Ways of Interpretation of Hungarian-American Ethnic-based Public Life and Identity
Ways of Interpretation of Hungarian-American Ethnic-based Public Life and Identity

Summary/Abstract: Between 2006–2008 we carried out a research which tried to use a variety of methodologies to best capture the main characteristics of the Hungarian-American institutions, civic activities, and social life, and to identify the worldview of the participants and leaders of Hungarian-American public life. Below, we define the methods used to classify the functions and characteristics of Hungarian-American institutions, in order to arrive at an institutional typology. We also examine and try to identify the ethnic identity profiles that emerge from participants in Hungarian-American institutional life, since participation in public life is a constituent factor in the dynamics of Hungarian ethnic institutions. Finally, we try to determine fundamental diaspora community relationships, employing our research-based institutional and identity profi les, and to explore connections between community life in the diaspora and the ancestral homeland (or the perception of the homeland). Further, we attempt to determine whether such relationships create an autochthonous ethnic culture or, instead, represent an adaptation of the old cultural heritage to a new environment. Based on the research we published a book: Papp, Attila Z. (ed.) Beszédbõl világ. Elemzések, adatok amerikai magyarokról. MKI, Regio Books, Budapest, 2008. 514. This paper has appeared in the book as the summary of the research findings.

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