DIASPORA

NOTE ON DIASPORA

Diaspora (Greek, 'dispersion'), is a term used for large scale migration of people from the country of their origin to other countries, either voluntarily or due to economic or political compulsions. When we speak of the Indian Diaspora we mean Indians settled in England, America, Africa, and the Caribbean. Similarly one can discuss the Caribbean Diaspora to England, Canada and France. Diaspora studies also became an academic discipline. In literature too the text composed of such displacement constitutes the Diaspora Literature.

Diasporas refers to communities of people who have been displaced from the countries of their birth for socio-economic or political reasons. Their movement could be either forced or voluntary. Etymologically, the word diaspora was derived from the Greek word diasperien meaning to "sow or scatter seeds", which means new beginning and transplantation.

Bill Ashcroft, Gareth Griffiths and Helen Tiffin define diaspora as "the voluntary or forcible movement of peoples from their homelands into new regions... (68)." This distribution was accompanied by a corresponding yearning for the homeland. Of late, the meaning has extended to include peoples from any nation or group that live and work in other countries and who continue to retain a tenuous relationship with the motherland. People in the diaspora are deterritorialized and transnational; and their social, economic, religious and political networks are transnational too. As different social, religious, and political groups appropriate the term 'diaspora', it has begun to refer to a set of wide-ranging experiences and identities and has lost its original connotation.

The diaspora has been viewed as a social organization possessing a unique consciousness that perpetuation itself through selective modes of cultural production. The diaspora is now increasingly seen as a 'colonial hybrid' social phenomenon where 'the rite of power is enacted on the site of desire.' Diasporic populations retain linkages not only with 'home'; but also with other parts of diaspora.

The term, Indian diasporic writing can be explained by understanding the meaning of the term 'diaspora'. Diaspora is defined as a group of people who come from a particular nation or whose ancestors come from that particular nation, but who now live in other parts of the world. Indian Diasporic writings are divided into 2 forms-writings emerging from forced migration and writings emerging from voluntary migration. Forced migration is when the writers are forced to move out of the country due to various reasons. Voluntary migration, on the other hand is when Indian writers voluntarily opt to move out of India to settle abroad. These divisions therefore harbor the Indian writers who then, either criticize the country or praise it.

The Indian diaspora has expanded phenomenally in the last few decades and it is considered as an extended family. The Indian diaspora is divided into two types, namely forced migration and voluntary migration. Forced migration took place without the willingness of people, and most of them were subalterns who were moved on account of slavery or war. After the end of slavery or war, their return to the homeland becomes impossible because of financial constraints and vast distance. This physical distance takes the form of psychological alienation and the homeland of the immigrants becomes a sacred icon in their minds. The diasporic writers make use of their homeland's oral tradition, recreate lost geographies, and reclaim vanishing histories in their writings. The second type of diaspora involves voluntary migration, where people move from their country to the host country for material gains and professional opportunities in the European and western countries. This kind of movement is denotes privilege and access to contemporary advanced technology and communication.

Diasporic literature involves an idea of a homeland, a place from where the displacement occurs and narratives of harsh journeys undertaken on account of economic, social or political compulsions. Diaspora has become a contemporary social trait and also a literary genre. The experience of expatriation not only gradually disconnects the individual from his roots; it simultaneously polarizes his existence, which straddles nationality and exile.

Diaspora, therefore, is an emotional and psychological state of shuttling between two geographical and cultural states, struggling between regression and progression, dislocation and then, relocation. Diasporic literature addresses issues like nostalgia, identity, cultural hybridity, the concept of self, as well as being an insider/outsider. The diasporic consciousness manifests itself in a variety of ways: a sense of loss and dispossession, a feeling of remaining straddled between two cultures, and an anxiety to belong - either to one's native cultural milieu or to the new environment. It also involves an assertion of one's nativity or immigrant status, an attempt to turn one's in-betweeness into strength, and an active interrogation of all notions of belonging and an ultimate urgency to prove oneself.

Most home Indian women novelists depict the condition of Indian woman realistically in their writings - viewing women from different angles in various situations. Of all their observations on women, what is most striking is their observation of the passions, emotions, aspirations and longings of the said woman. Besides being oppressed by the usual difficulties and sufferings, migrant or diasporic women experience the loneliness, sadness and alienation contingent upon migration. Diasporic novelists throw light on the peculiar sufferings of such women.

