July 28, 2023 - English Studies

Introduction

Globalization theory examines the interconnectedness and cross-cultural exchanges in literature, analyzing how literary texts from diverse regions and societies reflect and respond to globalization. It also investigates how globalization impacts themes, narratives, characters, and literary techniques. Globalization theory also aims at explaining how writers engage with the complexities of globalized identities, hybridity, and diasporic experiences. By exploring the transnational flow of ideas, languages, and cultures in literature, this theory demonstrates an understanding of the role literature plays in shaping and challenging the transforming global landscape.

Etymology and Meanings of Globalization Theory

Paul Jay is perhaps the first theorist who has outlined globalization literary theory in his book, Global Matters: The Transnational Turn in Literary Studies, published in 2010. He coined the term global theory. He states it is a framework that delves into how global processes impact literary output and how this output responds to global processes, shifting the focus from traditional, national-centered perspectives to a more interconnected world.

Globalization Theory As a Literary Theory

Definition: Globalization theory as a literary theory refers to an interdisciplinary approach that examines how literature reflects and engages with the processes of globalization. It explores the representation and influence of global interconnectedness, cultural exchange, and transnational themes within literary works.

Focus on Interconnectedness: Globalization theory emphasizes the interconnected nature of contemporary literature, considering how authors and texts respond to global events, flows of people, ideas, and cultural exchange. It shows the critique to look at how globalization shapes literary narratives and characters.
Transnational Themes: Globalization theory often focuses on themes that transcend national boundaries, such as migration, diaspora, cosmopolitanism, hybridity, and the erosion of cultural barriers. It looks at how these themes literary works portray.
Impact on Form and Genre: This theory also explores how the influence of globalization extends beyond content to affect the form and genre of literary texts. It investigates how global perspectives shape narratives and how writers experiment with new forms to represent global complexities.

Postcolonial Perspective: Globalization literary theory often intersects with postcolonial studies, examining how globalization perpetuates or challenges the legacies of colonialism and imperialism in literary representations.
Cultural Identity and Hybridity: Globalization literary theory delves into how globalization influences cultural identities and highlights the concept of hybridity, where cultural traditions intersect and merge, shaping the voices and perspectives of literary works.
Global Literary Canon: Globalization theory also addresses the formation of a global literary canon, considering which texts from different cultures and regions gain prominence and how they contribute to a shared global literary heritage.

Critiques and Challenges: Like any theory, Globalization theory in literature faces critiques, including concerns about cultural homogenization, Western dominance, and the commodification of diverse narratives in the global literary market.
Evolution and Future Directions: As a dynamic field, Globalization theory in literature continues to evolve, adapting to new global realities, technological advancements, and ongoing transformations in the literary landscape.
Interdisciplinary Nature: Globalization theory often collaborates with other disciplines such as cultural studies, sociology, anthropology, and political science to gain a comprehensive understanding of the interactions between literature and globalization.

Literature as a Mirror of Globalization: Globalization theory also views literature as a mirror of our interconnected world, reflecting the complexities, challenges, and possibilities that arise from the process of globalization.

