Cultural Filiation and Affiliation in Salt and Saffron: A Study of Diasporic Identity

This article examines Kamila Shamsie's 2000 book Salt and Saffron to investigate the concepts of "filiation" and "affiliation" in relation to migrant society. The individuals in the narrative acquire knowledge of local beliefs, languages, and customs from their parents and other family members, hailing from other nationalities. We designate this cultural phenomenon as "filiation." They adhere to the regulations of the extraterrestrial nations upon their settlement and subsequent visibility. Altering their social environments demonstrates the complexity of their identities and significantly influences their beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors. As "affiliation" transitions to "filiation," scholars are investigating the evolution of relationships within a diaspora context and the impact on traditional norms, behaviors, and notions rooted in familial histories. The tale chronicles the Dard-e-Dil family's experiences and the evolution of their "filiated" views and ideals via interactions with persons from many backgrounds. These themes derive from the distinguished postcolonialist Edward Said. Specifically, they stem from his notions of "filege" and "affinity." These principles facilitate an analysis of the story in Salt and Saffron (2000).