Discursive Construction of Bicultural Identity : A Cross-Generational Sociolinguistic Study on Oromo-Americans in Minnesota

Deffa, Oromiya-jalata

ISBN 10: 3631673124 / ISBN 13: 9783631673126

Published by Peter Lang GmbH, Internationaler Verlag der Wissenschaften, 2016

About this Item

Seller Inventory # 26299369-n

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Discursive Construction of Bicultural Identity : A Cross-Generational Sociolinguistic Study on Oromo-Americans in Minnesota
• Publisher: Peter Lang GmbH, Internationaler Verlag der Wissenschaften
• Publication Date: 2016
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 3631673124
• ISBN 13: 9783631673126
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

The author examines the cultural identity development of Oromo-Americans in Minnesota, an ethnic group originally located within the national borders of Ethiopia. Earlier studies on language and cultural identity have shown that the degree of ethnic orientation of minorities commonly decreases from generation to generation. Yet oppression and a visible minority status were identified as factors delaying the process of de-ethnicization. Given that Oromos fled persecution in Ethiopia and are confronted with the ramifications of a visible minority status in the U.S., it can be expected that they have retained strong ties to their ethnic culture. This study, however, came to a more complex and theory-building result.

About the Author

Oromiya-Jalata Deffa studied English and American studies with a focus on sociolinguistics at the University of Potsdam. Her research interest is the discursive construction of social identity and she has taught a wide range of sociolinguistic seminars.