Transforming borders functions in the Lithuanian‐polish‐Belarusian borderland

Abstract

This article is an attempt to give an answer to the question: what are the consequences of the weakening factor of territorial belonging and how it in fact realizes in the Lithuanian‐Polish‐Belarusian borderland? In such a small territory as Lithuanian‐Polish‐Belarusian borderland it is possible to investigate two opposite, reciprocal processes: disappearances (the Lithuanian‐Polish borderland) and strengthening of borders (the Lithuanian‐Belarusian and Polish‐Belarusian borderland). Borders as markers of division have different functions. Using a “boundary narrative” we will analyse such functions as “border‐door”, “borderwall”, and “barrier”. A method of a free narration about a life on border will allow to create the generalized image of the inhabitant of a border zone, its way of life and to reveal its peculiar features. These peculiar features we will analyse in the case of Lithuanian‐Polish‐Belarusian borderland.