The literary works of the diasporic writers focus on the perceived conflicts between the old and the new country. Such writers also dramatize discontinuous links between India and the West, between the Indian national/cultural identity and the Western nation space. South Asian diasporic writing deals with themes like farewell or movement from their motherland and tries to move beyond the geographic regions to claim a hybrid cultural space in their host country. The South Asian diasporic writer traverses his/her assorted reality whose boundaries are constantly defined and refined. The tension that exists between the geographical locations holds a prominent position in the literary narratives which helps the writers to articulate the identity of the diaspora.

SUMMARY OF DIASPORA 

The diaspora refers to the dispersal or scattering of a particular group of people from their original homeland to other parts of the world. It is commonly associated with ethnic or religious communities who have been forced to migrate or have chosen to do so due to various reasons such as political unrest, conflicts, economic opportunities, or seeking better lives.

The term diaspora has historically been used to describe Jewish communities, primarily after their forced exile from ancient Israel. However, it is now commonly used for different groups such as African diaspora, Indian diaspora, Chinese diaspora, and others.

Diaspora communities often maintain strong ties with their original homeland, cultural identity, and traditions, even after many generations. They can play a significant role in shaping and preserving their culture, language, and values, both within their host countries and in their homeland. Diaspora communities can also contribute to the economic, social, and cultural development of both their host countries and their countries of origin through remittances, investments, and cultural exchanges.

The diaspora experience can be characterized by a sense of longing, nostalgia, and dual identity. It can lead to a diverse range of experiences and challenges, including discrimination, assimilation, or the struggle to preserve cultural heritage while adapting to new environments. However, diaspora communities also often form strong networks and support systems within their host countries, providing opportunities for mutual assistance and solidarity.

Overall, the diaspora is a complex and significant aspect of human history and migration, representing dispersed communities that enrich societies around the world with their cultural heritage, diversity, and contributions.

SOME FAMOUS WORKS ON DIASPORA

There is a vast amount of literature on the topic of diaspora, exploring various aspects such as history, culture, identity, and the experiences of diaspora communities. Some notable works include:

1. "The Location of Culture" by Homi K. Bhabha: This influential work discusses the concepts of hybridity, cultural identity, and the negotiation of power and difference within diaspora communities.

2. "The Afrocentric Idea" by Molefi Kete Asante: This book discusses the African diaspora and explores the interconnectedness of African cultures and history across the globe.

3. "In the Name of Identity: Violence and the Need to Belong" by Amin Maalouf: This thought-provoking book explores the complexities of identity and belonging, drawing on Maalouf's own experiences as a member of the Lebanese diaspora.

4. "The Dew Breaker" by Edwidge Danticat: This novel offers a glimpse into the Haitian diaspora, exploring themes of memory, trauma, and reconciliation.

5. "The Joy Luck Club" by Amy Tan: This classic novel depicts the experiences of Chinese diaspora women and explores their struggles with cultural identity, generational conflicts, and the bond between mothers and daughters.

6. "The In-Between World of Vikram Lall" by MG Vassanji: This novel delves into the experiences of an Indian diaspora community in East Africa, reflecting on themes of memory, migration, and the search for identity.

7. "The Greek World in the Fourth Century: From the Fall of the Athenian Empire to the Successors of Alexander" by Lawrence A. Tritle: This historical work explores the dispersion of Greek culture and the formation of Greek diaspora communities in the wake of Alexander the Great's conquests.

These are just a few examples of the diverse literature available on the topic of diaspora. The field is rich with academic studies, memoirs, novels, poetry, and more, offering a wide range of perspectives and insights into the diasporic experience.

COMMON THEMES OF DIASPORA LITERATURE 

Nostalgia,

 alienation, 

rootlessness and self identity

are common themes explored in diaspora literature. These themes reflect the experiences of individuals who have been uprooted from their homeland and are navigating new cultural, social, and geographical spaces. Here are some examples of diaspora literature that delve into these themes:

1. "The Namesake" by Jhumpa Lahiri: This novel follows the life of Gogol Ganguli, a second-generation Indian American who grapples with his identity, a sense of alienation, and the longing for his cultural roots.

2. "The Buddha of Suburbia" by Hanif Kureishi: Set in 1970s suburban London, this novel explores the experiences of a young mixed-race man, Karim, who navigates the complexities of his identity as a British-Pakistani and his longing for something beyond the confines of his mundane suburban life.

3. "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: This novel tells the story of Ifemelu, a Nigerian woman who moves to the United States and grapples with issues of race, identity, and the challenges of assimilation, while also exploring her longing for her home country.

These works depict the emotional journey of individuals in diaspora, grappling with a sense of displacement, longing for their homeland, and finding a sense of belonging in new and often unfamiliar environments. They shed light on the complexities of diasporic identities and the impact of migration on individuals' sense of self.