Aspects of multiculturalism in Naomi Shihab Nye'collection 19 Varieties of Gazelle

Document Type : Research Papers/Extracts from dissertations

Authors

Helwan university Cairo Egypt

Abstract

Multiculturalism is a term that has been used to denote the celebration and promotion of cultural difference. It has been defined as the recognition of minority cultures,histories and traditions. The theory is thoroughly inspired by liberal ideas of human rights and equality. This paper analyses Naomi Shihab Nye'collection 19 Varieties of Gazelle through the lens of multicultural concepts of recognition, tolerance and equality. A reading of her poems will invistigate how she delves into issues of ethnic identity and how she envisions multicultural societies. In her poetry, she attempts to give a true image of the Arab with fine details from her memories and personal experiences and she re-conceptualizes the Arab identity to change western stereotypical images wronged about them. Her major themes are building bridges of cross-cultural understanding, reducing prejudices against Arabs and intiating dialogues between cultures. Nye's poetry is representative of multicultural ideals particularly acceptance of difference, shared humanity and connectedness of cultures.

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