Folklore in post-colonial or ethnic literature

The American Folklore Society sponsors a special session at the annual
meeting of the MLA. For 2006, we seek papers that consider how works of
literature define, maintain, or defend ethnic or group identity through the
incorporation of folklore.
 
In life, folklore is often used to maintain, create, or defend culture. As
we know, sometimes it is even ³invented² to fulfill this purpose.
Post-colonial populations and ethnic minorities in particular may employ
folklore for political ends.

Topics might include:
role of a folktale in a work such as Toni Morrison¹s Song of Solomon;
Playing the dozens in Suzan Lori Parks¹ Top Dog/Under Dog;
Maxine Hong Kingston¹s use of Chinese folklore in her work;
Or anything concerning the importance of a traditional practice in
maintaining ethnic identity in a text.
 
Submit 250-word abstracts via email to Christie Fox at christie.fox_at_usu.edu.
Panelists must be members of MLA by April 1, 2006. Abstracts should include
a brief bio, any AV requirements, and relevant contact information. All
abstracts must be received by March 10th.

2006 MLA Convention
Philadelphia, December 27-30, 2006

--Dr. Christie FoxHonors Program DirectorUtah State University1438 Old Main HillLogan, UT 84322-1438435-797-2715 ========================================================== From the Literary Calls for Papers Mailing List CFP_at_english.upenn.edu Full Information at http://cfp.english.upenn.edu or write Jennifer Higginbotham: higginbj_at_english.upenn.edu ==========================================================Received on Sat Jan 21 2006 - 13:51:17 EST