Identities in Motion: Literary, Linguistic and Didactic Explorations of “I is Another”
Identités en mouvement : explorations littéraires, linguistiques et didactiques du « Je est un autre »
Revue « Lougha-Kalam », volume 11, n°3, septembre 2025
Abstract
The journal Langue and Communication (Lougha-Kalam), invites researchers and doctoral students to submit proposals for articles for a thematic issue devoted to exploring the concept of identity, its variations and its evolution, based on and inspired by Arthur Rimbaud's formula: "I is another" which continues to stimulate philosophical, literary and aesthetic reflections on the question of identity and subjectivity. This thematic issue seeks to serve as a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue, bringing together literature, art, language sciences, and didactics to explore the processes through which identity is constructed, negotiated, and transformed in an ever-evolving world.
Announcement
Lougha-Kalam Review (Language and Communication) / Volume 11 No. 3, September 2025
University of Relizane-Algeria
Guest editors
Issue coordinated by Dre. Merahia BOUAZZA & Dre. Fatiha BENAOUF
Argument
Identity, as a social and personal construction, is a fundamental object of study in several disciplines of the human sciences. The notion of identity, far from being fixed, is constantly evolving. It is shaped by multiple dynamics, evolving according to individual and collective contexts, social practices, cultural norms and technological transformations, as Julia Kristeva (2014) states: “…identity is resolved by belonging to a group and this reassures". Rimbaud's famous statement (1871), "I is another", questions the moving, fluid and plural nature of identity. This poetic formula, which challenges traditional notions of authenticity and the unity of the subject, offers a fruitful entry to address contemporary questions of identity, particularly in its interactions with language, literature, education and social discourses.
The "I" is perceived, in this case, not as a unified and continuous entity, but as a perpetual movement, an endless quest for transformation and metamorphosis, because identity is an uncertain constituent (Kristeva, 2014). The issue, in this perspective, is not reduced to a single representation of oneself: it is a space in constant evolution, a territory that is both internal and external, where the boundaries between the ‘Self’ and the ‘Other’ are porous and shifting. In short, the expression "I am another" compels us to re-evaluate the concept of identity. It invites us to interrogate and investigate identity, perceiving it not as a static entity but rather as a dynamic and evolving framework. In this context, each individual embodies a "self" in pursuit of truth, an "Other" awaiting exploration, and a participant in various processes of transformation. In this issue of the Langue and Communication (Lougha-Kalam) journal, we invite you to delve into the various and intricate connections that exist between the "I" and the "Other." This theme, prevalent in philosophy, literature, psychoanalysis, and sociology, compels us to reconsider the complex and often contradictory relationships between the ‘self’ and the ‘other’. Proust, in his notable statement from Contre Sainte-Beuve (1954), asserts that "The self is the product of another self than the one we manifest in our habits…" thereby expanding upon the contemplation initiated by Rimbaud from a distinct viewpoint. Rimbaud presents a concept of identity characterized by a profound otherness, where the "I" transforms into something distinct: the ‘other’. In contrast, Proust emphasizes the existence of multiple dimensions within the "self," utilizing writing as a tool to illuminate those aspects that elude the mundane experience. In his novel “Les identités meurtrières” (1998), Amin Maalouf presents a modern and rich perspective on the issue of identity and the other. He addresses the idea of multiple and complex identities fundamentally, which interact indirectly with the concept of self in continuous transformation, as seen in the works of Rimbaud and Proust, where the "I" is not reduced to a single essence. For Barthes, personal identity is considered a decentralized and multidimensional construct at the same time, and his approach is part of a movement to deconstruct traditional concepts related to the author, the text, and meaning. In his famous essay "The Death of the Author" (1968), Barthes questions the existence of a fixed and independent "I" behind the text. He concludes that the idea of the author as a source of meaning is merely an illusion. According to his view, the text is not seen as the product of individual will or a unique personal identity, but rather as a construct in which meaning is produced through the interaction between words, cultural references, and reader expectations. Identity cannot be understood without considering the other, who represents a mirror of the self and also an adversary at the same time. He questions the idea of a pure individuality, affirming that the "I" is always constructed in relation to others "it is the other who makes me exist" (Delphy, 2008). This relationship can be seen as a confrontation, an interaction or a dissociation that calls into question the authenticity and unity of the subject. The ‘Other’ would thus be not only a mirror, but also a source of otherness essential to the evolution and transformation of the subject. Thus, according to Ricoeur (1990) "everyone's life is an incomplete story".
In summary, Roland Barthes, akin to Rimbaud, perceives identity not as a static and unchanging construct but rather as a dynamic and dispersed formation. While Rimbaud refers to an "I" that is "another," Barthes illustrates, through his literary and theoretical critiques, that identity is perpetually misaligned with the self, fragmented, and shaped by external influences, particularly language and culture.
This thematic issue targets scholars in the domains of literature, language sciences, and didactics, with the objective of examining the various dimensions of identity, including its variations and evolutions, through a cross-disciplinary analysis of these fields.
