Final answer:
A diaspora is a group of immigrants living outside their original homeland while maintaining connections to it, which forms a network known as transnationalism, reflecting in cultural, social, and economic exchanges.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term for a large network of immigrants living outside their homeland while maintaining emotional and material ties is called a diaspora. Members of a diaspora typically maintain a sense of identity that is influenced by their migration experience and form societal connections through social, economic, and political networks which transcend national borders, a concept known as transnationalism. This linkage allows people to foster relationships with those from their original homeland, forming ethnic enclaves in new locations that offer a sense of community and familiarity through shared languages, customs, and practices, despite physical distance from their country of origin.
The development of diasporic communities contributes to the phenomenon of cultural hybridity, where the blending of various cultural elements leads to new cultural forms being carried into their adoptive societies. Transnationalism also affects national identities, as seen during international events like the Olympics or World Cup, where immigrants might still cheer for their country of origin, reflecting the complexity of identity that transcends geographical borders. Moreover, the creation of such networks can be politically and economically significant, as they can impact the host countries in various ways.