Manjšine in skupinske (etnične) identitete

primerjalna študija slovenske in italijanske manjšine

Abstract

The article addresses the issue of minority identity or common ethnic identity. It represents an attempt to define the common identity of the Slovenian minority living in the region of Trieste (Italy) and the Italian minority living in Slovenian Istria (Slovenia). The aim of the contribution is to answer the following questions: What is the common (ethnic) identity of Slovenian and Italian minorities? What differences or similarities can be found in common identities of the mentioned ethnic minority groups? What are the reasons for the existence of similarities and, above all, differences in the identities of Slovenian and Italian minorities? The interpretative comparative analysis is based on quantitative and qualitative data collected while conducting field research from 2006 to 2008. The observations presented in the article suggest that members of the mentioned minorities become aware of their ethnic or national affiliation relatively early in life, the realiyation of one's own "minority" identity usually either begins in early childhood or "has always been present". A feature that is specific of the collective (ethnic) identity of both minorities is an awareness of being different from the majority ethnicity with which they share the living environment, while at the same time being separated and different also from their "original" ethnicity. An important determinant of the differentiation of common identities in the dealt with minorities, which at the same time significantly defines the common identity of the Slovenian minority, is its distinctly "closed nature" or existence of more solid and less permeable ethnic borders and a greater need for and the actual expression of one's ethnic origin in their local environment. A lower permeability of ethnic borders is reflected in the incidence of ethnically mixed partnerships and families, in the prevalent contacts within the ethnic community, etc. On the whole, members of the Italian minority tend to express a greater collective confidence and a more positive self image. An important characteristic of both minority groups derives from the minority status per se, specifically the tendency to preserve their mother tongue, culture, tradition and customs. To sum up, apart from the mostly expected similarities, the research also revealed many differences. If the similarities in minorities' common identities stem from the minority status itself, the differences are primarily a consequence of specific socio-historical and political circumstances in which both minorities live and are active.

Keywords

manjšine;etnične skupine;etnična identiteta;slovenska manjšina;italijanska manjšina;

Data

Language:	Slovenian
Year of publishing:	2009
Typology:	1.01 - Original Scientific Article
Organization:	UP - University of Primorska
Publisher:	Centro di ricerche scientifiche della Repubblica di Slovenia
UDC:	323.15(450+497.4)
COBISS:	1638611
ISSN:	1408-5348
Views:	3201
Downloads:	69
Average score:	0 (0 votes)
Metadata:

Other data

Secondary language:	English
Secondary title:	primerjalna študija slovenske in italijanske manjšine
Secondary keywords:	minorities;ethnic groups;ethnic identity;Slovenian minority;Italian minority;
URN:	URN:NBN:SI
Type (COBISS):	Not categorized
Pages:	str. 205-220
Volume:	ǂLetn. ǂ19
Issue:	ǂšt. ǂ1
Chronology:	2009
ID:	1734328