The Csango in Ghimes-Faget : boundary and ethnic definition in Transylvania : an honors thesis (HONRS 499)

Abstract

A short ethnographic field study in Transylvania led to interesting questions about self-identification in a traditionally multi-ethnic region-one that has been contested for most of the region's history. The complicated and dichotomous accounts of Transylvania's history and the development of national consciousness in the two nations (Hungary and Romania) who claim the region are examined. This framework contextualizes the issues surrounding an enigmatic and equally contested ethnic minority found in the Ghime~-Faget area of Transylvania. The Csang6 have been rejected and claimed by both nations throughout history, but lack internal definition and presently do not often self-identify in society. The information gained through field study observation and interviews is analyzed following a discussion of the historical contestation of Transylvania and the Csang6 found in the English literature.