Interculturalism in Literature & Literary Theory

Interculturalism: Etymology, Meanings and Concept

Etymology/Term:

The term “interculturalism” is derived from the combination of “inter,” meaning between or among, and “cultural,” pertaining to the beliefs, customs, and practices of a particular group. Coined in the late 20th century, interculturalism is distinct from multiculturalism and emphasizes interaction and exchange between diverse cultures, fostering understanding and collaboration.

Meanings and Concept:

• Interaction and Exchange: Interculturalism promotes active engagement and communication between different cultural groups, encouraging dialogue and shared experiences.
• Mutual Respect: The concept emphasizes the importance of recognizing and respecting the distinctiveness of each culture while finding common ground to build connections.
• Integration of Diversity: Unlike assimilation, interculturalism values maintaining cultural diversity within a society while promoting unity and cooperation among its members.
• Cultural Fluency: Interculturalism encourages individuals to develop skills in navigating and understanding various cultures, fostering a more inclusive and harmonious social environment.
• Social Cohesion: The ultimate goal of interculturalism is to create a cohesive and interconnected society where people from diverse backgrounds can live together harmoniously, appreciating and learning from one another.

Interculturalism: Definition of a Theoretical Term

Interculturalism is a theoretical framework that promotes active and meaningful interaction between different cultures, emphasizing mutual understanding and respect. Unlike assimilation or mere coexistence, interculturalism seeks to foster a dynamic exchange of ideas, values, and practices among diverse groups within a society. The concept aims to create a harmonious social environment by encouraging individuals to engage with, appreciate, and learn from the richness of cultural diversity.

Interculturalism: Theorists, Works and Arguments

Theorists:

• Ted Cantle: Known for his work on community cohesion, Cantle has contributed to the interculturalism discourse by emphasizing the importance of shared spaces and intercultural dialogue in fostering social harmony.
• Richard Lewellen: An anthropologist, Lewellen has explored interculturalism in the context of global interactions, examining how cultures influence and shape each other in a rapidly changing world.

Works:

• “Interculturalism: The New Era of Cohesion and Diversity” by Ted Cantle: In this influential work, Cantle delves into the challenges and opportunities presented by cultural diversity, proposing interculturalism as a framework for building cohesive and inclusive societies.
• “Cultural Anthropology: A Global Perspective” by Richard Lewellen: Lewellen’s book explores the interconnectedness of cultures globally, providing insights into the dynamics of intercultural interactions and the impact of cultural exchange.

Arguments:

• Cultural Fluency: Theorists argue for the development of cultural fluency, stressing the importance of individuals acquiring the skills to navigate and understand diverse cultural landscapes.
• Dynamic Interaction: Interculturalism proponents emphasize the need for dynamic and ongoing interactions between cultures, going beyond superficial coexistence to create meaningful exchanges that contribute to social cohesion.
• Preservation of Diversity: Contrasting with assimilationist approaches, interculturalism argues for the preservation of cultural diversity within societies, asserting that it enhances social vitality and enriches collective experiences.

Interculturalism: Major Characteristics

Major Characteristics of Interculturalism	Literary Examples
Dynamic Interaction: Emphasizes ongoing and meaningful exchanges between diverse cultures.	In Jhumpa Lahiri’s “The Namesake,” the protagonist experiences dynamic interactions between Indian and American cultures, highlighting the complexity of identity in a multicultural context.
Cultural Fluency: Advocates for the development of skills to navigate and understand diverse cultural landscapes.	Amy Tan’s “The Joy Luck Club” explores cultural fluency as Chinese-American characters bridge generational and cultural gaps, reflecting the importance of understanding different cultural perspectives.
Mutual Respect: Stresses the recognition and appreciation of the distinctiveness of each culture.	Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s “Half of a Yellow Sun” portrays characters from various ethnic backgrounds in Nigeria, illustrating the importance of mutual respect amid cultural and political differences.
Integration of Diversity: Values maintaining cultural diversity within a society while promoting unity.	Zadie Smith’s “White Teeth” captures the multicultural fabric of London, showcasing how diverse characters navigate their identities and relationships in a city that symbolizes the integration of cultures.
Social Cohesion: Aims to create a harmonious society through inclusive practices.	In Khaled Hosseini’s “The Kite Runner,” the story unfolds against the backdrop of Afghanistan’s diverse cultural landscape, exploring themes of redemption and unity amidst ethnic and social tensions.

