Abstract

This study explored the complex interplay of cultural identity and language use within African Diaspora literature. Three research questions were formulated to guide the study. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population of the study comprised of 258 Literarians in the Faculty of Arts, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Since the population of the study was manageable and was used for the study, there was no need for sampling techniques. The entire population was included in the research, ensuring comprehensive and representative data collection. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire developed by the researchers, titled: Cultural Identity and Language Use in African Diaspora Literature Questionnaire (CILUDLQ). The instrument was face validated by three experts in the Department of English and Literary Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The internal consistency of reliability was ascertained using Chronbach Alpha and an overall reliability estimate of 0.84 was obtained, while Mean scores and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions. The findings of the study revealed that authors employed various linguistic strategies, including code-switching, vernacular expressions, and metaphors, to authentically convey cultural heritage and negotiate identities. The findings of the study revealed that challenges in representing cultural identity while appealing to diverse audiences were identified, highlighting the delicate balance required. The findings of the study also revealed that the pivotal role of African Diaspora literature in promoting linguistic diversity and preserving cultural heritage in a globalized context was underscored. Insights from literary scholars and community perspectives informed discussions on the dynamics of cultural identity in literature. Based on these findings, it was recommended among others that authors of African Diaspora Literature engage in continuous dialogue with diverse community members to ensure nuanced and authentic portrayals of cultural identity. This study contributes to the understanding of how African Diaspora literature navigates the complexities of cultural identity representation, offering insights into the challenges and recommendations for achieving authenticity and resonance with diverse audiences.

Description