Maintaining Continuity in a Cultural Contact Zone: Identification Strategies in the Dialogical Self

Abstract

In this article we argue that the societal-level change caused by the creation of cultural contact zones due to increased immigration has implications for nationals’ cultural identities. We propose that the resultant instability of cultural I-positions demands the development of identification strategies in the Dialogical Self (Hermans, 2001a) that will enable the individual to maintain their identity continuity. Our focus involves a detailed textual analysis of three case studies of Irish nationals to investigate what identification strategies are used and to examine the sign-use these strategies employ. Using insights from Cultural Continuity Theory (Chandler & Lalonde, 1998), this article discusses the relevance of societal level processes to the Dialogical Self (Hermans, 2001a).