Longing for identity

Notes on Finnishness and intergenerational change in Finnish-American life writing

Authors

• Jari Nikkola Turun yliopisto

DOI: https://doi.org/10.54331/haik.127130

Abstract

This article analyses interpretations of Finnishness and intergenerational change in Finnish-American life writers’ nostalgic expressions. The writers included in the article are Jingo Viitala Vachon, Jane Piirto, and Inkeri Väänänen Jensen. Vachon and Väänänen Jensen represent second-generation Finnish-Americans. Piirto represents a third-generation Finnish-American. Nostalgia as a term is understood as having a “dual function”, including both positive and negative connotations.

Keywords: Finnish Americans; Finnishness; nostalgia; ethnic identity; intergenerational change; life writing