In her 1996 article in Cultural Anthropology, Liisa Malkki argues that refugees are “speechless emissaries.” Draw from Malkki’s article, lectures, and tutorials to explain this argument. Your explanation should address the following questions:
How does Malkki draw from her observations to conclude that refugees are “speechless emissaries”? (2)
Liisa Malkki draws from her observations of refugees in various contexts, particularly in the refugee camps of Tanzania, to conclude that they are "speechless emissaries." She notes that refugees often struggle to articulate their experiences and emotions due to the trauma they have faced as well as the language barriers they encounter in their new host countries. This lack of ability to fully communicate their experiences can lead to them being perceived as silent or voiceless.
Malkki argues that despite this perceived silence, refugees still act as emissaries of their past experiences and traumas. Through their physical presence and their interactions with others, refugees convey powerful messages about the violence, displacement, and loss they have endured. Their very existence in a new country serves as a reminder of the conflicts and hardships that forced them to flee their homes.
Furthermore, Malkki suggests that refugees often become symbols of larger political and humanitarian issues, with their stories and struggles being used to shape public perceptions and policies regarding displacement and asylum. In this way, refugees are not completely voiceless, as their presence and experiences can speak volumes about the injustices and challenges they face.
Overall, Malkki argues that refugees may be perceived as "speechless emissaries" due to their struggles in articulating their experiences, but their presence and interactions still convey important messages about displacement, trauma, and resilience.