openThis thesis explores the cultural and emotional significance of saudade, a central emotion in Lusophone cultures, particularly among Brazilian migrants. Rooted in complex feelings, saudade plays an important role in shaping identity and emotional well-being for Brazilians living abroad. Using a mixed-methods approach, this research examines how saudade is experienced, the emotional states it evokes, and the coping strategies employed by migrants to manage these feelings. Data were collected through autobiographical narratives and surveys, with 35 Brazilian migrants across Europe and North America participating in the study.
The findings reveal that saudade is a frequent and powerful emotion, triggered by everyday experiences, cultural differences, and separation from loved ones. Migrants employ various coping strategies to manage these feelings, ranging from maintaining social connections to reconnecting with Brazilian cultural elements. The analysis provides a deeper understanding of how saudade influences the acculturation process and impacts the emotional adaptation of Brazilian migrants in their host countries.
In conclusion, this study contributes to broader discussions on identity, migration, and emotional adaptation, offering insights into the ways culture and emotion intersect in the migratory experience. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of understanding them within the specific socio-cultural contexts in which they emerge
