Cultural hybridity and the black diaspora: Representations in contemporary African and African-American narratives

Abstract

Cultural hybridity stands as a defining characteristic of Black diasporic literature, reflecting the intricate blending of African and Western traditions in the lived experiences of African and African-American communities. This study examines the representation of cultural hybridity in contemporary African and African-American narratives, with a particular focus on its role in shaping complex Black identities. By analyzing novels such as Teju Cole's Open City and Yaa Gyasi’s Homegoing, the paper explores how literature navigates the tensions between ancestral heritage and modernity, community and individuality, and belonging and alienation. Teju Cole’s Open City presents a protagonist grappling with the layered nuances of identity, tracing the intersections of race, class, and global migration. In contrast, Yaa Gyasi’s Homegoing explores generational trauma and cultural continuity, connecting African roots to the fragmented histories of descendants scattered across the diaspora. These works highlight how hybridity serves not only as a site of conflict but also as a source of strength and renewal, enabling characters to embrace multifaceted identities. Through themes such as dual identities, displacement, and cultural negotiation, this paper reveals how Black diasporic literature serves as a lens to explore the fluidity of identity. The study argues that cultural hybridity is not merely a consequence of colonialism or migration but an evolving force that redefines what it means to be African or African-American in a globalized world. Ultimately, these narratives challenge rigid notions of identity, offering a rich tapestry of voices that affirm the resilience and creativity of the Black diaspora.