Integration of Polish migrants in Thuringia and the phenomenon of “casual interactions”

The article presents the results of qualitative research on the migration of Poles to Germany to the state of Thuringia. One of the goals of the research conducted in 2023 was to learn about the ways in which migrants build relationships with the local community, their contribution to social and cultural integration, and the main barriers that appeared in the integration processes. The author conducted free, focused interviews, which were subjected to qualitative analysis. The surveyed people demonstrated a particular approach to the process of social and cultural integration. The analysis of the respondents statements shows the importance of the phenomenon of casual interactions, which concerns everyday conversations, interactions in specific social contexts or non-committal, polite responses to the inhabitants of the host country. The author points out that although casual interactions are not intended to be permanent, in the form of short, unfocused conversations they create opportunities to learn the language, adapt social and cultural elements or internalize norms, which creates achievable effects in the form of social and career advancement and properly ongoing integration processes.