Saint Patrick's Day is the most that unites Russian-speaking residents of Ireland
– The peculiarity of many Russian speakers abroad is that they do not form a diaspora or community. Is a similar situation emerging in Ireland?
– I would say it varies. There are many people who communicate mainly among themselves and exclusively in Russian. A significant part of them have very poor knowledge of English – this sometimes applies even to young people. Others, on the contrary, try to assimilate as much as possible and integrate into Irish society.
– But there is no talk of any institutional organization of the community, as far as I understand?
– There is a Coordination Council of Compatriots in Ireland, but it is financially limited in its capabilities.
– Is there data on how many Russian-speaking residents there are in Ireland?
– In Ireland, Russian is native for approximately 100,000 people. Mainly, these are people from the Baltic states, Ukraine, and Belarus. Of course, there are also people from Russia itself. But all of them are united, in principle, only by language.
– And how easily do our former compatriots assimilate in this country?
– It depends on many things. In particular, in my opinion, on political views. If it turns out that you are from the former USSR, the Irish usually first ask how you feel about Russia in general and Russian politics. If they understand that you are pro-Russian, then they usually start behaving quite warily. At least, that's the majority. If you state that you are critical of Russia, then there are usually no problems. Everyone becomes very friendly, treats you like "one of the guys," etc. Although there are exceptions – when they are genuinely happy to see you regardless of political views.
In fact, the Irish know very little about Russia, Russian people, and Russian culture. Basically, their knowledge boils down to the "evil Soviet Union" – an empire that seized Europe. I studied in Ireland at school, and Russia almost never appeared in history lessons. Basically, all the knowledge of the Irish about Russia is limited to information from cinema, mainly American. Or from the news, which is mostly presented "from an American angle."
– From your words, I understood that the Irish, to put it mildly, have always been quite critical of Russia. And how much did the events in Ukraine worsen the situation?
– Probably, I need to slightly adjust my answer. Before the Ukrainian conflict, the attitude towards Russia and Russians was, perhaps, rather wary. But now, against the backdrop of news where it is constantly reported that Russia or its supported "militias" are attacking and capturing something, the attitude has deteriorated very much. Here, it must be taken into account that the Irish are extremely negative about any seizures, because they themselves were under British rule for many centuries.
– And have relations within the Russian-speaking community changed against the backdrop of these events?
– Yes, they have changed. And, unfortunately, very much. This can be judged even by seemingly insignificant examples. In Ireland, many Ukrainians used to use Russian and English on their social network pages. Including their names were written in Russian. Now many have switched exclusively to English and Ukrainian and have removed from friends those who disagree with Ukrainian rhetoric. Some have removed me from friends too – simply because I am actively interested in Russian politics.
Ukrainians have also left most Russian-speaking youth groups. There are also sadder examples. Many Russian-speaking families in Ireland were friends for years, but now have completely stopped any communication. My parents live in a small town where there are several Russian-speaking families. Some members of these families know English quite poorly and communicate mainly with their former compatriots. Now this already small group has become even smaller, as it has split into two camps. And if earlier people went fishing together every week, now they don't even congratulate each other on their birthdays.
– Tell me, how much do the characters of Russians and the Irish have in common?
– Probably, the main common feature is that both Russians and the Irish are a cheerful people. Although the Irish certainly don't know about this similarity. They think of Russia within the stereotype – that bears roam here and people play balalaikas. And in Russia, they know a little more about the Irish. As a rule, they imagine that everything is green in Ireland, leprechauns run around, and everyone is always drunk. We think of each other in clichés. Although, of course, Irish culture is more popular in Russia than Russian culture is in Ireland. Just look at how many people in Moscow and St. Petersburg do Irish dancing and on what scale Saint Patrick's Day is celebrated in Russia.
If we return to the question of the similarity of characters of Russians and the Irish, I can say that if a Russian-speaking emigrant knows English well and has settled down in Ireland, then he usually very easily integrates into Irish groups. Which is not always the case with, for example, French emigrants.
– Tell me, how did your family move to Ireland?
– My stepfather was offered a job there. Then my mother moved with me and my sister. My younger brother was born in Ireland. As a result, I have been living there for 13 years.
– Do you plan to somehow connect your future life with Russia?
– Yes. Moreover, in the summer I plan to move here permanently.
– And what prompted you to decide to return?
– It's not even about returning. I first came to Russia on December 24, 2013. As I mentioned, many Russian speakers living in Ireland come from the Baltic states. I'm no exception – I was born in Estonia. But when I came to Russia, I felt at home here. I can't call Estonia my home country. Dublin isn't my hometown either, although I lived there most of my life and know it by heart. But after a month of living in Moscow, I felt at home. I suppose you can't fool your genes. I realized this is where I belong.
I understand very well that Moscow and St. Petersburg are not all of Russia. But I've traveled to other cities as well, seen different sides of Russian life – not only the facade, but also the puddles, the dirt, and other unappealing aspects of Russian reality.
– Has the current economic situation in Russia not undermined your confidence in moving?
– No, it only attracted me even more. But that, honestly, is a completely different conversation related to my views on politics, economics, and the future in general.
– What do you plan to do in Russia?
– First, I'll enroll in a master's program to get a Russian education. I'm still deciding on the university. In Ireland, I studied politics, economics, and international relations. I plan to continue my studies, of course, in the same field.
– And after moving to Russia, how close ties with Ireland do you plan to maintain?
– I have many friends and family there, so naturally I will maintain relationships with them.
– How do you evaluate these 13 years of life in Ireland? How easy and comfortable is it for you to live there? What do you like most, what less?
– I'll be able to give a full assessment only after I've lived in Russia for a couple of years. Initially it was quite difficult, because even 20 years ago immigrants in Ireland were not a common phenomenon. And 30 years ago even the Irish themselves rarely went abroad. We moved during their period of adaptation to foreigners. It caused discomfort that disappeared within about five years.
Most of all, of course, I like the Irish nature, these endless green fields, hills and impeccably clean air. Perhaps that's what I miss most when I leave there. But I certainly won't miss the endless rains.