Transznacionalitás és kultúraközvetítés a Berlinben élő magyarok egy informális közösségében
Transnationality and Cultural Mediation in an Informal Community of Hungarians Living in Berlin

Author(s): Eszter Valnerné Török
Subject(s): Anthropology, Social Sciences, Sociology
Published by: Scientia Kiadó
Keywords: identity; hybridity; transnationality; cultural mediation; diasporic research;
Summary/Abstract: In contrast to the linear concepts of assimilation and identification integration, hybridity and transnationality are increasingly frequent concepts in today’s academic discourse. Behind these concepts, there lie quite different attachments and uses of space than in the identity narratives used in the past. Hybridity refers to the emergence of hybrid identities, i.e., multiple attachments in constant transformation. The theory of hybridity was introduced by Homi K. Bhabha, a prominent figure in postcolonial studies, who understands cultural identity not as a single identity that can be derived from a single root, thus moving away from the idea of linking language, culture, or cultural identity to a specific, closed space. In the process of hybridisation, different identities are blended, and different cultures come under the influence of each other. Transnationality is a system of relationships between individuals and groups across nation-state borders, affecting both sending and receiving countries, as well as migration itself. The concept is based on the premise that migration and integration are non-linear processes, but can be conceived as multiple movements of people from migratory backgrounds, and multi-directional flows of resources and people between nation-states. A characteristic feature of transmigrants is that they show a certain frequency of cross-border activity. Such transnational spaces are emerging, and Hungarians living in Berlin are mostly moving into such spaces. The research presented in this study focuses on members of an informal group of Hungarians living in the Berlin diaspora, the Berlin Salon audience. The analysis of the semi-structured interview material will present the community members’ conceptions of identity and space. The sample analysed is suitable for documenting typical problem areas, typical approaches, attitudes, concepts of life, sets of arguments, and directions in relation to a specific period and community.

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