Overcoming Otherness. Considerations on Intercultural Aspects in Karin Gündisch’s Novels

Immigration, cultural identity, integration, tolerance and the ability to adapt to a new environment are issues that often come up in today’s global society. The paper focuses on the way in which cultural otherness is perceived by children and teenagers. The article is based on the analysis of Karin Gündisch’s novels. The awarded author from a migrant background offers an insight into the above mentioned problems. Gündisch’s characters are mostly East-Europeans or South-East-Europeans who try to make a living in developed countries of the Western World. The author portrays entire families, children, parents and grandparents. Thus we can discuss the different stages of integration and the different attitudes towards it. How does the comfort of “home” influence identity? How can you rediscover yourself abroad? Does cultural diversity increase prejudice? What does the idea of a “Paradise abroad” involve? These are some of the aspects, the article is trying to explore