Identity

„Only against the background of a consolidated identity of one’s own does it become possible to really engage with the strangeness of the Other.“ (Rosa 2007, 49)

Ethymology

Identity derives from the Latin word identitas, meaning „absolute sameness“ (Rosa 2007, 47). Sociologist Hartmut Rosa reviews the term in various contexts and forms. In his essay Identity, he explains that in mathematics as well as logic, it „reflects a relation of perfect sameness [that] an object has with itself and only with itself.“ (Rosa 2007, 47) In terms of the nature of human beings, identity characterizes the uniqueness and recognizability of each individual. It forms the foundation of an individual personality formation. Language use and participation in culture are, according to Rosa, „the basis for all intercultural communication […] and understanding“ (Rosa 2007, 47).

Three aspects of identity

In her book Intercultural Communication, cultural scientist Edith Broszinsky-Schwabe divides the identities of the people involved in an intercultural exchange into three facets: First and foremost is personal identity, which is closely linked to a person’s outward appearance. Behavior, national language as well as smell play an essential role for the first encounter.In second place is social identity (group identity, we-identity, collective identity). Here, the individual appropriates characteristic cultural features and thus marks his belonging to a group with which he identifies. Furthermore, Broszinsky-Schwabe distinguishes social identity in different identity fields such as family, age group, profession, religion, etc. (cf. Broszinsky-Schwabe 2011, 44).

Cultural identity as the third facet describes individual persons or groups that are oriented toward „commonalities of language, norms of coexistence, ideological and religious orientations, artistic and scientific traditions, athletic and craft skills, common ideals and values [that] are shared. Commonalities in lifestyle are evident, for example, in housing and settlement patterns, eating habits, fashion, manners, symbols, festivals and celebrations.“ (Broszinsky-Schwabe 2011, 46)

Self-image – external image

The contact of different cultures is currently more intense than ever. Thus, maintaining identity is a challenge. As Broszinsky-Schwabe clarifies, each individual culture with its signs, symbols, traditions, behavior patterns, and value systems has an impact on the formation of a person’s identity (cf. Broszinsky-Schwabe 2011, 46). This becomes particularly clear when confronted with a foreign culture or when integrating in a foreign country.

In this regard, psychologist Annekatrin Hoppe examines the extent to which the previously familiar self-image changes within a new environment. In her essay „I was not like this, I am not like this!“ she explains that when trying to integrate into a foreign environment, familiar behavioral patterns and viewpoints as well as idiosyncrasies that would otherwise remain hidden come to the fore (cf. Hoppe 2013). One’s own image, which has grown out of the familiar cultural environment, then no longer matches the foreign image. This in turn leads to „uncertainty of one’s own identity“ (Hoppe 2013, 176).

Globalization

Identity development is influenced both positively and negatively by the constant change of cultures. The changes in cultures are indicative of the fact that „culture [is] transportable, it is the cargo of its bearers.“ (Groh 2003, 172) In this regard, Groh notes in his article Identity Change – Globalization and Cultural Inductions that globalization is destabilizing indigenous, autonomous cultures that are exposed to industrial cultures. Because of the „dominance gap[s]“ (Groh 2003, 162), cultures are partially or completely erased, thus depriving people of the opportunity to form individual identities (cf. Groh 2003, 177).

Literature

Broszinsky-Schwabe, Edith (2011): Intercultural Communication. Misunderstandings – understanding. Wiesbaden: Springer.

Groh, Arnold (2003): Identity change. Globalization and cultural inductions. In: Kimminich, Eva (ed.): Welt Körper Sprache. Perspectives on cultural forms of perception and representation. Cultural Identity. Constructions and Crises. Vol. 3. Frankfurt am Main: Peter Lang, 161-185.

Hoppe, Annekatrin (2013): That’s not who I was, that’s not who I am. On the influence of the cultural environment on one’s own identity. In: Kumbier, Dagmar/ Schulz von Thun, Friedemann (Eds.): Intercultural Communication: Methods, Models, Examples. 6 ed. Reinbek bei Hamburg: Rowohlt, 170-186.

Rosa, Hartmut (2007) Identity. In: Straub, Jürgen/ Weidemann, Arne/ Weidemann, Doris (Eds.): Handbuch interkulturelle Kommunikation und Kompetenz. Basic concepts – theories – fields of application. Stuttgart: Metzler, 47-56.