Exploring The Impact Of Hybridity On Cultural Identity And Belonging In Zadie Smith'S Novel, White Teeth

Abstract

The study aims to examine the unavoidable impact of Englishness on the cultural identity of immigrants in London in Zadie Smith’s novel, White Teeth. Drawing on Homi K. Bhabha’s concept of hybridity, the analysis focuses on the character of Samad Iqbal and his family to illustrate the tension between tradition and assimilation.  The novel is an explicit portrayal of the cultural duality of Samad’s family. Contrary to Samad’s desire, his sons Majid, and Millat grow up with the hybrid culture. The novel depicts partial disappearance of cultural identity of Samad Iqbal’s family in the presence of dominant Western culture. Cultural identity is the crucial elements in human society. Smith’s writing touches upon the most relevant and serious issue of immigrants in Europe and America. The Protagonist Samad Iqbal, expresses regret on his decision to settle in London. The study argues that hybridity complicates notions of belonging and cultural identity.

Key Words: Zadie Smith, Hybridity, Identity, Culture, Diaspora, Multiculturalism.