Interculturalism: Relevance in Literary Theories

Literary Theories	Relevance of Interculturalism
Postcolonial Theory:	It is relevant in postcolonial literature as it explores the interactions between colonized and colonizer cultures, shedding light on the complexities of power dynamics, identity, and cultural exchange. Authors like Chinua Achebe in “Things Fall Apart” use intercultural elements to challenge colonial narratives.
Cultural Studies:	In cultural studies, it plays a crucial role in examining how literature reflects and shapes cultural norms, identities, and societal values. Literary works become sites of intercultural negotiation, revealing the tensions and harmonies within diverse communities.
Transnationalism:	It is significant in transnational literature, where narratives move across borders and cultures. It explores the fluidity of identities and challenges the notion of fixed cultural boundaries. Jhumpa Lahiri’s “The Lowland” exemplifies transnational themes by navigating between India and the United States, showcasing the impact of geographical and cultural dislocations.
Feminist Literary Theory:	Within feminist literary theory, i contributes to understanding how women’s experiences intersect with diverse cultural contexts. Authors like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie in “Purple Hibiscus” use intercultural elements to explore the complex relationships between gender, culture, and oppression.
Globalization in Literature:	It is integral to exploring the effects of globalization on literature, as it reflects the interconnectedness of cultures in a globalized world. Mohsin Hamid’s “The Reluctant Fundamentalist” engages with intercultural themes, illustrating the impact of global events on personal and cultural identities.

Interculturalism: Application in Critiques

1. The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan:
   • Application of Interculturalism: The novel explores the intergenerational and intercultural dynamics between Chinese-American mothers and their daughters. Interculturalism is applied to critique the complex relationships shaped by cultural differences and the evolving identity of individuals caught between two cultures. The narrative underscores the importance of cultural fluency and mutual respect in navigating these complexities.
2. Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe:
   • Application of Interculturalism: Achebe’s work is analyzed through an intercultural lens to critique the collision between African tribal traditions and colonial influences. Interculturalism helps illuminate the power dynamics, mutual misunderstandings, and the consequences of cultural clashes. The critique explores how the novel challenges Eurocentric perspectives and advocates for a nuanced understanding of cultural coexistence.
3. The Lowland by Jhumpa Lahiri:
   • Application of Interculturalism: Lahiri’s novel is critiqued using interculturalism to examine the transnational experiences of the characters moving between India and the United States. The application of interculturalism highlights the integration of diversity and the challenges characters face in adapting to different cultural landscapes. The critique delves into how the narrative contributes to a broader understanding of cultural intersections and identity formation.
4. The Reluctant Fundamentalist by Mohsin Hamid:
   • Application of Interculturalism: Hamid’s novel is critiqued through an intercultural lens to explore the impact of globalization on personal and cultural identities. The application of interculturalism helps analyze the protagonist’s journey as he navigates the tension between Eastern and Western cultures. The critique examines how the narrative engages with intercultural themes, reflecting the complexities of cultural identity in a globalized world.

Interculturalism: Relevant Terms

Synonyms	Concise Definitions
1. Cross-culturalism	Interaction among diverse cultures.
2. Interethnicity	Relations between various ethnicities.
3. Cultural Exchange	Sharing customs, values, and ideas across cultures.
4. Cultural Interactions	Dynamic connections among diverse cultural backgrounds.
5. Intercommunity Relations	Relationships and interactions between communities.
6. Multicultural Engagement	Active involvement in a multicultural context.
7. Global Interculturalism	Cooperation on a global scale between diverse cultures.
8. Transculturalism	Blending and transcending cultural boundaries.
9. Inter-ethnic Dialogue	Conversations promoting understanding among ethnic groups.
10. Cross-Cultural Integration	Harmonizing diverse cultural elements.

Interculturalism: Suggested Readings

1. Appadurai, Arjun. Modernity at Large: Cultural Dimensions of Globalization. University of Minnesota Press, 1996.
2. Cantle, Ted. Interculturalism: The New Era of Cohesion and Diversity. Palgrave Macmillan, 2012.
3. Lahiri, Jhumpa. The Lowland. Alfred A. Knopf, 2013.
4. Tan, Amy. The Joy Luck Club. G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1989.