43 / 2016
Marijanca Ajša Vižintin

Slovenian Emigrants and their Descendants in Germany: Twenty Years of Gatherings of the Slovenian Organizations at Conferences



ABSTRACT
In the article, the emigration of Slovenians to Germany in the 2nd half of the 20th century and at the beginning of the 21st century is presented, and the cooperation of Slovenian organizations in Germany; the main focus is on gatherings. Partial results of the qualitative research are presented, this research is based on the participant observation of the last four gatherings, besides, semi-structured interviews were made with the organisers and the participants of the gatherings. The gatherings of Slovenian organisations in Germany have been organised once a year for twenty years (1996–2015). This special form of cooperation, which surpasses local operations of Slovene organisations, represents for Slovenian emigrants and their descendants an important way of maintaining Slovenian identity, socialising and professional support, at the same time it offers the possibility for connecting Slovenian organisations in Germany with Slovenia.
KEY WORDS: Slovenian emigrants, Germany, gatherings of the Slovenian organizations in Germany, Slovenian associations in Germany, Slovenian classes


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