Periodicals of Émigré Kalmyks: a Case Study of Mana Zänge Journal, 1946–1947

Abstract

The paper examines Mana Zänge (Kalm. Мана зäнгe, 1946–1947) journal and analyzes publishing activities of émigré Kalmyks. Goals. The work provides a general analysis of Kalmyk émigré publishing efforts in the late 1940s. Materials and Methods. The study focuses on journal articles and literary compositions published by Mana Zänge, describes the latter in detail, analyzes materials available, and draws conclusions. Special attention is paid to minor Kalmyk-language texts, which was due to that the periodical was primarily engaged in political journalism and related latest European news and events. In this context, news reviews of Russian arts and literary works by Russian Cossack writers would hold a special place in the journal’s narrative. Conclusions. Mana Zänge proved efficient enough in supporting social activities of émigré Kalmyks in Western Europe, developing democratic ideas and ethnic social thought. Moreover, the publication served as a meeting point for the whole of Kalmyk expatriate community vastly scattered across different European countries. So, émigré Kalmyks stayed aware of all political and cultural events that were taking place not only in Europe but also in Kalmykia and Russia at large. Though it must be said superficially invisible ties to Motherland and indirect participation in all meaningful events had been part of their lives virtually since the earliest days abroad.

Keywords

• émigré
• publishing activities
• print media
• kalmyk journals
• journalism
• traditions
• folklore