Między Wschodem a Zachodem (pisarze czwartej fali emigracji rosyjskiej)

Abstract

Between the East and the West (Writers of the Fourth Wave of Russian Emigration) This article attempts to define the phenomenon of the fourth wave of Russian emigration in relation to writers leaving their homeland after the symbolic collapse of the USSR, or who are descendants of representatives of the third wave. The characteristics of contemporary emigration that differ from previous waves of refugees and the reasons for leaving their homeland are indicated here. The destinations of emigrants (USA, Canada, Switzerland, Israel) that shape the specifics of the mental landscape of the newcomers, the barriers, the borders that they have to overcome in order to establish good relations with the citizens of their host countries are also included. Indeed, the aim of multiculturalism is not to tear down walls, but to build bridges. In this respect, dialogue and the associated language as a fundamental distinctive feature of culture that determines the identity of each person is of paramount importance. The current of post-memory, autobiographical and memoir literature, promoted by many emigrants, is linked to identity and its recovery. As far as young emigrants are concerned, they have to live in a global village, in a specific uniformity introduced by the 21st century, which makes mobility one of the most important values.