LITERATURE AS A MIRROR OF IDENTITY: LANGUAGE, INTERCULTURALITY, AND SELF-CONSTRUCTION
LITERATURE AS A MIRROR OF IDENTITY: LANGUAGE, INTERCULTURALITY, AND SELF-CONSTRUCTION

Summary/Abstract: This article explores the complex concept of identity as reflected in literature, with a focus on its psychological, sociological, and intercultural dimensions. Starting from classical definitions and theoretical perspectives—from William James and Erik H. Erikson to Thomas Luckmann and David Joel de Levita—the paper examines how identity evolves from an individual to a group-related construct, shaped by social interaction, roles, and cultural frameworks. Special emphasis is placed on the interplay between identity and literature, where the act of reading and interpretation is seen as a productive process through which readers negotiate their own self-understanding, as theorized by Normand Holland. Furthermore, the study discusses the role of language as a central element in identity formation, highlighting the significance of both mother tongue and multilingualism. Finally, the article addresses the relationship between identity and interculturality, analyzing concepts such as alterity and otherness (Levinas, Waldenfels, Schäffter) and their relevance for literary self-representation. By integrating psychological, sociological, and literary approaches, the article demonstrates how identity is not a static category but a dynamic construct that emerges in dialogue with society, language, and literature.

• Details
• Contents