THE IMPACT OF HYBRIDITY AND MIMICRY ON THE INDIAN IMMIGRANTS’ IDENTITY: A POSTCOLONIAL ANALYSIS IN JHUMPA LAHIRI’S THE LOWLAND

Yeni Istari

Abstract


This research has two objectives: (1) to identify the forms of hybridity and mimicry done by

Indian immigrant characters in the US, (2) to analyze how hybridity and mimicry affect their identity. Therefore, post-colonialism theory specifically on the discussion upon hybridity and mimicry is applied. This research falls into qualitative research. The data of this research are in the forms of words, sentences and paragraphs taken from Lahiri’s The Lowland related to the form of hybridity and mimicry done by the characters and the effects on their identity. The content analysis technique is used to analyze the data by reading, understanding and interpreting the data. The results of this research are that the form of hybridity experienced by the characters is linguistic hybridity and the forms of mimicry done by the characters are mimicry of manner, value and lifestyle. The interpretation of the data shows that hybridity and mimicry lead the characters to have double consciousness.

 

Keywords: Jhumpa Lahiri’s The Lowland, post-colonialism, hybridity, mimicry, identity, double consciousness

 


Full Text:

PDF

References


Printed Sources:

Ashcroft, Bill, Gareth Griffiths and Helen

Triffin. 1998. Key Concepts in Post-Colonial Studies. London and New York: Routledge

Barry, Peter. 2002. Beginning Theory: An Introduction to Literary and Cultural Theory Second Edition. Manchester: Manchester University Press.

Bertens, Hans. 2001. Literary Theory: The Basics. London and New York: Routledge

.

Bhabha, Homi K. 1994. The Location of Culture. London and New York: Routledge.

Castle, Stephen. 2007.Twenty-first century migration as a challenge to sociology. Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies Vol.33 p.351-

Given, Lisa M (Ed.). 2008. The Sage Encyclopedia of Qualitative Research Methods Volumes 1&2. Los Angeles, London, New Delhi and Singapore: Sage Publications.

Hall, Stuart. 1990. Cultural Identity and Diaspora. In: Jonathan Rutherford (ed.) Identity: Community, Culture, Difference. London: Lawrence & Wishart, pp. 222-37.

Lahiri, Jhumpa. 2013. The Lowland. New

York: Vintage Books.

Mercer, Kobena. 1995. Welcome to the Jungle: Identity and Diversity in Postmodern Politics, in Jonathan Rutherford (ed.), Identity: Community, Culture, Difference. London: Lawrence & Wishart.

Tyson, Lois. 2006. Critical Theory Today: A User Friendly Guide Second Edition. New York and London: Routledge.

Electronic Sources:

Singh, Amardeep. 2009. “Mimicry and Hybridity in Plain English.” http://www.lehigh.edu//. Retrieved on October 27, 2016.


Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.