IDENTITY CRISIS AND CULTURAL HYBRIDITY IN SHAFAQ THERE ARE RIVERS IN THE SKY
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19535258Keywords:
Belonging, Cultural Clash, Identity, Immigrant, MinoritiesAbstract
This study highlights the issues of identity crisis, cultural clash, belonging, and concerns surrounding ethnic and racial identification as key interpretations of immigrant experiences. It examines Elif Shafak’s “There Are Rivers in the Sky”, arguing that the characters’ interactions with their cultural contexts play a vital role in shaping and reshaping their identities. Drawing on the theoretical perspectives of Stuart Hall, Will Kymlicka, and Homi K. Bhabha, the research explores how minority identities navigate mainstream cultural landscapes. It focuses particularly on the Yazidi community, emphasizing the protagonist’s struggle for self-realization and cultural identity. By investigating the intersection of identity, culture, and history, Shafak presents a nuanced portrayal of the human experience. This inquiry ultimately aims to raise awareness about race, displacement, and identity, while shedding light on the tensions between traditional identities and the ongoing search for belonging in an increasingly globalized world.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Aqsa Kanwal, Sara Anam, Dr Professer Mashar Hayat (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
