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Зарубежная
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Foreign
Linguistics and Linguodidactics
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The peculiarities of American cultural context in XX century
Shokhida AKHMEDOVA
Uzbekistan State World Languages University
ARTICLE INFO
ABSTRACT
Article history:
Received September 2023
Received in revised form
10 September 2023
Accepted 25 October 2023
Available online
15 December 2023
The 20th century marked a pivotal era for American
literature, witnessing a dynamic interplay of diverse voices,
cultural identities, and social concerns. This article explores
significant works that capture the essence of American cultural
experiences across various periods within the century.
Furthermore, it counts the specific outstanding features of
American literature about cultural context.
2181-3663
/©
2023 in Science LLC.
https://doi.org/10.47689/2181-3701-vol1-iss6-pp34-41
This is an open-access article under the Attribution 4.0 International
(CC BY 4.0) license (
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/deed.ru
Keywords:
American literature,
culture,
context,
identity,
diversity,
gender,
politics,
language.
XX asrda Amerika madaniy kontekstining o‘ziga xos
xususiyatlari
ANNOTATSIYA
Kalit so‘zlar
:
аmerika adabiyoti,
madaniyati,
konteksti,
o‘ziga xosligi,
xilma-xilligi,
jins,
siyosat,
til.
20-asr Amerika adabiyoti uchun hal
qiluvchi davr bo‘lib, turli
xil ovozlar, madaniy o‘ziga xosliklar va ijtimoiy tashvishlarning
dinamik o‘zaro ta’siriga guvoh bo‘ldi. Ushbu maqola asrning
turli davrlarida Amerika madaniy tajribalarining mohiyatini
aks ettiruvchi muhim asarlarni o‘rganadi. Bundan tashqari,
u Amerika adabiyotining madaniy kontekstga oid o‘ziga xos
ajoyib xususiyatlarini tadqiq qiladi.
1
Master student, Uzbekistan State World Languages University.
2
PhD, Associate Professor, Uzbekistan State World Languages University.
Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika
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Зарубежная лингвистика
и лингводидактика
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Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics
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1
№
6 (2023) / ISSN 2181-3701
35
Особенности американского культурного контекста
XX века
АННОТАЦИЯ
Ключевые слова:
американская литература,
культура,
контекст,
идентичность,
разнообразие,
пол,
политика,
язык
.
XX век стал поворотной эпохой для американской
литературы, отмеченной динамичным взаимодействием
различных
голосов,
культурной
самобытности
и
социальных проблем. В этой статье рассматриваются
важные произведения, отражающие суть американского
культурного опыта в различные периоды столетия. Кроме
того, она учитывает специфические выдающиеся черты
американской литературы в контексте культурного
развития.
INTRODUCTION
American literature is a tapestry woven with the threads of diverse cultures,
reflecting the nation's complex history and the amalgamation of various traditions,
languages, and perspectives. The impact of culture on American literature is profound,
shaping not only the stories told but also the way they are narrated, the characters
portrayed, and the themes explored (Gunther, 2020).
American literature serves as a mirror reflecting the rich tapestry of the nation's
cultural identity. From the Native American oral traditions to the narratives of
immigrants seeking the American Dream, each literary work contributes to the mosaic of
voices that define the American experience. Authors draw inspiration from their own
cultural backgrounds, infusing their works with unique perspectives that broaden the
understanding of what it means to be American.
The cultural diversity within the United States has given rise to a multitude of
narrative styles and storytelling techniques. The Harlem Renaissance, for example,
brought forth a flourishing of African American literature, introducing the world to the
vibrant rhythms of jazz-infused prose and the exploration of the African American
experience (Hutchinson, 2008). Similarly, Chicano literature and Native American
literature offer distinctive narrative styles that mirror the rich heritage of these
communities.
American literature often serves as a platform for social commentary and critique,
with authors leveraging their cultural backgrounds to address issues such as race, class,
gender, and identity. From the works of Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston to the
contemporary writings of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Jhumpa Lahiri, literature
becomes a powerful tool for understanding and challenging societal norms.
The United States, often described as a "melting pot" or "salad bowl" of cultures,
has given rise to a unique literary phenomenon
–
cultural synthesis and hybridity.
Writers like Amy Tan and Junot Díaz blend seamlessly elements from their cultural
backgrounds with the American experience, creating narratives that resonate with
readers across diverse backgrounds and fostering a sense of shared humanity.
