Expression of National Identity of Pre-school Lithuanian Children in Emigration

AbstractThe increasing numbers of Lithuanian emigrants abroad result in a problem to highlight the importance of nurturance of national identity of pre-school children living abroad and encountered challenges emphasising the problematic nature of this phenomenon. It is also necessary to identify if children's national identity is nurtured, how teaching/learning of the Lithuanian language is encouraged in the family or educational institutions as well as how links with Lithuania are maintained. The goal of the research: to reveal the expression of national identity of pre-school Lithuanian children in emigration. The methods of the research: analysis of theoretical literature sources, interview, questionnaire survey, statistical methods. The sample of the research: 54 parents and 87 children. The research revealed thatthe level of children's national identity is relatively high; however, the tendency to identify with the host culture is also observed. Parents deliberately chose Lithuanian education institutions in the host country, make attempts to nurture the Lithuanian language and traditions as well as to maintain close links with Lithuania