Feb 7 • 07:50 UTC 🇪🇪 Estonia ERR

William Buescher: I am Estonian

William Buescher discusses the evolving concept of what it means to be Estonian, highlighting the experiences of immigrants and their contributions to the society.

In his article, William Buescher reflects on the importance of integration for people coming from a non-native language background in Estonia, emphasizing the need to redefine what it means to be 'Estonian'. After living in Estonia for nine years, Buescher shares his personal journey of becoming part of the Estonian identity through language acquisition, social participation, and cultural understanding. This raises the pivotal question posed by Marek Tamme: 'Can one become Estonian?'.

Buescher argues that citizenship goes beyond mere nationality; it is also about emotional attachment, relationships, and communal bonding that immigrants establish within the local culture. He believes that many, including himself, feel a strong sense of belonging to Estonia after fully immersing themselves in its societal fabric. However, despite their contributions and connections, these individuals still face skepticism about their Estonian identity from some segments of society, prompting a discourse on the inclusivity of Estonian identity itself.

The dialogue initiated by Marek Tamme and Tiiu Hallap's differing views illustrates the challenges surrounding national identity in Estonia. Buescher hopes that such discussions will lead to a broader understanding and acceptance of what it means to belong to the Estonian nation, ultimately enriching Estonia's cultural landscape with diverse perspectives and backgrounds.

📡 Similar Coverage