THE CHANGING OF LITHUANIAN IDENTITY IN GLOBAL MODERNITY

Abstract

The present day discourse of globalization is a new socio‐culturally determined form of self‐identification which is chosen by the subjects taking part in globalisation, being ready for cultural openness vs. rarefaction of boundaries of national identity. This discourse is an interesting one but still it is little investigated and a contradictory process in actual transformations that take place on worldwide arena. However, there is no doubt that the phenomenon of modern self‐identification or identity unites historically multilayer cultural phenomena which reveal sui generis of their peculiar nature. Identity that is undergoing changes in global modernity becomes an inter‐subjective cultural unity, expression of which is represented by language, belief, moral consciousness, accumulation of fundamental values, customs and a unique worldview. That is why contemporary identity of Lithuanians is a historically vital and creative proceeding, while ancient national tradition is reflecting strata of cultural meanings of the past towards the present time and altogether inspiring, developing spiritual experience of society towards new per spectives. Therefore, systems of certain mental categories, sensible self‐expression can last throughout entire centuries, many generations are being integrated into them, and all these become peculiar socio-cultural frameworks which are indefeasible because they predetermine who you are.