Cultural influences extend beyond narrative styles and character representation,
permeating various literary genres and themes. From the Southern Gothic tradition of
William Faulkner to the exploration of the immigrant experience in contemporary
Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika
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Зарубежная лингвистика
и лингводидактика
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Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Issue
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1
№
6 (2023) / ISSN 2181-3701
36
literature, culture shapes the landscapes and themes explored in American literary
works. The impact of culture on American literature is not a static phenomenon but a
dynamic force that continues to shape and redefine the nation's literary landscape. As the
United States evolves, so too does its literature, reflecting the ongoing dialogue between
cultures and the ever-changing nature of the American experience. Embracing this
cultural diversity allows American literature to remain a vibrant and essential tapestry,
weaving together the myriad stories that collectively form the narrative of the nation.
Findings.
The 20th century witnessed a rich tapestry of American literature that
reflected the nation's complex cultural landscape, grappling with issues of identity, social
change, and the impact of historical events. Here are some notable works from various
periods within the 20th century:
➢
Early 20th Century
–
Harlem Renaissance (1920s-1930s):
Langston Hughes
–
"The Negro Speaks of Rivers" (1920): A seminal figure of the
Harlem Renaissance, Hughes explores African American history and cultural roots in this
poem, celebrating the resilience and depth of the African diaspora.
Zora Neale Hurston
–
"Their Eyes Were Watching God" (1937): This novel, set in
the rural South, is a powerful exploration of African American female identity, love, and
the quest for self-discovery.
➢
Mid-20th Century
–
Post-World War II Era:
J.D. Salinger
–
"The Catcher in the Rye" (1951): A classic of American literature,
Salinger's novel captures the disillusionment of a post-war generation through the eyes
of the iconic character Holden Caulfield.
Toni Morrison
–
"Beloved" (1987): While Morrison's work spans several decades,
"Beloved" is a poignant exploration of the African American experience, addressing
themes of slavery, trauma, and the search for identity.
➢
The Beat Generation and Counterculture (1950s-1960s):
Allen Ginsberg
–
"Howl" (1956): Ginsberg's poem became a manifesto for the Beat
Generation, challenging societal norms and reflecting the countercultural spirit of the
time.
Jack Kerouac
–
"On the Road" (1957): A defining novel of the Beat Generation,
Kerouac's work captures the restlessness and desire for freedom that characterized the
post-World War II era.
➢
Civil Rights Movement and Beyond (1960s-1970s):
James Baldwin
–
"The Fire Next Time" (1963): A collection of essays addressing
racial and religious issues in America, Baldwin's work remains a powerful examination of
the struggle for civil rights.
Maya Angelou
–
"I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" (1969): Angelou's
autobiographical work reflects on her childhood and adolescence, exploring themes of
race, identity, and resilience.
➢
Contemporary Voices (Late 20th Century
–
Present):
Don DeLillo
–
"White Noise" (1985): A satirical exploration of consumer culture
and media saturation, DeLillo's novel offers a critique of contemporary American society.
Jhumpa Lahiri
–
"Interpreter of Maladies" (1999): Lahiri's collection of short
stories delves into the experiences of Indian immigrants and their American-born
children, navigating the complexities of cultural identity.
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These works, among many others, showcase the diverse voices and themes that
have defined American cultural literature throughout the 20th century. They reflect the
ever-evolving nature of American society and its ongoing engagement with questions of
identity, justice, and the human experience.
The 20th century marked a pivotal era for American literature, witnessing a
dynamic interplay of diverse voices, cultural identities, and social concerns. This
literature review explores significant works that capture the essence of American
cultural experiences across various periods within the century.
Harlem Renaissance (1920s-1930s):
The Harlem Renaissance stands as a crucial movement that celebrated African
American culture and creativity (Yayla, 2016). Langston Hughes' poem, "The Negro
Speaks of Rivers," resonates with a profound exploration of African heritage and identity,
emdiving the spirit of this cultural renaissance. Zora Neale Hurston's "Their Eyes Were
Watching God" further contributes to the era, providing an intricate narrative that probes
into African American female experiences in the early 20th century.
Post-World War II Era (1940s-1950s):
As the nation grappled with the aftermath of World War II, J.D. Salinger's "The
Catcher in the Rye" emerged as a seminal work, capturing the disillusionment and
existential angst of the post-war generation (Richard, 2011). Toni Morrison's "Beloved"
continued this exploration, weaving a haunting tale of slavery's impact on the individual
psyche and familial bonds.
The Beat Generation and Counterculture (1950s-1960s):
Allen Ginsberg's "Howl" and Jack Kerouac's "On the Road" became manifestos for
the Beat Generation, reflecting the countercultural movement that rejected societal
norms (Raskin, 2004). These works not only chronicled the experiences of a generation
but also influenced subsequent cultural and literary movements.
