THE CONCEPT OF «DIASPORA» IN RESEARCH WORKS OF FOREIGN SCIENTISTS: PARTICULARITIES OF INTERPRETATIONS AND USE
In: Ukrai͏̈noznavčyj alʹmanach, Heft 28, S. 8-13
The author of the article shows that the term «Diaspora» is often found in foreign scientific circulation. Scientists are gradually introducing new understandings and meanings into the content of the concept of «Diaspora». The definition of «Diaspora» is based on various criteria and characteristics - ethnic, religious, economic, political, etc. And although this word was used in the distant past, however, fundamental developments regarding the concept of «Diaspora» appeared relatively long ago. In the 90s of the twentieth century, a large number of different definitions and typologies of diasporas were proposed, even a new discipline was formed – Diaspora studies. It was during this period that the use of terms such as «Diaspora» and «transnationalism» increased. The author emphasizes the importance of research by such foreign scientists as John A. Armstrong, Rogers Brubaker, Michel Bruneau, Nicholas Van Hear, Milton J. Esman, James Clifford, Robin Cohen, Alain Medam, William Safran, Valeriy Tishkov, Thomas Faist, Gabriel Sheffer. Analyzes the well-known works of these authors regarding the definition of the concept of «Diaspora» and its types. Draws attention to the fact that diasporas today are not only historically formed communities that live outside the country of origin and adhere to ethnocultural traditions. These are certain forces of influence on the authorities of the country of residence and a political instrument in the international arena.
The development of modern technologies, expanded access to cyberspace has also affected the functioning of the diasporas. These changes were reflected in new terms – «e-diasporas», «net-diasporas», «web-diasporas», «Onlinediasporas», «digital diasporas». Proves the need for a clear definition of the concept of «Diaspora», because the process of Diaspora takes on new forms and the influence of diasporas is increasing both in the countries of residence and in the countries of origin. The lack of a definition of the specified period directs scientists to further study the problem.