Proposed thematic axes
1. Literature, Art and Identity
Art and literature have consistently served as esteemed domains for examining the concepts of the "I" and the "Other." Through poetry, fiction, theatre, and cinema, we are afforded a distinctive opportunity to delve into these relationships. Artistic expression creates a platform for dialogue among various identities, simultaneously challenging the "I" to confront its boundaries, vulnerabilities, and potential for change. We encourage you to contemplate literary works that engage with diverse languages and identities, such as bilingual writing and language hybridization. This section may investigate the following inquiries:
- How do authors, poets, and artists employ narrative techniques, metaphors, and symbols to portray their interactions with the 'other'?
- What influence do new technologies, social media, and digital culture have on the expression and negotiation of identities across various languages?
- How have writers, poets, and dramatists addressed the concept of identity throughout history?
- What literary methods facilitate the representation of otherness, fluidity, or transformations of identity?
- How the motif of the double or the fragmented is self-depicted in literary texts? Furthermore, how do these portrayals resonate with individuals who see themselves reflected in them?
2. Language sciences and identity
Languages serve not merely as instruments of communication; they embody values, symbols, and representations that significantly shape an individual's self-perception and the perceptions others hold of them. Within this framework, identity emerges as a dynamic arena where various languages converge, and each linguistic exchange acts as a catalyst for transformation. Social, political, and cultural phenomena—such as social movements, political discussions, and matters concerning migration or integration—play a crucial role in influencing and molding collective identity, which can be understood as pre-existing the individual (Barus-Michel, 2002). Scholarly works that investigate the dynamics of domination, marginalization, and inclusion can provide valuable insights into how identity is negotiated in relation to the ‘Other’.
Potential contributions may address inquiries such as:
- How do individuals navigate their identities across various languages?
- In what ways do multilingual experiences influence self-perception and perceptions of others?
- How do migration, linguistic blending, and globalization transform the concept of identity towards a more pluralistic and hybrid understanding?
- What is the role of language in the socialization process and in the negotiation of personal identity?
- How do the constructs of race, gender, social class, and cultural affiliation affect our interactions with others?
- What is the role of language in the formation and development of identity?
3. Didactics and identity
Language instruction and intercultural education fundamentally engage with identity matters by emphasizing the interplay among language, culture, and self-formation. These methodologies assert that learning a foreign language transcends mere proficiency in a linguistic system; it also necessitates contemplation of otherness and intercultural engagement. In this context, participants may explore the following aspects:
- What role do pedagogical strategies play in fostering diverse identities, especially within environments characterized by mobility or cultural plurality?
- How do native and foreign languages contribute to the development of both individual and collective identities?
- What are the implications of multilingualism for self-perception and the understanding of others?
- How can the process of language acquisition challenge stereotypes and cultural biases?
- To what degree do educational resources, such as textbooks, reflect particular identity narratives?
4. Digital and Media Identity
The emergence of digital technologies and social networks has led to the transformation and rapid evolution of identity. In an interconnected environment, identity can become fragmented across multiple digital platforms. Furthermore, the advent of artificial intelligence has created new possibilities for the dynamics between the self and the other. Scholars are encouraged to examine the intricate relationships that emerge from these novel interactions in the formation of identity in the 21st century, considering the ethical, social, and philosophical challenges they present:
- To what degree is the ‘Othe’r redefined as a “digital otherness”?
- In what ways do identities related to gender, social class, ethnicity, or nationality interact and influence the personal experience of identity?
- How do technology and social networks alter our self-perception and our connections with others?
- In what manner do these digital tools reshape the way individuals view and engage with one another?
- What role do language and communication play in these new identity frameworks, where individuals act as both participants and observers of their own representation?
Submission terms
Please refer to the section labelled "instructions to authors".
Submissions should be composed in French and English, in accordance with the editorial standards outlined on the journal's website.
We eagerly anticipate your contributions and creative insights on this engaging subject. Articles must be submitted through the ASJP platform .
For any inquiries or further information, please reach out to: merahia.bouazza@univ-relizane.dz and fatiha.benaouf@univ-relizane.dz.
Calendar
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Submission Deadline: June 15, 2025
- Online publication: End of September, 2025
Scientific Commitee
- Pr Patrick VOISIN, agrégé de grammaire et Professeur de chaire supérieure (H) ; membre du Laboratoire Babel EA 2649 de l’Université de Toulon, France.
