Lithuania’s Changing Landscape

 

From time to time I have taken part in conversations about the obvious changes in the ‘Lithuanian Landscape” that have occurred since Lithuania’s reemergence as a sovereign republic. Most are somewhat shocked by the pace of modernization but approve. Some are disappointed. They are disheartened to see the image of old being replaced by modern structures, shopping malls and the proliferation of technological advances such as cell phones and the like. And somewhat concerned that Lithuania will forsake it’s unique identity an character in it’s quest for modernization.

 

This attitude is selfish. Lithuanians are no different than any other culture in their desires to improve their living standards. To entertain the idea that Lithuanians should live in a time capsule and not expand their horizons to include modern facilities and devices that make life more pleasurable is absolutely ridiculous. I often remind them that cultural museums exist for the purpose of preserving memories. And the Architectural Gems that have existed in Lithuania over the course of centuries are not slated for the wrecking ball.

Lithuanians place high value on the historical value of the buildings which grace the streets of their cities.

 

Then the topic of Music and Night Clubs usually comes up! One person stated that when they visit Lithuania they don’t want to hear western style music. My answer to them is don’t go to Night Clubs that offer such a venue! There are plenty of places that offer Music by Lithuanian Artists!

 

The hard and simple fact is that countries, cultures, languages and all of the aspects that distinguish one people from another are in a constant state of flux and evolution. This is only natural. Each set of new generations decide what to maintain from the previous ones. The new generations are charged with the responsibility of guiding Lithuania into the future. With this responsibility comes the right to do so in a manner that they choose.

 

I often remind them that the Lithuania of old was never static. It was constantly being influenced by external and internal influences. A good example is “Modern” Lithuanian as spoken today. It has undergone many significant changes since the days when your grandfather left it’s shores. Many ‘Lithuanianized’ words that were borrowed from the Polish and Russian languages are no longer in use by the general population. In Actuality, the dated version of Lithuanian that you may have learned from a loved one was ‘less’ authentic in terms of ‘Baltic’ identity than the language as spoken by the current residents

of Lithuania today!

 

It remains the sole responsibility of the people of Lithuania to determine her future. Our responsibility as Descendants and Nationals Living Abroad is to encourage them to evolve and to shape the future. And to support them in their efforts whenever possible.