Exploring Transculturalism in the works of Jhumpa Lahiri and Bharati Mukherjee

Abstract

The present article aims to show the relationship between multiculturalism and transculturalism. Globalization, migration, colonization are the reasons for multiculturalism. Multiculturalism is where the various ethnic groups collaborate with one another without sacrificing their identity. This raises the question on the effects of multiculturalism on each ethnic group because the influence of one culture on the other will definitely create identity crisis and culture shock. Transculturalism is where the ethnic groups find a common ground in the progress and get accustomed to it. Globalisation connects people from all across the world and it helps to understand the culture background of different countries. India stands as an evidence for multiculturalism and transculturalism. After independence, we adopted the qualities of British and this still hinders the question whether it has removed the native culture. And English does plays a major role in the era of globalisation. Bharati mukherjee’s “The Tiger’s Daughter,” and Jhumpa Lahiri’s “Namesake” portrays the effect of multiculturalism and transculturalism. The characters in these novels take the readers through the journey where there are conflicts, necessity, and revolution in slow progress. Each and every country has its own cultural practise and ethnic group, but in the era of globalization people connect across boundaries. Due to the migration of people to different nations, and improvement of technology the cultural values of a society is becoming hybrid and heterogeneous. It is not just migration but colonization also plays a major part in becoming multicultural society. In India, British colonization left its trail as they showed the people of India the new kind of culture which is considered to be sophisticated and luxurious till date. Even after the departure of British, India used the systems introduced by them. India on its own has mixed culture as it has 29 states and 22 official languages spoken all over the country. After colonization, English managed in becoming the common communication language in India now. In all the conflicts against the acceptance of other cultural practice, people are finding common grounds to live in peace. Multiculturalism creates a confusion amongst human beings which does not allow to looking back at the native culture from which the transculturalism evolves.