This thesis addresses slovenian emmigration to Argentina in different periods- namely before WW1, between wars, as well as after WW2. Main reason for emigration at the start was economic hardship due to the economic crisis that brought many people into vulnerable situations. Between the wars, and especially after WW2, economic reasons were followed by political situations. After WW2 many members of Slovene Homeguard units, as well as other people feeling threatened by communism arrived. Argentina needed a fresh workforce and welcomed immigration. Slovenians in Argentina started incorporating many associations and institutions for several reasons- to keep in touch, as well as to upkeep Slovenian language. Most of these associations are in Buenos Aires, several also in other parts of the country- with different membership numbers, as well as with different levels of knowledge of Slovenian language. These associations also founded schools in which children of the immigrants were able to learn Slovenian words, songs, games, etc. In this thesys I tried to present a few of these associations, institutions and schools, which are trying to upkeep Slovenian identity up to the present time.
|