A Framework for Analyzing Intercultural Identity in Contemporary English Fiction

Thesis Abstract

The increasing diversification of contemporary English fiction underscores the necessity for a comprehensive analytical framework to understand the representation and formation of intercultural identities within literary texts. This study addresses the critical gap in existing literary and cultural studies by developing an innovative, context-specific framework for analyzing intercultural identity in contemporary English fiction. The primary aim is to elucidate the mechanisms through which authors depict, negotiate, and challenge multicultural and transnational identities, thereby contributing to a deeper theoretical understanding of intercultural dynamics in literary Narratives. The research specifically seeks to establish a systematic analytical model that integrates literary analysis with intercultural communication theories, aiming to enhance interpretive coherence and applicability in literary critique. The methodological approach adopted in this study is predominantly qualitative, employing a multiple case study design. The population comprises twenty-five contemporary English novels published between 2010 and 2023, selected through purposive sampling based on criteria such as thematic focus on intercultural encounters, author diversity, and critical acclaim. Data collection involves detailed textual analysis via thematic analysis and close reading, supplemented by semi-structured interviews with ten authors to gain insights into their creative processes and intercultural perspectives. The textual data are analyzed using NVivo qualitative analysis software, with coding guided by the emerging components of the proposed analytical framework. Additionally, triangulation with critical reviews and literary critiques ensures robustness and depth of interpretation. The development of the framework draws on postcolonial theory, particularly Homi Bhabha’s notions of hybridity and the liminal space, alongside intercultural communication models such as Gudykunst’s Anxiety-Uncertainty Management Theory. These theories underpin the analysis of how characters and narratives negotiate intercultural identities, emphasizing themes like cultural hybridity, identity dislocation, and assimilation. The framework also incorporates narrative analysis techniques to examine linguistic cues, character development, and thematic motifs, allowing for nuanced interpretation of intercultural identity construction. Expected findings anticipate that the framework will reveal diverse narrative strategies employed by authors—ranging from foregrounding hybridity to depicting cultural conflict—contributing to a typology of intercultural identities as represented in contemporary English fiction. The study is expected to show that literary representations often oscillate between cultural affirmation and critique, displaying complex identities that challenge monolithic cultural categories. Furthermore, the analysis is likely to demonstrate that the authors’ intercultural perspectives influence narrative structures and character arcs, serving as reflective and transformative elements within the texts. This research contributes theoretically by offering a novel, integrative framework that can be employed by literary scholars, cultural theorists, and educators for analyzing intercultural dimensions in literature. It also advances understanding of contemporary intercultural narratives, emphasizing their pedagogical and critical relevance in increasingly multicultural societies. Practically, the framework provides a systematic approach for literary analysis, which can be adapted for comparative studies across different cultural contexts and literary traditions. The main conclusion underscores the importance of employing a multidimensional analytical lens to comprehend the complexities of intercultural identities in contemporary English fiction. The study recommends that future research extend this framework to other genres, incorporate digital literary forms, and explore intercultural themes in non-English language literature. It advocates for integrating intercultural literary analysis into broader cultural, educational, and policy discussions to foster greater intercultural understanding and dialogue through literary studies. The findings aim to enrich both academic scholarship and practical engagements with multicultural narratives, emphasizing their transformative potential in fostering social cohesion and intercultural awareness.