Constructing and Deconstructing: (Self-)Identity at the Crossroads of Linguistics and Literature = Konstruieren und Dekonstruieren: (Selbst-)Identität im Spannungsfeld von Sprach- und Literaturwissenschaft

The study of the construction and deconstruction of identities, at both the individual and collective levels, is becoming increasingly important in the context of cultural change in modern post-migrant societies. The ways in which people attempt to perceive and negotiate their individualised forms of existence in intercultural contexts, or to make sense of their experiences of themselves and others, intensify the social debate on the understanding of integration, inclusion and social cohesion. This volume examines identity as a dynamic and open process that encompasses cultural, social, linguistic and biographical dimensions of life. Contributors explore how identity can evolve from a concept strongly shaped by social and religious norms to a fluid and contextual construct. Particular attention is paid to the construction of identity within German-speaking, East Slavic and Arabic-speaking communities. The volume is aimed primarily at researchers and students in the fields of linguistics and literary studies who are concerned with the manifestation of identity in texts and other media. It is also suitable for all readers who wish to explore the many facets of identity in language and literature.