Romanian diaspora in the making? An online ethnography of romaniancommunity.net

Abstract

T his chapter presents a case study of an online ethnography which examines the Romanian Community of Ireland forum. Apart from highlighting the main challenges and advantages of engaging with an ethnographic methodology online, this chapter also showcases the key findings emerging in relation to the meanings which members of this community associate with the internet. The chapter also reflects critically on the type of community which takes shape on this online forum and, more importantly, its relation to a presumed 'offline' Romanian diaspora. Is the 'virtual' community an exact replica of the entire Romanian community in Ireland? Does it represent the online dimension of an alleged Romanian diaspora in Ireland, or does it represent a community in its own right, overlapping only partly with any offline counterpart? Findings reveal that the internet, and in particular this discussion forum, tends to occupy an important role in the life of online Romanians by acting as more than a tool for seeking information and advice, but also as the 'glue' that enhances the bonding of the diaspora members and as an essential space for debate, a 'round table' where Romanians discuss their lives in Ireland and the 'fate' of the motherland.