Kalamida Ellas

     My research explores the manner in which political symbols are created and communicated in song lyrics, and how those conveyed messages stimulate political consciousness and action. In addition, I am interested in how songs are used to systematically classify and establish boundaries between groups with differing political and social interests.

     I have employed ethnographic and ethnohistorical methods to examine how symbols were used and interpreted by different Greek social and political groups from independence of the modern state through politically-charged events of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. My symbolic analyses of lyrics demonstrated how songs were used to convey political messages and form bonds of solidarity between people with shared ideological viewpoints.

     In addition to my research focused on Greece, I have studied various aspects of the Greek-American community of Astoria , Queens . In my dissertation, I paid close attention both to the history of immigration of this group into the United States , and to the role played by music in maintaining cultural identity in the Diaspora.

     Currently, I am revising my dissertation into a book manuscript, and also researching symbolism associated with the revival of certain old “rebetika” songs being used for wedding parties.


			Office:	Powdermaker Hall 315M
			Phone:	(718) 997-5517
			Fax:	(718) 997-2885
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		Research:
		My research explores the manner in which political symbols are created and communicated in song lyrics, and how those conveyed messages stimulate political consciousness and action. In addition, I am interested in how songs are used to systematically classify and establish boundaries between groups with differing political and social interests. I have employed ethnographic and ethnohistorical methods to examine how symbols were used and interpreted by different Greek social and political groups from independence of the modern state through politically-charged events of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. My symbolic analyses of lyrics demonstrated how songs were used to convey political messages and form bonds of solidarity between people with shared ideological viewpoints. In addition to my research focused on Greece, I have studied various aspects of the Greek-American community of Astoria , Queens . In my dissertation, I paid close attention both to the history of immigration of this group into the United States , and to the role played by music in maintaining cultural identity in the Diaspora. Currently, I am revising my dissertation into a book manuscript, and also researching symbolism associated with the revival of certain old “rebetika” songs being used for wedding parties.
Publications:
1994. "The Trip to the White Snow." New Hesperia Summer-Fall:73-74