Theorists, Works and Arguments about Globalization Literary Theory

Theorist	Work	Argument
Arjun Appadurai	Modernity at Large: Cultural Dimensions of Globalization (1996)	Arjun Appadurai is a prominent figure in the field of globalization theory or studies. In Modernity at Large, he discusses the cultural dimensions of globalization, including its impact on literature. He introduces the concept of “scapes,” which are global flows of people, technology, and media that influence cultural interactions and representations in literature.
Homi K. Bhabha	The Location of Culture (1994)	Homi K. Bhabha’s work on postcolonial theory and cultural hybridity has significant implications for globalization theory. In The Location of Culture, Bhabha explores the idea of “Third Space,” a space of cultural negotiation and emergence of new identities in the context of globalization, which is relevant to the study of literature and its portrayal of cultural encounters.
Saskia Sassen	Globalization and Its Discontents: Essays on the New Mobility of People and Money (1998)	Saskia Sassen’s research on globalization and its effects on society sheds light on how literature reflects the global movements of people, ideas, and capital. In her work, she discusses the impact of economic globalization on cultural production and representation in literary texts. This book also enhances understanding about globalization theory.
Emily Apter	Against World Literature: On the Politics of Untranslatability (2013)	Emily Apter’s work challenges the notion of “World Literature” in the context of globalization. She critiques the universalizing tendencies of world literature and instead focuses on the politics of untranslatability and the importance of preserving linguistic and cultural specificities in a globalized literary landscape. It also sharpens the understanding of the readers about this theory.
Franco Moretti	Graphs, Maps, Trees: Abstract Models for Literary History (2005)	Franco Moretti’s work contributes to globalization theory by introducing quantitative and abstract models to study global literary patterns and circulation. He uses graphs and maps to analyze the distribution and connections of literature across different cultures and regions, providing new insights into the effects of globalization on the literary world.
Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak	A Critique of Postcolonial Reason: Toward a History of the Vanishing Present (1999)	Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak’s ideas on postcolonialism and subaltern studies are essential in understanding the impact of globalization on literary representations of marginalized voices. Her work highlights the challenges faced by these voices in the context of globalization and how literature can play a role in amplifying their stories and struggles. These ideas are very good for understanding globalization theory.

Significance of Globalization Theory in English Studies

It holds significant importance in English Studies as it facilitates a deeper understanding of how literature and language are shaped and influenced by the interconnectedness of cultures and societies worldwide. Through the lens of globalization, scholars can analyze how literary texts traverse geographic and cultural boundaries, exploring themes of migration, diaspora, and hybridity.

It offers insights into the evolving nature of English as a global language, examining its usage and impact in diverse contexts. Moreover, it enables a critical examination of postcolonial and transcultural literature, revealing the complexities of power dynamics, identity negotiation, and cultural exchange. Overall, the incorporation of globalization theory enriches English Studies by fostering a broader perspective on literary and linguistic phenomena in an increasingly interconnected and diverse world.

Etymology of Literary Device Aphorism

The literary device, aphorism, originated from Greek term, aphorismos, which means “definition” or “distinction.” It is a concise statement that expresses a general truth or moral principle.

Meanings of Literary Device Aphorism

Some common meanings of the term in literature include:

Moral lessons: Aphorisms are often used to convey a moral lesson or to express a particular philosophy.

Commentary on society: Aphorisms offer commentary on society or critique social norms or conventions.
Satire: They could be satire, offering a witty and often sarcastic commentary on human behavior or societal norms.
Summarization: Aphorisms summarize a larger work or convey a complex idea in a concise and memorable way.

Aphorism in Grammar

Grammatically, an aphorism is a type of statement or sentence that expresses a general truth or moral principle. Therefore, it is a declarative sentence. It is also a simple sentence but could be compounded in some cases.

As a word, however, it is a singular noun and its plural is aphorisms.

Definition of Aphorism

It is a concise and memorable statement that expresses a general truth or moral principle. As a literary device, it is often used to convey a complex idea or philosophy in a brief and memorable way.

Common Examples of Aphorism

Here are some common examples:

Aphorism	Explanation
“Actions speak louder than’ words.”	This aphorism suggests that people’s actions are more important than their words, and that it is better to judge people by what they do rather than what they say.
“Honesty is the best policy.”	This aphorism suggests that telling the truth is always the best approach, and that honesty is more important than deception or dishonesty.
“The early bird catches the worm.”	This aphorism suggests that people who act quickly and decisively are more likely to be successful than those who hesitate or delay.
“Time heals all wounds.”	This aphorism suggests that the passage of time can help to heal emotional or physical wounds, and that it is important to be patient and allow time to do its work.
“You can’t have your cake and eat it too.”	This aphorism that it is impossible to have two desirable things at the same time, and that people must often make difficult choices and sacrifices in life.

