Intersections of Ethnicity and Narration: Rewriting Histories in Diasporic English Fiction
Dr. P. Prasantham
Associate Professor of English
Aditya Institute of Technology and Management
Tekkali, Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh - 532203
E-mail: prasantham3455@gmail.com
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7616-1407
Abstract
Diasporic English fiction emerges as a powerful medium for revisiting and rewriting histories, presenting unique intersections of ethnicity, memory, and narrative innovation. This paper examines how diasporic authors navigate the complex terrain of cultural hybridity, engaging with themes of displacement, belonging, and identity reconstruction. Through narrative strategies that intertwine personal and collective memories, these texts challenge dominant historical discourses and foreground marginalized perspectives. By reconfiguring temporalities and employing techniques like fragmented narration and intertextuality, they construct spaces where silenced histories are reclaimed and retold. The analysis emphasizes the role of memory in shaping diasporic identities, where personal recollections often serve as counter-narratives to colonial historiography. Moreover, the dynamic interplay between ethnicity and cultural hybridity underscores the tension between preserving heritage and assimilating into new sociocultural contexts. This negotiation is reflected in narrative forms that blur boundaries between history and fiction, offering fresh insights into the lived realities of diasporic communities. Ultimately, the paper highlights how diasporic English fiction not only bridges gaps between the past and the present but also serves as a vital platform for addressing contemporary issues of identity, belonging, and representation. By examining selected works from prominent diasporic authors, the study contributes to broader discussions on postcolonial literature and the transformative power of storytelling in reclaiming histories and shaping identities.
Keywords: diasporic fiction, memory, ethnicity, cultural hybridity, narrative strategies
