Cultural identity refers to an individual's perception of themselves as a member of a particular cultural group. This encompasses a wide range of aspects, including ethnicity, history, traditions, values, and personal experiences. Cultural identity is a dynamic concept, as individuals may encounter new experiences and relationships that shape and reshape their sense of cultural identity over time. Cultural identity is not simply an individual aspect of one’s life, but also an individual’s connection to their community and the world at large. By having a sense of cultural identity, individuals can feel a sense of belonging and connectedness to their cultural heritage and the collective cultural experiences of their community. Cultural identity in the Palestinian context is based on a collective self-concept that arises from distinct culturally specific values, traditions, and communication patterns, according to Vaughn (2010).
According to Khalil, A. (2019) clothing, such as headscarves and the thobe serve as a representation of cultural pride and heritage, often adorned with intricate embroidery patterns known as tatreez. Traditional dishes, such as hummus, falafel, and tabouleh, bring people together and foster a sense of community and cultural belonging in Palestinian culture (Al-Khatib et al., 2017). Folklore, dance and music play a vital role in expressing cultural identity in Palestinian culture, with the dabka being a traditional folk dance that reflects the rich cultural heritage of the Palestinian people and Palestinian folk music serving as a means of cultural expression and preservation of heritage (Jenkins, 2017). Folk remedies, such as the use of herbs and natural remedies, reflect a holistic approach to health and wellness and are an integral aspect of Palestinian cultural identity (Al-Khatib et al., 2017). Palestinian cultural symbols, such as the key, the character of Handala, the Palestinian flag, and the kufiya, serve as powerful expressions of cultural pride and connection to heritage (Khalaf and Lacy, 2014).
Palestinian cultural identity is often expressed through material objects, which become symbols of the homeland. Palestinians in the diaspora, despite their physical distance from their homeland, maintain a connection to their culture and heritage through various means, including the preservation of cultural artifacts in their homes. In Turan's (2010) study of Palestinians in the diaspora, the researcher found that Palestinian nationalism is displayed through objects in Palestinian refugees' homes in Jordan, specifically through visual imagery, to create the presence of Palestine. Similarly in New York, Turan (2010) observed the creation of facilitating environments to encourage positive acculturation experiences. Through observation and interviewing Palestinians in their homes, the researcher discovered that Palestinians have a connection to their homeland, which is expressed in the meaning they assign to material objects associated with the homeland.
Studies have also explored the role of traditional clothing, media, and art in shaping Palestinian identity. Hawari (2016) found that traditional Palestinian clothing is a reflection of social and cultural values and plays an important role in shaping Palestinian identity. Hawamdeh and Na'was (2017) investigated the role of the media in identity formation among the Palestinian diaspora in Australia, finding that the media played a significant role in shaping Palestinian identity. Jenkins (2017) used a critical approach to explore the representation of resistance in Palestine through art. These studies suggest that different cultural practices and forms of expression can play a role in shaping and reinforcing Palestinian cultural identity in diaspora.
Palestinian cultural identity in diaspora has been the focus of several studies across different disciplines, with the common theme being the challenges and struggles faced by Palestinians living outside of their homeland. The literature suggest that acculturation is a key factors affecting the cultural identity of Palestinians living in diaspora is acculturation. Studies by Al Zoughool and Chiodo (2017), Arafat and Mohamed (2017), and Awad and Amato (2019) found that acculturation was associated with psychological well-being and positive psychological adjustment over time. Abu-Rayya, Abu-Rayya, and Jundi (2021) also found that acculturation played a role in the coping strategies of Palestinian-British young adults when facing identity challenges. Khalifeh-Soltani et al. (2015) measured acculturation and ethnic identity among Iranian immigrants and found a relationship between acculturation and mental health. These findings suggest that the process of adjusting to a new culture can have significant implications for the cultural identity and well-being of Palestinians in diaspora.
The importance of cultural identity to the Palestinian cause has also been explored in several studies. Baroud (2015) used a critical approach to examine the relationship between Palestinian cultural identity and writing for the future. Tamari (2018) explored the complexities and fluidity of Palestinian identity in the diaspora, highlighting the contested and dynamic nature of Palestine as a space. Tawil-Souri and Dabashi (2019) argued that Palestine is a fluid and contested space in the context of the Palestinian diaspora. These studies suggest that cultural identity is a crucial aspect of the Palestinian struggle and has significant implications for the Palestinian diaspora.
Other studies have focused on the experiences of specific groups within the Palestinian diaspora. Darwish (2020) explored the identity struggles of Palestinian Americans and the process of reconciling multiple cultural, national, and religious identities. Mardorossian and Ritter (2016) investigated Arab American activism and the politics of visibility, focusing on Palestinian American youth and the contested terrain of solidarity. Meghani and Brooks (2021) studied the identity and belonging of second-generation Arab Americans who identify as half-Palestinian and half-something else, finding that these individuals negotiate their identities and sense of belonging in complex ways. Pande and Shrimpton (2020) examined youth and identity formation in the Palestinian diaspora, focusing on how Palestinian youth in the United Kingdom construct their identities and relate to Palestine.
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