Since 2000, Australian Indigenous writers have made significant achievements in the field of literature, among which Melissa Lukashenko's' Talking 'focuses on the emotional entanglements of five generations of Indigenous families, showcasing the conflict between the Indigenous and White races and the daily lives of Indigenous peoples. The novel won the Miles Franklin Prize and is considered to integrate the story with the political reality of cultural survival, presenting hope and redemption. Critics believe that 'Talking Much' is a political novel that links colonial history, social and political issues, and indigenous rights struggles through black humor. The academic community unanimously recognizes the political nature of novels, but lacks micro level political discourse analysis of the keyword 'talkative'. This article will explore the three layers of cultural symbols and their political connotations of "talkative" in novels from the perspective of postcolonial theory.
We discussed the political connotations in Melissa Lukashenko's novel 'Talking', particularly its reflection on the historical and current oppression of Indigenous Australians. The novel challenges parental/male discourse hegemony, heterosexual discourse hegemony, and white racial discourse hegemony, questioning the unreasonable hierarchical system within the indigenous community through the character of Kerry, and demonstrating the resistance of indigenous women to male dominated discourse. At the same time, the novel questions the dominance of heterosexual discourse and showcases gender differences among indigenous individuals through the images of Kerry and her brother Black Superman. In addition, the novel exposes the trauma of white racial discourse hegemony on the physical and mental well-being of Indigenous peoples, reflecting the survival status of Australian Indigenous communities under colonial rule and the continuation of racial oppression. Through these narratives, Lukashenko reveals the racial reality of inequality beneath the facade of prosperity in Australian society.
Explored the expression of diverse indigenous voices in Melissa Lukashenko's work 'Talking Many Words'. The research of Robert Foster and Peter Murhousler reveals the phenomenon of indigenous discourse being filtered or invented by mainstream culture during the colonial period, and since the 1960s, indigenous subjectivity has awakened and begun to write their own voices. Lukashenko amplified these voices, especially the protagonist Kerry's protest against white people, through "Talking More". Kerry's two "voices" in his heart were written when he stole, affirming the ethical value of indigenous laws and demonstrating anger towards white rulers. Lukashenko used white political discourse to allude to the early white colonizers' occupation of indigenous land. Donna's criticism extends from race to gender, emitting angry voices of indigenous women towards men. Her experience highlights the multiple marginalized living conditions of indigenous women. Donnie, on the other hand, expressed a "decadent voice" towards traditional culture, reflecting the reality of the lack of faith among the new generation of indigenous people, whose rootless state is the result of white assimilation policies. Lukashenko demonstrated the vibrant vitality of indigenous culture through these roles.
Discussed the issue of racial reconciliation triggered by the commemoration of the 200th anniversary of white Australian settlement in 1988, pointing out that white writers expressed a desire to reflect on colonial history and hope for racial reconciliation in their novels, but often avoided sensitive political issues. At the same time, then Australian Prime Minister Howard reduced funding for Indigenous peoples, restricted land rights, refused to apologize, and claimed that Australia was a fair society. Indigenous writers protest against the inconsistency between white words and actions, exposing the hypocrisy of reconciliation initiatives. Lukashenko expressed the indigenous position in "Talking Many Words" and explored the importance and path of family reconciliation. She believes that 'talking too much', which means everyone arguing, is a necessary path towards reconciliation. The novel explores the necessity and ways of family reconciliation through the stories of the Salter family. Quarreling has a positive significance in intimate relationships, as it is a process of listening and healing. The argument of the Salter family ultimately led to an apology from family members and an important step towards reconciliation. Unlike white writers, Lukashenko did not express a desire for racial reconciliation, but instead revealed the historical trauma brought by white colonialism to indigenous peoples through the "talkative" actions of the Solt family, expressing the diverse political demands of indigenous peoples. At the end of the novel, the Salter family climbs onto Ava Island to break down the white barrier, showcasing the practical actions of the indigenous people in fighting for land sovereignty and revealing the difficulties of the road to reconciliation between the indigenous and white races. Lukashenko believes that white people should abandon arrogance and prejudice, respect the existence and values of indigenous peoples, and listen to their voices, otherwise true reconciliation cannot be achieved.
Emphasizing the concept of "talking too much" as a political movement transcends individual monologues and becomes a form of group dialogue. Lukashenko practiced Cassirer's philosophy through written voice in "Talking Many Words", exploring the possibility of dialogue and conveying the "new/heart" voice of indigenous peoples. These voices reveal the multiple concerns and individual thinking of Indigenous Australians. As an Indigenous work that has won Australia's highest literary award, its success reflects the prosperity and new trends of Indigenous creation. Indigenous writers have broken through the autobiographical mode in terms of genre, using novel forms to enrich the aesthetic implications of political expression. Technically, the integration of traditional realism and postmodern techniques has enhanced the level of creativity. In terms of theme, it is no longer limited to the conflict between indigenous and white races, but focuses on the universal survival difficulties in the context of globalization, expressing the attitudes and opinions of indigenous peoples, and contributing wisdom to solving racial conflicts and global crises.
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