Diaspora as Translation and Decolonisation

This book explores the transformative potential of the diaspora concept by examining how diasporas undertake translation and decolonization, with a specific focus on the Kurdish diaspora in Europe and the backlash diasporas of color have faced in the Global North.

Format: Hardback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2022
Publisher: Manchester University Press

This groundbreaking study takes a critical approach to existing conceptualizations of diaspora, contending that for the concept to hold analytical significance, it must shed light on a particular facet of migration or migrancy. In order to unveil the immense transformative potential of the concept, the book delves specifically into how diasporas engage in translation and decolonization. It provides a wealth of conceptual tools for exploring diaspora, with a particular emphasis on diasporas in the Global North and a comprehensive empirical study of the Kurdish diaspora in Europe. Additionally, the book explores the challenges faced by diasporas of color in the Global North.

The study challenges the dominant narratives surrounding diasporas, which often portray them as solely driven by economic factors or as victims of oppression. Instead, it argues that diasporas are complex entities that are shaped by a range of factors, including history, culture, and political context. The book explores how diasporas negotiate these complexities and create new forms of identity and belonging in their host communities.

One of the key themes of the study is the role of language in diasporic identity formation. The book argues that language plays a crucial role in shaping diasporic consciousness and in maintaining connections with ancestral homelands. It explores how diasporas use language to preserve their cultural heritage, to create new forms of cultural expression, and to navigate the challenges of living in a foreign land.

Another important aspect of the study is the role of transnationalism in diasporic communities. The book argues that transnationalism is not simply a matter of geographical distance but also of social and cultural connections that transcend borders. It explores how diasporas use transnational networks to exchange knowledge, resources, and ideas, and to advocate for their rights and interests.

The book also considers the impact of globalization on diasporic communities. It argues that globalization has created new opportunities for diasporas to connect with each other and to engage with the broader world, but it has also led to the marginalization and oppression of some diasporas. The book explores how diasporas respond to these challenges and how they create new forms of resistance and resilience.

In conclusion, this innovative study offers a fresh and insightful perspective on diasporas, challenging traditional narratives and highlighting the complex and multifaceted nature of these communities. It provides a wealth of conceptual tools for investigating diaspora, with a particular focus on diasporas in the Global North and a detailed empirical study of the Kurdish diaspora in Europe. The book also considers the backlash diasporas of color have faced in the Global North, and it offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by these communities.

Weight: 356g
Dimension: 145 x 225 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526134684