Civil Rights Movement and Beyond (1960s-1970s):
James Baldwin's "The Fire Next Time" remains a literary cornerstone addressing
racial and religious issues during the Civil Rights Movement. Meanwhile, Maya Angelou's
"I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" provides a poignant autobiographical perspective,
exploring the challenges of growing up as an African American woman.
Contemporary Voices (1980s-Present):
The late 20th century and beyond witnessed a diverse array of voices tackling
contemporary issues. Don DeLillo's "White Noise" satirically critiques consumer culture,
offering a lens through which to examine the impact of media saturation on American
society. Jhumpa Lahiri's "Interpreter of Maladies" delves into the experiences of Indian
immigrants, contributing to a broader understanding of cultural identity in the modern
era.
In summary, American literature in the 20th century serves as a dynamic and
multifaceted reflection of the nation's cultural evolution. From the Harlem Renaissance to
the contemporary voices of the 21st century, these literary works not only capture the
diverse cultural experiences within the United States but also contribute to a broader
understanding of humanity and its shared struggles. The continuous exploration of
identity, social issues, and the human condition within these works solidifies their
enduring significance in the cultural and literary landscape.
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American literature in the 20th century exhibited distinctive characteristics that
reflected the complex cultural landscape of the nation. Several peculiarities emerged
about culture during this period, shaping the literary output in unique ways:
•
Cultural Pluralism and Diversity:
The 20th century witnessed an embrace of cultural pluralism, with American
literature reflecting the nation's increasing diversity (Jay, 1991). Works such as those
from the Harlem Renaissance celebrated African American culture, while the voices of
other ethnic and cultural groups, including Native Americans, Asian Americans, and
Hispanic Americans, gained prominence. This cultural diversity contributed to a rich
tapestry of narratives, each offering a unique perspective on the American experience.
•
Shifts in Narrative Perspective:
A notable peculiarity in 20th-century American literature was the increasing
exploration of diverse narrative perspectives. Authors began to experiment with
narrative techniques, incorporating multiple viewpoints and non-linear structures. This
shift allowed for a more nuanced representation of cultural experiences and challenged
traditional literary forms.
•
Exploration of Identity and the American Dream:
Many works from this period grappled with questions of identity, particularly in
the context of the American Dream. As the nation underwent significant social and
cultural changes, authors explored the complexities of individual and collective identities.
This theme is evident in works like J.D. Salinger's "The Catcher in the Rye" and Arthur
Miller's "Death of a Salesman."
•
Engagement with Social and Political Issues:
The 20th century was marked by transformative social and political movements,
including the Civil Rights Movement, feminism, and the Vietnam War. American literature
became a powerful platform for engaging with these issues. Writers like James Baldwin,
Toni Morrison, and Kurt Vonnegut used their works to address issues of race, gender,
war, and social justice, contributing to a broader cultural discourse.
•
Influence of Technology and Mass Media:
The rapid advancements in technology and the rise of mass media had a profound
impact on American culture and, consequently, literature. Authors such as Don DeLillo in
"White Noise" and Philip K. Dick in his science fiction explored the dehumanizing effects
of technology and the omnipresence of mass media, offering critical perspectives on the
changing cultural landscape.
•
Postmodernism and Fragmentation:
The latter half of the 20th century saw the emergence of postmodernist tendencies
in literature. Authors like Thomas Pynchon and Kurt Vonnegut embraced fragmentation,
intertextuality, and metafiction, challenging traditional notions of narrative coherence.
This reflected the cultural uncertainty and skepticism prevalent during the era.
•
Global Perspectives and Transnational Influences:
American literature in the 20th century increasingly drew inspiration from global
perspectives and transnational influences. Writers like Jhumpa Lahiri and Salman
Rushdie, for example, explored themes of immigration and cultural hybridity, reflecting
the interconnectedness of cultures in an increasingly globalized world.
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Overall, the peculiarities of American literature in the 20th century to culture are
characterized by a celebration of diversity, shifts in narrative techniques, exploration of
identity, engagement with social and political issues, the influence of technology,
postmodern tendencies, and an openness to global perspectives. These features
collectively showcase the richness and complexity of the cultural tapestry woven into
American literary expressions during this transformative century.
American literature in the 20th century explored a wide range of cultural themes
that reflected the transformative and dynamic nature of the nation during this period.
Some prominent cultural themes include:
❖
Identity and the American Dream:
Many works in the 20th century grappled with the concept of identity, particularly
in the context of the American Dream (Barone, 2024). Authors such as F. Scott Fitzgerald
("The Great Gatsby") and Arthur Miller ("Death of a Salesman") examined the pursuit of
success and its impact on individual and societal identities.
