Proceedings of the 5th International Conference on Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts
Year: 2023
DOI:
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Tattooing Multilingual Identity: A Critical Analysis of Bilingualism and Formation of Self in The Electric Michelangelo by Sara HALL
Saman Abdulqadir Hussein Dizayi
ABSTRACT:
Through a detailed examination of the novel The Electric Michelangelo, this study investigates the relationship between multilingualism, self-identity formation, and tattoo culture. This study contends that language and body art connect in complicated ways to shape one’s sense of self, drawing on the theoretical frameworks of sociolinguistics and cultural studies. The investigation reveals that the protagonist’s bilingual upbringing is crucial to his identity construction and tattoo artistry. His ability to converse in numerous languages allows him to communicate with a wide spectrum of clientele and take inspiration from various cultures, resulting in one-of-a-kind and meaningful tattoos. Similarly, his bilingualism allows him to negotiate the hurdles of having a tattoo business in a foreign nation, boosting his sense of autonomy and resilience. The most essential discovery is that tattooing is a great instrument for expressing and resolving different elements of one’s identity, particularly in multilingual circumstances. The protagonist is able to express his linguistic identity, reconcile competing components of his personality, and develop a sense of belonging in a foreign nation by creating tattoos. Furthermore, his customers’ tattoos frequently serve as a visual expression of their own multilingual and multicultural identities. The importance of this study is that it adds to the current literature on language and identity, as well as tattoo culture, by providing an overarching understanding of how these aspects interact to shape the human experience. The findings highlight the ability of tattooing to express and reconcile many identities, particularly in multilingual environments where language and culture cross.
keywords: multilingualism, self-identity formation, tattoo culture, sociolinguistics, cultural studies, language, identity, tattoo artistry, belonging