The Role of the Western Ukrainian Diaspora in Ethnocultural Processes in Ukraine (End of the 1980s — the Middle of the 1990s)
Journal Title: Українознавство - Year 2018, Vol 3, Issue 68
Abstract
The article analyzes the role of foreign Ukrainians in ethnocultural processes in Ukraine in the late 1980s – early 1990s. The period of Gorbachev’s restructuring, when ideological stereotypes were destroyed, observed the growing interest of the public in history, modern life, and achievements in the sphere of economy, culture, education, science, art, literature of the Ukrainian diaspora, its mutual influences and interconnections with the Ukrainians of the original homeland. The historical aspects of these relationships received a wider study and observance as such that shed light on the genesis and nature of the processes of this interaction, comprehension of the Ukrainian diaspora as a national, spiritual, mental, and cultural-artistic phenomenon. The article shows the contribution of the Ukrainian diaspora to the formation of national identity, national memory, the consolidation of the Ukrainian nation, the development of civil society, language, culture, and education; proves its importance and influence on the formation of national identity and the establishment of national consciousness of the Ukrainians. It leads to the dissemination of the Ukrainian language not only among intellectuals but also among the general population, especially in regional centers and towns; helps to get rid of their own inferiority and to recognize themselves as Europeans, worthy of full creative lives in an independent state. Ukrainian diaspora, together with writers, cultural, and public figures, began to defend Ukrainian language and culture, which became crucial for protecting the very “right for life” of the Ukrainian nation within the legal limits of the state-political system in the USSR. All their efforts were aimed at achieving the true sovereign state of Ukraine through real restructuring and democratization, and hence decentralization, ensuring the state status and creative prospects for the Ukrainian language, as well as the promising future for the Ukrainian nation. The article provides the examples of activities of the Ukrainian diaspora organizations, foundations and companies, created by the representatives of the Ukrainian diaspora to return to Ukraine cultural values of different countries of the world; to develop national education and science, in particular Kyiv-Mohyla Academy; to establish democratic institutions of independent Ukraine; and to provide financial, material, and humanitarian assistance to it.
Authors and Affiliations
Іryna Krasnodemska
Keywords
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- EP ID EP449777
- DOI 10.30840/2413-7065.3(68).2018.145376
- Views 153
- Downloads 0
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