Printed publications of Ukrainian diaspora in post-Soviet countries: from creation to present

Abstract

The aim of the work is to assess the preconditions and analyze the peculiarities of the creation and functioning of printed publications of the Ukrainian diaspora in different countries of the post-Soviet space. The paper uses the methods of retrospective, comparative and systematic analysis to determine the key characteristics, specific historical prerequisites for the creation and description of printed publications of the Ukrainian diaspora. The application of the method of integrated approach allowed to combine different means of scientific research without violating the principles of objective cognition. The scientific novelty lies in the attempt to fill the existing gap of research in the publishing of the Ukrainian diaspora in the post-Soviet countries despite the rather long history of studying the diaspora press and accumulated a significant array of diverse works. Conclusions. The publication of Ukrainian-language newspapers was an important part of the activities of the Ukrainian diaspora in the post-Soviet countries, and the created array of printed products is a valuable historical and cultural heritage and an integral element of the all-Ukrainian ethnic identity. The vast majority of publications focused on meeting the information and cultural needs of the diaspora, and some publications tried to take on the role of coordinating and consolidating body. Given the chronic lack of funding for the publication of Ukrainian newspapers in the diaspora, it lasted from one to several years at best. The Ukrainian-language press is also significantly influenced by the policy of the country of residence, which in some cases takes the form of direct oppression. The main reason for the gradual decline of the Ukrainian press in the diaspora is the development of news and search services on the Internet, as well as social networks, which have shown a powerful consolidating potential. Ukrainian diaspora societies in the post-Soviet countries have been actively creating Internet sites and social networking sites since the early 2000s, and thus significantly expanding their own information, cultural and communication capabilities.

Keywords

• print media, newspaper, press, ukrainian diaspora, post-soviet countries, cultural heritage, identity.