Representing Identity: Language and Narratives in the Global Literary Festival Organization

Thesis Abstract

This study investigates the role of language and storytelling in the construction and representation of cultural and national identities within the context of the Global Literary Festival Organization, a prominent platform that facilitates intercultural dialogue through literary events worldwide. Recognizing the increasing influence of such festivals in shaping perceptions of identity amid globalization, the research aims to examine how language choices and narrative strategies employed by organizers, participants, and audiences reflect and construct collective identities. The primary objectives are to analyze the linguistic features used in festival programs, speeches, and promotional materials; to explore the narratives and discourses surrounding identity politics within festival interactions; and to assess how these elements influence attendees’ perceptions of cultural diversity and national belonging. Employing a qualitative case study design, the research utilizes a purposive sample of twenty-five key organizational representatives, fifty festival participants across five major editions, and a sample of 200 festival attendees obtained through stratified random sampling to ensure demographic representativeness. Data collection instruments include semi-structured interviews, content analysis of festival publications, and participant observation during festival events over a two-year period. The interviews are audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and supplemented by field notes to capture contextual nuances. Data analysis employs thematic analysis for interview transcripts and discourse analysis for textual materials, guided by Fairclough’s Critical Discourse Analysis framework and Social Identity Theory as the guiding conceptual lens. The study anticipates revealing that language choices—such as the use of inclusive versus exclusive vocabulary, code-switching, and metaphors—serve as strategic devices to construct a sense of shared identity or to delineate cultural boundaries within the festival space. It is expected that narratives emphasizing unity in diversity foster positive perceptions of intercultural dialogue, while those emphasizing otherness or stereotypes reinforce existing cultural divides. The analysis will also identify how festival organizers deploy storytelling to legitimize certain identities and marginalize others, contributing to a nuanced understanding of identity representation in global literary discourses. This research contributes new knowledge by elucidating the intersection of language, storytelling, and identity politics within a transnational cultural event, expanding the theoretical discourse on festival ethnography and discourse analysis in the context of globalization. It advances the understanding of how linguistic and narrative strategies shape collective identity formation, influencing broader cultural and social perceptions. Methodologically, the combined use of thematic and discourse analysis within a multi-perspective case study offers a comprehensive approach to examining complex cultural phenomena. The main conclusions are expected to highlight the dual role of language and narratives as tools of inclusion and exclusion within the festival setting, suggesting that mindful use of language can enhance intercultural understanding and promote social cohesion. Recommendations include the development of guidelines for festival organizers aimed at employing more inclusive language practices and narrative strategies to foster genuinely diverse and equitable representation. The study further advocates for ongoing research into digital extensions of literary festivals and their evolving role in identity construction in the digital age. Through these insights, the research aims to inform policymakers, cultural organizers, and scholars interested in the formative power of language and storytelling in the global cultural landscape.