The Concept of "Unhomely" in Post-Colonial Theory

Abstract

Colonial relations between the West and the East led to the formation of a special hybrid type of identity among residents of colonies. The study of this identity in the framework of postcolonial theory allowed to speak about the special state distinguishing for migrants, as well as for some part of the population of former colonies. To designate it, Homi Bhabha introduced the concept of “unhomely”, which characterizes the person's finding between cultures and traditions. The article is devoted to the consideration of the concept of “unhomely”, its philosophical origins (European psychoanalysis and existentialism) and characteristics, as well as the reflection of this concept in postcolonial literature. © 2022 Aquilo. All rights reserved.