Literary Examples of Aphorism

Example	Explanation
“All that glitters is not gold.” – Shakespeare, The Merchant of Venice	This aphorism that appearances can be deceiving, and that just because something looks valuable or desirable, it does not necessarily mean that it is.
“The pen is mightier than the sword.” – Bulwer-Lytton, Richelieu	This aphorism suggests that words and ideas have more power than violence and force, and that through writing and speaking, people can effect change and make a difference.
“To be or not to be, that is the question.” – Shakespeare, Hamlet	This aphorism suggests that the fundamental question of human existence is whether to live or to die, and that life is full of difficult choices and decisions.
“An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.” – Exodus 21:24	This aphorism suggests that justice should be proportional, and that punishments should be commensurate with the crimes committed.
“The road to hell is paved with good intentions.” – Samuel Johnson, The History of Rasselas, Prince of Abissinia	This aphorism suggests that good intentions are not enough, and that even with the best of intentions, people can make mistakes and do harm.
“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” – Nietzsche, Twilight of the Idols	Here it suggests that adversity and struggle can make people stronger and more resilient, and that challenges should be embraced rather than avoided.
“Better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven.” – Milton, Paradise Lost	This aphorism suggests that some people would rather have power and control, even if it means being in a negative or harmful situation, rather than being subservient to others.
“Actions speak louder than words.” – Abraham Lincoln	This aphorism suggests that people’s actions are more important than their words, and that deeds and actions are the true measure of a person’s character.
“Life is a journey, not a destination.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson	This aphorism suggests that life is a process of growth and change, and that the experiences and lessons learned along the way are more important than the ultimate destination.
“Don’t judge a book by its cover.” – George Eliot, The Mill on the Floss	This aphorism suggests that people should not judge others based solely on their appearance, and that it is important to get to know someone before making judgments about them.

How to Create Aphorism

Creating an aphorism can be a challenging task, as they are short, concise statements that convey a universal truth or principle. Here are some steps you can follow to create your own literary device aphorism:

Identify a universal truth or principle

Express it in a concise way
Use poetic language
Test it out

Benefits of Using Aphorism

There are several benefits of using the literary device aphorism in literature. Here are some of them:

Memorable and impactful
Adds depth and richness

Provides wisdom and guidance
Shows author’s insight and skill
Enhances the theme and tone

Aphorism in Literary Theory

Aphorisms have been used in various literary theories as a way to convey ideas in a concise and impactful manner. Here are some examples of how they have been used in different literary theories:

Literary Theory	How it Interprets Aphorisms	Example Critique	Example
British Humanism	British humanism interprets aphorisms as a means to convey ideas about human nature and the human experience, emphasizing the importance of being true to oneself.	It promotes self-authenticity and individuality but may overlook the complexities of social and cultural contexts.	“To thine own self be true.” – William Shakespeare
Postmodernism	It Interprets aphorisms as a tool to question established beliefs and norms, challenging the idea of a single objective reality.	While this aphorism highlights the constructed nature of reality, its extreme skepticism may undermine the possibility of any truth.	“The simulacrum is never that which conceals the truth—it is the truth which conceals that there is none. The simulacrum is true.” – Jean Baudrillard
Postcolonialism	This theory interprets aphorisms as a way to convey the experiences of colonized peoples and challenge dominant narratives.	This aphorism exposes the problematic Orientalist approach, but its brevity may oversimplify the complexities of postcolonial discourse.	“Orientalism is a style of thought based upon an ontological and epistemological distinction made between ‘the Orient’ and (most of the time) ‘the Occident.’” – Edward Said
Feminism	It interprets aphorisms as a means to convey the experiences of women and challenge gender stereotypes.	It critiques the notion of innate femininity, but it may overlook intersectional aspects of gender identity and experiences.	“One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman.” – Simone de Beauvoir
Structuralism	Interprets aphorisms as illustrations of how language and structure shape meaning, emphasizing the importance of differences.	While highlighting the role of differences in meaning-making, this aphorism may overlook other aspects, such as cultural and contextual influences.	“In language there are only differences. Even more important: a difference generally implies positive terms between which the difference is set up.” – Ferdinand de Saussure

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Day: July 28, 2023

Globalization Theory, Theorists and Arguments