- Pr Benaouda LEBDAI, Professeur Emérite des Universités Le Mans, France
- Pre Fatima Zohra LALLAOUICHIALI, Université d’Oran2, Algérie
- Pr Osmane BARRY ALPHA, Professeur Emérite des universités, Bordeaux, France
- Pre Catherine MULKOVICH, Université Clermont Ferrand, France
- Pre Andrée CHAUVIN, Professeure Emérite des universités, Franche Comté, France
- Pr Abdelkrim BENSLIM, Université de Témouchent, Algérie
- Pr Khadidja BENAMMAR, Université de Mostaganem, Algérie
- Pre Ghania OUAHMICHE, Université Mohamed BenAhmed d’Oran 2, Algérie
- Pre Lynda CHOUITEN, Université de Boumerdès, Algérie
- Pr Karim OUARAS, Université d’Oran2 Mohamed Ben Ahmed, Algérie
- Pr Faiza SENOUCI MEBERBECHE, Université Tlemcen, Algérie
- Pre Rachida HAMMOUCHE BEY OMAR, Université d’Oran 2, Algérie
- Pre Khaldia AISSA, Université d’Oran 2 Mohamed BenAhmed, Algérie
- Pre Latifa SARI MOHAMMED, Université de Tlemcen, Algérie
- Pre Malika BENSEKAT, Université de Mostaganem, Algérie
- Pre Nassima KAID, Université Djillali Liabes, Sidi Bel Abbès, Algérie
- Pr Rachid CHIBANE, Université de Tindouf, Algérie
- Pre Souhila SOLTANI, Ecole Normale Supérieure d’Oran, Algérie
- Pre Fatima Zohra HARIG BENMOSTEFA, Université d’Oran 2, Algérie
- Pr Mustapha TRABELSI, Université Sfax, Tunisie
- Pr Sid Ahmed KHELLADI, Université de Adrar, Algérie
- Pre Nawel MOKHTAR SAAIDIA, Université de Chlef, Algérie
- Pre Hanane SARNOU, Université de Mostaganem, Algérie
- Pr Ouardia AICI, Université de Blida, Algérie
- Dr Dorgelès HOUESSOU, Université Alassane Outtara, Côte d’Ivoire
- Dre Merahia BOUAZZA, Université de Relizane, Algérie
- Dr Belgacem BELARBI, Université de Tiaret, Algérie
- Dre Jeanette Yolande MBONDZI, Université Omar Bongo, Gabon
- Dre Lamia BEBKHETTAB, Université de Relizane, Algérie
- Dr Abdelouahid TIOUIDIOUINE, Université de Relizane, Algérie
- Dre Samira BERDJI BESSEGHIR MUSTAPHA, Université de Relizane, Algérie
- Dre Malak KHBOU, Université Kairouan, Tunisie
- Dre MEGHRAOUI FERHANI Fatima, UFC Alger, Algérie
- Dre DOULATE SEROURI Hamida, Université de Tiaret, Algérie
- Dr K’Monti Jessé DIAMA, Université Alassane Outtara, Côte d’Ivoire
- Dre Fatiha BENAOUF, Université de Relizane, Algérie
- Dr Mohamed SAHI, Université de Relizane, Algérie
- Dre Soltana BELMIHOUB, Université de Relizane, Algérie
- Dre Fazilet ALACHAHER, Université de Abou Bakr Belkaid, CU Maghnia, Algérie
- Dr Abdallah BOUGUENOUS, Université de Relizane, Algérie
- Dr Abdelouahid BENADDA, Université de Relizane, Algérie
- Dre Amel BELMIHOUB, Université de Relizane, Algérie
- Dre Hanane SAIHI, Université de Biskra, Algérie
- Dre ROUABAH Siham, Université de Batna 2, Algérie
- Dr Ismail SLIMANI, Université de Sétif, Algérie
- Dre Safia Zenati, Université de Relizane, Algérie
References
Barthes, R. (1968). La mort de l'Auteur. In Le bruissement de la langue. Paris: Seuil
Barthes, R. (1953). Le degré zéro de l’écriture. Paris : Seuil
BarusLichej, J. (2002). Sujet social. In J. BarusMichel, E. Enriquez & A. Lévy (dir.) Vocabulaire de psychosociologie (p. 264). Toulouse : Erès.
Begag, A. et Chaouit, A. (1990). Ecarts d’identité. Paris : Ed. u Seuil
Delphy, C. (2008). Classer, dominer – Qui sont les « autres » ? Paris : La Fabrique
Edmond, M. (2005). Psychologie de l’identité : Soi et le groupe. Paris : Seuil
Eliade, M. (1999). La nostalgie des origines. Paris : Gallimard
Galissant, E. (1990). Poétique de la relation. Paris : Gallimard
Genette, G. (1972). Figures III. Paris : Seuil
Khatibi, A. (1983). Maghreb pluriel. Paris : Denoël
Kristeva Julia, Réflexions sur l’Etranger. URL: http://www.kristeva.fr/reflexionssurletranger.html
Maalouf, A. (1998). Les identités meurtrières. Paris : Grasset
Proust, Marcel. (1954). Contre SainteBeuve. Parsis : Gallimard
Rimbaud, A. (1871). Lettre du voyant, adressée à Paul Demeny
Ricoeur, P. (1990). Soi même comme un autre. Paris : Seuil
Attached files
Contact(s)
- Merahia Bouazza
courriel : merahia [dot] bouazza [at] univ-relizane [dot] dz - Fatiha BENAOUF
courriel : fatiha [dot] benaouf [at] univ-relizane [dot] dz
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License
This announcement is licensed under the terms of Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal.
To cite this announcement
« Identities in Motion: Literary, Linguistic and Didactic Explorations of “I is Another” », Call for papers, Calenda, Published on Monday, March 10, 2025, https://doi.org/10.58079/13ft8
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