Diasporic Experience and Identity (Re)Construction in Fatou Diom’s The Belly of the Atlantic

Abstract

Abstract

The research investigates the diasporic experience and identity construction in Fatou Diom’s novel The Belly of the Atlantic, focusing on the dichotomy between appearance and reality in the lives of individuals living in the diaspora. The study aims to explore the challenges faced by diasporic individuals in reconciling their lived experiences with the perceptions of their identities held by those back in their home countries. The objectives of this research are to analyze how diasporic individuals navigate the difficulties of maintaining their cultural heritage while adapting to new environments, and to examine the effect of societal expectations and stereotypes on their sense of self. The hypothesis posits that there is a significant discrepancy between the outward portrayal of life in the diaspora and the internal struggles faced by individuals, leading to a fragmented sense of identity. Drawing on theories of diaspora studies and postcolonial literature, this research seeks to shed light on the tough process of identity formation within the context of migration and displacement. The study is important as it contributes in understanding the difficulty of diasporic identities and the ways in which individuals negotiate their sense of self within transnational spaces. The findings disclose that people in the diaspora often wrestle with conflicting versions of their identities, as they struggle to unitetheir personal experiences with external expectations. Finally, this research focuses on the complex nature of identity (re) construction in diasporic communities and highlights the need for representations that handle the diverse realities faced by individuals living between cultures.