Homemaking in the Russian-speaking Diaspora

Abstract

This volume serves as a significant contribution to the field of multilingualism and multiculturalism, offering a comprehensive and empirically grounded analysis of the material culture of Russian-speaking migrants. While Western scholars have explored themes concerning the interplay of materiality with emotions and language use, there remains a notable gap in scholarship when it comes to Russian-speaking migrants. The book addresses this lacuna by examining the material culture of various groups, including those who departed imperial Russia, ex-Soviets, and post-Soviet emigrants. The historical context of Russian emigration spans centuries, characterized by waves driven by religious, political, and economic motivations. Despite differing motives, migrants across waves share common threads of homemaking traditions from their homeland or ancestral roots. The study of home is approached as a multidimensional efforts, drawing from various disciplines such as sociology, social psychology, urban anthropology, and sociolinguistics. The authors investigate discursive practices surrounding migrants’ homes, illuminating the multifaceted nature of home as both a concept and a social phenomenon. Relocating one’s home to a new country, though not an unusual concept, signifies a pivotal life change. Narratives surrounding this experience, coupled with linguistic nuances, offer insights into stages of linguistic and cultural adaptation, revealing the intricate balance between old and new traditions, sometimes at odds with each other. By addressing a gap in English-language publications regarding post-Soviet migrants’ transnational lifestyles, cultural affinities, and evolving identities, the editors aim to broaden the accessibility of these topics to a wider audience.