Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 
 

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

Aquí v Allá, Hier v Dort: The Role of Spanglish and Kanak Sprak in Identity formation

Strains, Jessica Margaret Marie

Abstract Details

2011, Master of Arts (MA), Bowling Green State University, German.

This study investigates the ways in which Turkish-Germans and Hispanic-Americans have historically represented themselves in literature, and the influence these literary representations have on the identity formation of members who are categorized with these ethnic groups. The evolution of minority literature, which increasingly rejects the concept of a “pure” or “natural” identity in favor of a created hybrid identity, point to the transformation of the conceptualization of identity and culture in both minority and mainstream society.

This study examines the development of Turkish-German and Hispanic-American literature in reverse chronological order, beginning with contemporary literary stylings of authors such as Feridun Zaimoglu and Gloria Anzaldúa. The study then analyzes earlier literary representations of Turkish-German and Hispanic-American authors which demonstrate an understanding of identity as an ideally “natural” or “pure” concept. The works of Zafer Şenocak, Sadi Ücüncü, Alev Tekinay, and Aysel Ozakin, Pedro Pietri, and Rudolfo Gonzales, among others, are analyzed with a specific focus on represented perceptions of identity and culture.

Based on this study, I conclude that the ability of literature to present and analyze complex identity formations without relying on stereotypes or simplistic paradigms necessitates the analysis of immigrant literature to identify common patterns in identity formation among various immigrant groups. An important component of the creation and acceptance of a modern concept of identity has been the creation of hybrid languages. Language is a key component of identity and the language use of individuals is a public expression of identification with specific cultural or linguistic groups. The relationship among language, literature, and politics identifies the potential of language to both reflect upon and create social change.

Edgar Landgraf (Advisor)
Geoffrey Howes (Committee Member)
105 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Strains, J. M. M. (2011). Aquí v Allá, Hier v Dort: The Role of Spanglish and Kanak Sprak in Identity formation [Master's thesis, Bowling Green State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1300550486

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Strains, Jessica. Aquí v Allá, Hier v Dort: The Role of Spanglish and Kanak Sprak in Identity formation. 2011. Bowling Green State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1300550486.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Strains, Jessica. "Aquí v Allá, Hier v Dort: The Role of Spanglish and Kanak Sprak in Identity formation." Master's thesis, Bowling Green State University, 2011. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1300550486

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)