Language, Identity and Diaspora: Bilingualism and Multilingualism of Characters in Burnt Shadows

Abstract

The paper delves into the themes of diaspora, identity, and language in Kamila Shamsie's novel, Burnt Shadows. The characters in the novel are portrayed as being bilingual and multilingual, which is reflective of the intricate and diverse use of language in diasporic communities. This study analyzes how bilingualism and multilingualism are depicted in the novel and how they contribute towards the construction and deconstruction of the characters' identities. By closely reading the text, the paper underscores the significance of language to diasporas in dealing with challenges caused by war, migration, displacement, and belonging. The analysis highlights how language serves as a medium of communication, an arena of conflict, and a source of cultural identity for the characters and shows the relationship between language and trauma to underline the difficulties of expressing oneself in a language that may not fully capture the depth of one's emotions. The research argues that Shamsie's portrayal of bilingual and multilingual characters offers a powerful reflection on the complexities of language and its role in shaping identities in diasporic community, which accentuates the need for a more inclusive approach towards language and identity in diasporic literary studies.