Multiculturalism has recently become a word without which hardly any discussion of identity
nationality or historical and ideological narratives seems possible. However the popularity of
this word and its current usefulness should not obscure the fact that the concept itself is not
an easy and obvious one: many apparently firm assumptions have been disputed from a
multicultural perspective while there are still a great number of social cultural and
political spheres which need to be re-defined and re-articulated as some dominant notions and
symbols have been subverted by recognition of the diversity of subjective positions and
cultural identities. The concept of multiculturalism assumes that our identities - both
individual and collective - are shaped by our relationships with others. This volume addresses
issues of multiculturalism and identity in culture and reveals a wide spectrum of perspectives
from which we look at the Other the Unfamiliar the Unknown. It is an attempt to reveal the
patterns and practices our culture has used in order to envisage negate or welcome the Other
and seeks to contribute to the ongoing discussion about multiculturalism.
