THIS IS A PIECE OF OUR LAND. ABOUT POLES FROM THE VILLAGE OF STIRCEA IN MOLDAVIA

This article discusses the problem of ethnic and national identity of different social groups. Taking as an example the village of Stircea, inhabited mainly by Poles, the authoress analyzes different factors engaged in the survival of Polish identity among the villagers. At the beginning we have a brief description of the village and its history. Then she reviews various concepts of a nation, mainly based on Anthony D. Smith's approach. She uses his theory to show the difference between 'national' and 'ethnic' minorities (so called ethnie), and argues that the concept of ethnic minority or local community fits particular case better than the general idea of national minority. Language, religion, tradition and the perception of history and their influence on the survival of Polish identity are being discussed as well as the fact that this group forms a compact local community.