv Language and Culture.
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