Living in 'the betweens' : diaspora consciousness formation and identity among Brazilians in Australia

This paper is based on a qualitative study that investigated the experience of diaspora consciousness among Brazilians in Australia, and also how they re-conceptualise their Brazilian identity - or Brazilianness - under diasporic conditions. The study identified four interrelated patterns that can be seen as indicative of diaspora consciousness, namely, the co-presence of 'here' and 'there'; the re-creation of 'Brazilian spaces' in Australia; 'othering' in relation to Anglo-Australians, and a reflexive appraisal of the homeland and its cultural values and norms. An interpretive approach is used to make sense of the subjective meanings that Brazilians create under diasporic conditions in relation to the host country and their homeland. This approach also aims to ascertain how diaspora consciousness is shaped in the host country through specific texts, discourses, practices and institutions.