Transculturalism and Self-Identification in Diasporic Writings: A Case Study of Hamid’s Exit West

Diaspora navigates complex transcultural dynamics that significantly influence the construction and evaluation of identity. Transculturalism offers avenues for self-identification, allowing individuals to redefine themselves across cultural boundaries. This study examines the impact of transculturalism on the characters in Hamid’s Exit West, employing the theoretical underpinnings of Dagnino. Focusing on the dynamics of transculturalism and the characters’ evolving identities as represented in the novel, Textual Analysis functions as a research methodology. The data comprise the shreds of evidence extracted from the text, which are collected utilizing the techniques of Close reading. The findings reveal that migrations across various regions immersed in the transcultural setups leave an indelible positive impact on the characters. Nadia, Saeed, and other characters undertake cross-cultural and linguistic exchanges. Meanwhile, they undergo the journey of self-identification. Consequently, they construct a metamorphic identity detaching from a sense of unbelonging and fixed notions of religion, culture, and nationality. The magical doors they pass through symbolize the adaptability of the cultural identity, which fosters feelings of belonging in diverse milieus and engenders peace and harmony. The protagonists transform to encounter and integrate into the navigated cultures.