Unveiling Bilingualism in Bapsi Sidhwa’s The Crow Eaters: A Cultural Odyssey of Heritage, Language and Diaspora

Abstract

This paper explores how bilingualism affects Parsi cultural heritage and diaspora as portrayed in Bapsi Sidhwa's novel "The Crow Eaters". Using a qualitative approach, the study examines how bilingualism influences the characters' identities, cultural practices, and social interactions. The findings indicate that bilingualism is essential for navigating cultural complexities and maintaining a connection to Parsi traditions while adapting to new surroundings. Sidhwa's tale tackles issues of cultural adaptation and preservation within the Parsi diaspora while highlighting the harmony and tension between languages. The study emphasizes the significance of bilingualism in reinforcing ethnic identity and amplifying cross-cultural communication, thereby expanding comprehension of Parsi cultural dynamics within a multicultural milieu. This study opens the scope for further research such as comparing the use of bilingualism and cultural identity in the works of Parsi authors to that of Sidhwa’s, and exploring the cognitive processes, bilingualism and its relationship with identity within the narrative.