One’s identity is indescribable and unique as it is shaped by many factors. Identity is perceived to be undefinable and can be altered throughout an individual’s life. In Hoa Pham’s Interview and Michelle Law’s novel A Call to Arms, identity can be shaped by cultural contexts and may emerge through interactions with others. Both texts effectively convey identity to be dynamic through the use of various techniques and cultural references.
In Hoa Pham’s interview, identity can be understood through cultural contexts and through various interactions with others. As shown in the interview, Pham’s perception of her identity is shown through her culture
and the obstacles faced, which is conveyed through the slang, “Chink”. Here, it effectively influences Pham’s identity based on her physical appearance and cultural background. Pham’s insecurity is caused by her “Vietnamese-Australian” identity, confusing Pham’s understanding of her true identity. Pham’s identity is not established properly due to the relationships with those around her. This is conveyed through her despairing tone in the line, “I was raped by an uncle…pressure to save face”. Here, Pham is demonstrating how this traumatising event has affected her personally, thus influencing her identity. Pham’s heightened understanding of her identity is shaped by the embracing of her religious background as a Buddhist. A significant element which affects her, thus enabling her to learn and understand, “Source of strength”. Here, the use of sibilance embraces the positive effects of following Buddhism. Therefore, this text reinforces the concept that identity is indeed influenced by many factors, such as one’s cultural context and relationships.
Similarly, Michelle Law’s novel A Call to Arms demonstrates that one’s identity can be constructed through cultural forces and relationship with other individuals. Law reveals the affects which interacting with others may have on her individually, through an Australian slang, “Guzzle”. The use of slang expresses Law’s close connection with Australia, thus influencing on her language and behaviour. Law’s cultural revelation was truly established during her trip to Hong Kong, as she experiences similar behaviour, “everyone behaved the way my family and I did”. Law’s use of inclusive and personal pronouns highlights audiences understanding that Law is beginning to become aware of what sort of identity she possesses, also revealing the importance which this trip had on Law. Law expresses the hardships she faces in balancing her split identity of being “more Asian or Australian”. The use of alliteration demonstrates the effects of her background, confusing her understanding in whether she is Asian or Australian, thus depicting her inability to conclude what her true identity would be. Thus, through this text factors such as cultural context and interactions with other individuals can undeniably affect one’s identity.
In summary, Hoa Pham’s Interview and Michelle Law’s novel A Call to Arms, the concept that identity is shaped by various factors given that one’s identity is unique. Both texts explore the ideas that identity can be engraved by cultural contexts and emerged through the different interactions with other individuals. Through the various literary techniques and referencing to a specific type of culture, these ideas are effectively portrayed in the two texts.