Charakterystyka polskiej diaspory w Kurytybie (Brazylia) w świetle badań społecznych = Characteristics of the Polish diaspora in Curitiba (Brazil) in the light of social research

Abstract

The article addresses an issue of the modern Polish diaspora in Curitiba, which is an important and symbolic city in the context of the Polish migration to Brazil since the second half of the 19th century. Moreover, the article presents an overview of the history of Polish migratory flows to Curitiba as well as significance of the city itself as a unique space for social activeness of the Poles living in Brazil. The main objectives of the article are as follows: identification of “Polish” places and areas in social space of Curitiba, determining a profile of a Polish migrant and assessing relations between the modern Polish diaspora and the mother country in the context of particular migration generations. The city of Curitiba has been perceived a significant and symbolic place for Polish migrants since the very beginning of the Polish migration history. Social activities taken up by the Polish diaspora in Brazil results from the necessity to sustain the national identity and they are aimed at promoting Polish traditions. The public space of Curitiba is marked by Polish monuments, plaques and street names commemorating famous and appreciated Poles as well as by Polish national institutions. There is only one Department of Polish Language in Latin America and it is at the Federal University of Parana in Curitiba. For the purpose of this article, a survey among a significantly differentiated group of respondents has been done. The group comprised representatives of the Polish diaspora having Polish ancestors in the fourth generation as well as modern Polish migrants. As the survey shows, although the descendants of Polish settlers are not fluent Polish speakers and they do not visit their mother country very often, the Polishness is demonstrated by the Polish diaspora in Curitiba. It is clearly visible in public space of the city as there are numerous objects representing Polish historical and cultural heritage as well as cultural events.Since the day when the first Poles settled in Brazil and Curitiba, they have been systematically integrating and assimilating with Brazilians.