Przestrzenne zróżnicowanie procesów asymilacji Polonii w Nowym Jorku
Spatial differentiation of assimilation processes of Polish community in New York City

Summary/Abstract: W artykule dokonano próby analizy procesów asymilacji Polonii zamieszkującej Nowy Jork. W tym celu przedstawiono wybrane czynniki wpływające na tempo oraz różnicowanie zjawiska asymilacji nowojorskiej społeczności polonijnej. Przedstawiono genezę i rozwój tej grupy osób oraz jej obecne rozmieszczenie i wielkość. Przedmiotem badań są również procesy naturalizacji związane z przyjmowaniem amerykańskiego obywatelstwa, działalność instytucji i organizacji polonijnych, a także posługiwanie się językiem polskim przez polonijną społeczność Nowego Jorku oraz kultywowanie rodzimych tradycji. The paper aims the analysis of assimilation processes of Polish community in New York City. In order to study this complex problem it is necessary to characterize selected factors influencing the pace of assimilation and its differentiation in New York's group of Polish descent. The article presents an origins and development of Polish and Polish- -American community as well as its current spatial concentration (residential pattern) and total population in the city. The research also includes naturalization processes associated with taking U.S. citizenship, activities of Polish institutions and organizations and use of native language by group of Polish descent as well as the cultivation of native traditions. According to the 2009 American Community Survey , there is about 243,000 people of Polish descent in New York. This group includes both Polish Americans (people born with American citizenship in the United States), as well as Polish immigrants with Polish or American citizenship. Most people with Polish ancestry live in Brooklyn neighborhoods (Greenpoint, Williamsburg, Borough Park, Park Slope, Midwood). The Queens community of Polish descent is mostly located in Rigdewood, Maspeth, Middle Village, Bayside, Bellerose, Floral Park. In Manhattan, Polish community is more dispersed and people with Polish ancestry live mainly in East Village, the Upper West Side and Yorkville (so-called Little Poland). Among different Polish organizations and institutions the most important is Polish parish and church which cares for the traditional customs, celebrating Polish Christmas and other holidays. Many Polish parishes in New York City also formed schools (called Sunday schools) which are an important factor in delaying the processes of assimilation.

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