Discursive Construction of Bicultural Identity

The author analyzes the discursive construction of cultural identity by examining the cultural identity development of Oromo-Americans in Minnesota. To this end, three linguistic methods were applied: pronoun analysis, conceptual metaphor theory, and the tactics of intersubjectivity.

The author examines the cultural identity development of Oromo-Americans in Minnesota, an ethnic group originally located within the national borders of Ethiopia. Earlier studies on language and cultural identity have shown that the degree of ethnic orientation of minorities commonly decreases from generation to generation. Yet oppression and a visible minority status were identified as factors delaying the process of de-ethnicization. Given that Oromos fled persecution in Ethiopia and are confronted with the ramifications of a visible minority status in the U.S., it can be expected that they have retained strong ties to their ethnic culture. This study, however, came to a more complex and theory-building result.

Autorentext

Oromiya-Jalata Deffa studied English and American studies with a focus on sociolinguistics at the University of Potsdam. Her research interest is the discursive construction of social identity and she has taught a wide range of sociolinguistic seminars.

Inhalt
Contents: Cultural identity development of ethnic minorities in a Western diaspora Oromo-Americans Language and cultural identity Social constructionism Cognitive Sociolinguistics Pronoun distribution Pronoun analysis Conceptual metaphor and metonymy Tactics of intersubjectivity.