Explicating Ethnic Identity of the Khasi in North-East India through the Lens of the Identity Process Theory

Kharshiing, Korsi Dorene

doi:10.1007/s12646-016-0363-9

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…This branding of non-tribals in Shillong, Meghalaya has led to 'the great "dkhar" (meaning 'foreigner' in Khasi) exodus…with passing of time I have learnt to handle the "dkhar" stigma' (Hardnews, 2015, April 17). Notably, Kharshiing (2016) opined that the perception of non-tribals as outsiders arises due to inter-group comparison and differentiation resulting in 'us' and 'them' positions. Furthermore, the varied terms referring to non-tribals in the Northeast indicate their being perceived as the 'other' (Tehelka, 2012, July 21).…”

Section: Categorisation Through Generalisations and Stereotypesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Identity and Otherisation in Northeast India: Representations in Media Texts

Kharshiing

2020

Psychology and Developing Societies

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Asymmetrical power relations between ‘us’, or the in-group, and the ‘others’, or the out-group, are key to the construction and understanding of otherisation. Otherness in Meghalaya, Northeast India is made complex by historical, geopolitical, social, linguistic and cultural factors that are instrumental in creating boundaries between the tribal and non-tribal populace. The present article examines discourses of non-tribal people being ‘othered’ by their tribal counterparts, the majoritarian Khasis in Meghalaya. Employing Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), the article examines representations of the ‘othering’ of non-tribal ‘others’ in media texts drawn from English-medium newspapers, magazines and a blog. Evidently, issues of control, and dominance, are pivotal to the power struggles between the ethnic groups in the state, which are inherent in the process of othering. The othering of northeasterners in mainland India is evident in discourse that prods reverse otherisation of non-tribal Indians in the Northeast, including Meghalaya. Clearly, an analysis of such texts also reveals the role of identity politics and ethnonational groups as pivotal to othering. Finally, identity threat, race-based differentiation and loss of citizenship allude to outcomes of otherisation.

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Section: Categorisation Through Generalisations and Stereotypesmentioning

confidence: 99%