Soyini Ashby

soyini.ashby@uwimona.edu.jm

• Beyond Language: the Construction of Regional Identities

Thesis Abstract

Linguistic differences in the Caribbean basin are usually assumed to have a divisive impact on regional identity, and are seen as impediments to a broader Caribbean regionalism (through CARICOM and the Association of Caribbean States (ACS)).  This thesis explores the ways in which Caribbean identities are being created that are “translingual” – existing in multiple linguistic sub-regions and transcending linguistic differences.  This is done through the discourse analysis of interviews and focus groups about cultural identity conducted with university students resident in three locations within the Caribbean Basin (Kingston, Jamaica; Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe; and Barranquilla, Colombia).  Each interview is conducted in the native language of the respondents who are drawn from three Caribbean linguistic zones: English-, French-, and Spanish-speaking.  Pervasive symbols, metaphors and other representations of the Caribbean are identified in the field data obtained in each language, and consistent patterns present in all three languages are established.  The level of personal attachment to these representations, and how they create a sense of proximity to Caribbean neighbours in the eyes of respondents are also explored.  Particular attention is paid to the influence of spatial practice on representations of, and attachment to, Caribbean identity. Comparisons are also made to representations of the Caribbean originating in government discourse in the three locations. 

Keywords: cultural geography, language, identity, region, Caribbean.

Selected Publications

Ashby, S., M. Taylor, and A. Chen. 2005. Statistical Models for Predicting Rainfall in the Caribbean. Theoretical and Applied Climatology . 82(1-2):65-80. (with the Climate Studies Group – Mona, CSGM)

Ashby, S. 2008. "Barbados: People." World Geography: Understanding a Changing World. ABC-CLIO. http://www.worldgeography.abc-clio.com (accessed November 18, 2009)

Conference Papers

Ashby, S. 2004. Exploring Migration, Diaspora and Transnationalism: Indian Identities in Jamaica. Paper presented to the 100th Anniversary Meeting of the Association of American Geographers. Philadelphia, USA. 14-19 March.

Ashby, S. 2008. Language, Diasporic Contact, and the Construction of Regional Identities.  Paper presented to the Annual Meeting of the Caribbean Studies Association. San Andres, Colombia. 26-30 May.

Ashby, S. 2009. Mapping Regional Identities through Language. Paper presented to the Annual Meeting of the Association of American Geographers. Las Vegas, USA. 22-27 March.

Awards

Winner, Association of American Geographers – Cultural Geography Specialty Group (CGSG) Research Grant Competition (Masters Level) 2007

Winner, Association American Geographers PhD Dissertation Research Grant Competition, 2008

Canada-CARICOM Leadership Scholarship 2010

Other Activities

Secretary of the Jamaican Geographical Society (JGS) (2007-2009)

Editor of the Jamaican Geographical Society's Newsletter, Jamaican Geographer (2007-2009)