Traces of French Culture in the Narratives of the Residents of Palanga

Abstract

The article focuses on the traces of French culture in the town of Palanga in the first decade of independent Lithuania. It is based on the stories of the residents of Palanga that represent their relationship with French culture. Palanga was chosen due to the fact that it was among the first cities in Lithuania where the ‘FrenchLithuanian Centre of Culture’ was established in 1992. The case study reveals the traces of French culture through the point of view of the main personalities (the founding members of the cultural centre in Palanga); two positions are examined. On the one hand, they represent similar discourses regarding the phenomenon of Francophony, but, on the other hand, they differ when the informants reflect on the situation from the current perspective. In one case, French culture becomes the dominant narrative as it has had a high impact on the informant’s world view. In another case, this culture is seen from a more distant point of view, as if it was a dream not completely fulfilled. The narratives were presented as personal experiences of two different genders, as particular parts of their life stories. Following the circular story, selective memory is revealed.