Od biblijnej wieży Babel do współczesnego „pomieszanego świata”

Abstract

There is a particular concept in the language of the inhabitants of Belarus, namely that of the mixed world. Its meaning is the equivalent of a “cultural borderland”, the reality of multiculturalism. Mixed world refers to rapid changes as well as their effects (one of them is the coexistence of elements of an old and a new order). The author points out that the term can be used to good effect in scholarly studies as synonymous with “cultural borderland”, “multiculturalism” or “intercultural spaces”. While asked about the origins of the mixed world, Belarussian people referred to the Biblical account of the Tower of Babel. It tells about God who “confounded the languages” of the builders of the Tower in order to punish their pride. The author remarks that the same account tells about the builders being scattered all over the earth, that being the origin of numerous migrations. Migrations are inscribed in the history of the human world. The phenomenon is sure to grow in intensity, as it brings considerable benefits to many people. Lithuania is an example of a country where migration is of mass character. Recently for several years nearly one fifth of its population has left the country, and many others also declare their intention to leave. Referring to her own field research, the author points out the determinants as well as the results of mass migration from Lithuania. At the same time she shows that Lithuania is becoming an attractive labour market for many immigrants. This is the way in which, owing to various migrations the new mixed world is emerging, the world which is not free of conflicts and fears for the future.