Bilingual word-play in literary discourse: the creation of relational identity

Abstract

This article discusses linguistic manifestations of bilingual identity in the literary narratives of Woman Hollering Creek, by Chicana writer Sandra Cisneros. Of particular interest here is the little-studied phenomenon of bilingual groups’ fluid identities. We posit that relational identity (RID), which implies more fluidity than either individual or social identity, is achieved in bilingual literary discourse via such mechanisms as humourous code-switching and playing with linguistic devices. Linguistic strategies in Cisneros’ narratives show how being bilingual not only lies in the use of two languages but consists of an entirely new system which is a play on both languages. This gives the effect of humour, but also creates a solidarity with the ‘in group’, through language that is only understood by ‘we’.