Lithuania Worldview Term Paper

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Lithuania's worldview. A brief history is given, regarding the country, as well as cultural aspects. Then the Lithuanian culture's worldview is discussed. And, finally, how their cultural communication has affected their views.

Lithuania Worldview

Lithuanian History and Culture:

Lithuania is a small country, of approximately 65,200 km2, with 3.5 million people. Lithuania is located in Eastern Europe and is bordered by Belarus, Latvia, Russia, and Poland (See Image 1). 81% of the population is Lithuanian, while 9% is Russian, 7% is Polish, and 1% is Byelorussian ("Lithuania," 2004). Lithuanians were the last Pagans in Europe, however, religion now takes the form of Catholicism primarily located in the Northern part of the country (personal communication D. Deimante, November 11, 2004).

During Roman times, Lithuania traded amber with Rome. The countryside was split into various language groups: Lithuanians, Prussians, Latvians, Semigaalians, and others. In 1230, Lithuania emerged as a nation, under the leadership of Duke Mindaugas. Lithuanian tribes became united and were able to ward off attacks by the Teutonic Knights. By 1253, Duke Mindaugas became king, however Lithuania was not able to fully separate itself from Polish rule ("History," 2004).

More than 500 years of turmoil later, in 1795, an alliance between Prussia and Austria and Russia ended Poland's independence, and Lithuania fell also as a Russian province. Despite insurrections in 1831 and in 1863, the country remained under the control of the Russian Empire. During this reign, Russian social and political institutions were forced upon Lithuania. Lithuanian schools, publications in Latin script, and the Roman Catholic Church were forbidden. However, despite this oppression, the indigenous cultural institutions and language still flourished ("History," 2004).

Figure 1: Map of Lithuania. Source: "Lithuania," 2004.

In 1905, Lithuania was the first Russian province to demand autonomy.

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Although this was denied, World War I led to Russia and Germany's demise, and Lithuania declared their independence. The trials and tribulations did not cease, however, and their early disorganization caused a delay in their recognition by Western powers ("History," 2004).

During the 1920s and 30s, Lithuania made great progress in nation building and development. Conservative fiscal management, a strong currency and establishment of schools and universities began to strengthen the nation. However, in October of 1939, the Soviet Union forced Lithuania to allow Moscow to station 20,000 troops within their borders and by June of the following year, the Red Army had overrun the country entirely ("History," 2004).

The political climate began to change for Lithuania in 1985, with Mikhail Gorbachev in power. By 1987, dissidents were holding public demonstrations in Vilnius, Lithuania's capital. And, on February 16, 1988, Lithuanians engaged in widespread celebration of their Independence Day. Finally, in May, 1989, Lithuanian sovereignty was proclaimed, and by August 1993, all Russian troops were removed from Lithuanian soil ("History").

There are a variety of cultural musts and taboos in Lithuania. A firm handshake and a slight nod of the head is the customary greeting. Punctuality is very important, especially in instances of business meetings. Direct eye contact should always be maintained in a conversation. And, individuals should always be addressed by their title and last name, unless directed to do otherwise ("Etiquette," 2004). Leaving food on one's plate is also considered very impolite, as it suggests that the meal was not satisfactory ("Republic," 2004).

The typical Lithuanian family has one or two children. And, although the father is generally the head of the house, both parents typically work outside the home. Each family has a "kitchen.....

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