Quote:
Originally Posted by JManc
But Lithuanians are Lithuanians and Polish are Polish. Might be some commonalities as there are with Polish and other slavic countries but Lithuania is pretty fierce about their own identity.
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That’s not really accurate. Lithuanians are Polish, maybe not in name NOW, but as far as ancestry goes, they are. Sure, regional identity certainly exists. It’s very strong in Europe.
Most of Europe east of Germany and west of Russia and north of Greece (and including significant portions of both Germany and Russia) was POLAND for centuries. The grand Duke of Lithuania became the King of Poland at what was likely the era of its greatest territorial extent. Borders and national names in Eastern Europe have obviously shifted quite a bit, even in recent times.
But with an understanding of the history of Poland, you can see how a Lithuanian saying I’m not Polish, is akin to a Texan saying I’m not American. It would make sense only if Texas was to secede. Or like Sicilians saying they’re not Italian.
Unitary “nationality” especially in Europe is a tricky thing because it is determined by political borders, not necessarily centuries of governance and culture.