Bulgarians in Norway. Stories of Adaptation and/or Isolation

Abstract

The article traces the formation and development of the Bulgarian community in Oslo, Kingdom of Norway. It explores a current issue within the broader topic of Bulgarian communities abroad. The analysis examines the specific characteristics of the Bulgarian community in Oslo in the context of the conditions in Scandinavian countries ‒ such as limited accessibility (in terms of language, culture, geo-graphical distance, and the lack of year-round direct flights), as well as climatic and geographic challenges (cold climate, few hours of sunlight, white nights), an internationally less-known national language, specifics related to foreign students, among others. These factors shape the strategies for adaptation and integration (or isolation and encapsulation) into the host society. The timing of the study also allows for an analysis of the changes that occurred after the COVID-19 crisis and the cultural responses of the Bulgarian community in Oslo. The research was conducted using classical methods from the fields of ethnology and cultural anthropology in June 2024 ‒ such as participant observation, interviews, and autobiographical narratives. Throughout the analysis, and in relation to the specific context, the concept of “community” and the sense of belonging to one is discussed. In this regard, the various expressions of identity observed in the field are examined ‒ ncluding those based on country of origin, ethnic affiliation, level of integration into the host society, as well as supranational and transnational identities.