❖
Race and Civil Rights:
The Civil Rights Movement was a pivotal cultural and social force in the mid-20th
century (Crowe, 2003). Writers like James Baldwin ("Go Tell It on the Mountain") and
Ralph Ellison ("Invisible Man") addressed issues of racial identity, discrimination, and the
struggle for civil rights in their works
.
❖
Gender Roles and Feminism:
The 20th century saw significant changes in gender roles, and literature became a
platform for exploring evolving perspectives on femininity and masculinity (Fan, 2017).
Works such as Sylvia Plath's "The Bell Jar" and Betty Friedan's
"The Feminine Mystique"
examined the challenges and expectations placed on women during this era.
❖
War and Its Aftermath:
Both World Wars and the Vietnam War had a profound impact on American
culture. Literary works like Kurt Vonnegut's "Slaughterhouse-Five" and Tim O'Brien's
"The Things They Carried" explored the psychological and emotional toll of war, offering
reflections on trauma and the human condition.
❖
Urbanization and Modernity:
The 20th century witnessed significant urbanization and technological
advancements. Writers such as T.S. Eliot ("The Waste Land") and Don DeLillo ("White
Noise") captured the disorienting effects of modernity, reflecting on the challenges and
opportunities presented by a rapidly changing society.
❖
Counterculture and Rebellion:
The Beat Generation and the 1960s counterculture movements challenged
mainstream values. Works like Allen Ginsberg's "Howl" and Jack Kerouac's "On the Road"
celebrated nonconformity and the rejection of societal norms, emdiving the spirit of
rebellion that characterized the era.
❖
Immigration and Cultural Hybridity:
Immigration became a significant theme as the United States continued to attract
people from diverse backgrounds. Authors like Jhumpa Lahiri ("Interpreter of Maladies")
and Maxine Hong Kingston ("The Woman Warrior") explored the experiences of
immigrants and the complexities of cultural assimilation.
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❖
Postmodernism and Fragmentation:
Postmodern literature challenged traditional narrative structures. Authors such as
Thomas Pynchon ("Gravity's Rainbow") and Kurt Vonnegut ("Slaughterhouse-Five")
embraced fragmentation, reflecting the cultural uncertainty and skepticism prevalent
during the latter half of the century.
❖
Environmental Concerns:
The latter part of the 20th century saw a growing awareness of environmental
issues. Writers like Edward Abbey ("Desert Solitaire") and Rachel Carson ("Silent
Spring") addressed the impact of human activities on the environment, contributing to a
broader cultural conversation about ecological consciousness (Lytle, 2007). These
cultural themes collectively demonstrate the richness and diversity of American
literature in the 20th century, offering insights into the complex and evolving nature of
American society during this transformative period.
CONCLUSION
The influence of culture on American literature is a dynamic force that continues to
develop and reinvent the nation's literary landscape. The literature of the United States
changes together with it, reflecting the constant conversation between cultures and the
ever-changing character of the American experience. Accepting this cultural variety
permits American literature to remain a lively and necessary tapestry, weaving together
the numerous stories that create the nation's story. White Noise (Don DeLillo),
Interpreter of Maladies (Jhumpa Lahiri), and other works highlight the varied
perspectives and issues that have distinguished American cultural literature throughout
the twentieth century. They represent American society's ever-changing nature and its
continuing engagement with issues of identity, justice, and the human experience.
American literature in the twentieth century reflects the nation's cultural progress in a
dynamic and complex way. These literary works, ranging from the Harlem Renaissance to
contemporary voices of the twenty-first century, not only capture the different cultural
experiences of the United States, but also contribute to a deeper knowledge of humanity
and its shared problems. The works' ongoing investigation of identity, societal challenges,
and the human condition cements their continuing relevance in the cultural and literary
world.
REFERENCES:
1.
Barone, A. (2024). What Is the American Dream? Examples and How to Measure
It. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/a/american-dream.asp
2.
Crowe, C. (2003). Young Adult Literature: Reading African American History and
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3.
Fan, J. (2017). The Embodiment and Development of Feminism in English and
American Literature. International Conference on Education, Sports, Arts and
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Gunther, E. (2020). Native American Literature. Britannica
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Hutchinson, G. (2008). Harlem Renaissance". Encyclopedia Britannica. Yayla, A.
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Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika
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Зарубежная лингвистика
и лингводидактика
–
Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Issue
–
1
№
6 (2023) / ISSN 2181-3701
41
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