Language, networks, and virtual transnationalism: The case of Russian speakers from Estonia living in Finland

Abstract

AbstractExpanding globalization, widely spread information and communication technologies (ICT), and inexpensive transportation facilitate easy, fast, and necessary connections across borders. Many immigrants maintain transnational connections while gaining local exposure to the national social field. This article studies immigrants’ language and social media uses in transnational and national networks. The case regards Russian speakers from Estonia living in Finland who belong to the global Russian‐speaking diaspora. The data derive from a survey (n = 327) and interviews (n = 16). Results indicate that the national and transnational social fields of the studied Russian speakers affect and shape one another. Their good command of Finnish reduces structural barriers to work, housing, and other functional spheres in Finland, but it does not secure their social inclusion. The latter is counteracted by their local multicultural networks and transnational connections with their country of origin—facilitated by ICT and social media—as a source of positive identity, meaningful relations, and emotional support.