Ethnic identity negotiation through dialogical self: the case of Anywaa and Nuer evangelicals in Gambella, Ethiopia

This study explores the ethnic identity negotiation of Anywaa and Nuer Evangelical Christians in the Gambella region, Ethiopia, using the Dialogical Self Theory. The two ethnic groups are living in conflict due to different reasons such as historical narratives and cultural differences. Though they have differences on multiple issues, they are converts from their respective traditional religion to Evangelical Christianity, which is given insufficient attention in the existing literature when their relation is investigated. A case study methodology is employed to understand the peoples’ perception and understanding of the dialogical self and value dissonance in their identity elements. Data was collected through semi-structured individual interviews, focus group discussions and non-participant observations of 69 respondents from both ethnic groups with varying ages, sex, and responsibilities. Through thematic data analysis, the study reveals that the Anywaa and the Nuer have ascribed identities that emphasize their group peculiarities and differences with others. However, their acquired identity, Evangelical Christianity, enables them to redefine some of the cultural elements, especially aspects of relations with ethnic others through the dialogical self. The redefinition of identity markers results in the discontinuity of some elements and the continuity of others, leading to negotiation strategies to deal with value-dissonance between identity elements that change the nature of their ethnic boundary, making it permeable or impermeable. Some of these strategies promote positive relations, while others promote negative relations among the two groups. The study suggests the need for fostering value-based reflective dialogues in individuals by different institutions, enabling them to see their relations through other lenses. Moreover, the study recommends using individuals as change agents and creating a community of practice to help peace grow from inside-out or bottom-up. The findings offer distinctive insights on how social changes like religious conversion coupled with an individual’s dialogical self can redefine issues of identity by altering ethnic boundaries and how that can be used for the better coexistence among the ethnic groups.