Homemaking in the Russian-Speaking Diaspora

This book explores the intricate relationship between material culture and the experiences of Russian-speaking immigrants, revealing their adaptation journeys and the meaning of home.

This insightful work delves into the material culture of Russian-speaking migrants, exploring how they interact with their belongings in various contexts. By employing a multidisciplinary approach, it integrates theories from anthropology, sociology, consumer research, sociolinguistics, and semiotics to provide a comprehensive understanding of human-object relationships. The research draws on a rich array of data sources, including in-depth interviews, group discussions, photographs, social media, and participant observation, to paint a vivid picture of the immigrant experience.

The book highlights the experiences of Russian-speaking immigrants across a diverse range of countries, including Australia, Finland, Greece, Japan, Israel, Turkey, Uruguay, and the USA. It brings together a collection of scholars with expertise in Russian studies, linguistic and cultural anthropology, sociolinguistics, and ethnolinguistics. Through their contributions, the collection examines the discursive practices that frame, negotiate, and construct the concept of home, revealing its complexity and ambivalence in social life.

By analyzing the narratives of migrants as they recount their journeys of relocation, the text explores the various stages of linguistic and cultural adaptation. It posits that immigrants' homes serve as semiotic storehouses, reflecting their past experiences, present realities, and future aspirations. This groundbreaking investigation establishes a vital connection between materiality, emotions, and language use among Russian-speaking immigrants, offering a nuanced perspective on their lives and identities.