From swan eaters to national heroes: representations of the Romanian diaspora in public discourse
From swan eaters to national heroes: representations of the Romanian diaspora in public discourse
Author(s): Kinga KolumbanSubject(s): Language and Literature Studies, Philology
Published by: Editura Universitatii Transilvania din Brasov
Keywords: Romanian diaspora; imaginary transnational communities; role allocation in discourse; agency;
Summary/Abstract: The emergence of the Romanian diaspora as an important social actor is closely related to socio-political events that have taken place in the home country. This study attempts to track this process through the means of Van Leeuven’s socio-semantic categorization by analysing pieces of political discourse stated around key moments in the recent history of Romania: the process of becoming a full member of the European Union (2013) and two presidential elections (2014, 2019). Drawing on the general perception of diaspora communities across the world as representing a significant social and economic potential for home countries, it is sound to hypothesize a similar Romanian case manifested at the level of political discourse through positive role allocation.
Journal: Bulletin of the Transilvania University of Braşov, Series IV: Philology & Cultural Studies
- Issue Year: 13/2020
- Issue No: 1
- Page Range: 167-184
- Page Count: 18
- Language: English