AustLit

'This thesis examines the notions of Greek identity in Australia through the analysis of selected short stories written in the Greek language by Greek Australian writers. Moreover, it focuses on the evolution of Greek identity in the diaspora and specifically in Australia during the twentieth century, whilst taking into consideration the recent phenomenon of transnationalism. The short story has been considered in the present study as the most representative and suitable type of genre to examine the concept of identity. As such, it is through the short story that different themes are explored, revealing aspects of Greek community-life in Australia, with an emphasis on identity issues and dilemmas. Attention is drawn to the empowering presence of a wide range of symbols and indicators, revealing an identity which is rich and complex in socio-cultural, historical and linguistic characteristics, relating to the Greek immigrant experience in the diaspora. The thesis concludes that there has been a shift from the original rigid migrant identity of the early twentieth century to a more flexible, tolerant, adapted and globally oriented identity.' Andrea Garivaldis