Współczesna tożsamość kulturowa Polaków na Wileńszczyźnie

Abstract

The paper is focused on the topic of cultural identity of Poles living in the Vilnius Region. They represent the unique identity of borderland inhabitants, which consists of elements typical for different nations and ethnic groups. The description of cultural identity of Poles living in the Vilnius Region is based on qualitative and quantitative analysis of the Polish language knowledge, the state of Polish education in Lithuania, level of religiosity, institutionalization of the social and cultural life and popularity of Polish language media. The research shows that Poles living in the Vilnius Region identify themselves with Polish culture although they also recognize the uniqueness of their cultural identity, which differentiates them from Polish citizens.