Dislocated Selves: Representation of Fragmented Identity in Ifeoma Odinye's My African-China

Abstract

African Diaspora writers usually write about their roots, the reasons for them to search for their roots, and finally going back' home'. The work of African Diaspora writers is mainly filled with nostalgia and homesickness as they try to discover themselves in their new environment. These writers showcase the emergence of new culture and the struggle of immigrants to reject or accept it. This work takes a different dimension from other Diaspora critics who usually examine culture diplomacy, racism and the eventual return of migrants (usually in America and The United Kingdom) to the actual behaviours of some African migrants in China. Using qualitative method of research, this paper interrogates the behaviours of immigrants to see if actually they are the cause of the problems and challenges they encounter in China, using Ifeoma Odinye's My African-China. Trauma theory is used to comprehend the characters' relationships and actions as immigrants. The findings show that most of the characters are irregular migrants and so are very uncomfortable. It is concluded that these African migrants in China are the source and victims of their problems. In other words, they create their own social, psychological and economic problems and become the victims of their socio-economic situations.