Personal names of Hajnówka’s orthodox parishes residents as an indication of assimilation process

Anna Nikitiuk

Abstract

This paper focuses on changes in the personal names of the Orthodox residents in the eastern Podlaskievoivodship, that are connected with greater opening of local communities to the culture of the majority, i.e. Polish culture. Names ceased to be treated as a significant element of local culture. The local Orthodox parishes residents believe that they can preserve their separate identity, their community spirit centering around other elements of nativeness. Changes in the names of Orthodox parishioners of Hajnówka are therefore the result of structural, civic, cultural, and linguistic assimilation occurring in this area.

Keywords:

prawosławie, imiona chrzestne, asymilacja