Outros Atlânticos: reconfigurações identitárias de estudantes cabo-verdianos em trânsito entre Cabo Verde, Portugal e Brasil

Abstract

The research focus on the reflection of production of new identities in situation of displacement, comparing the trajectories of Cape Verdeans students in transit both in Brazil (Rio de Janeiro) and Portugal (Lisbon) in pursuit of the development of their life projects and higher education. Based on the analysis of their narratives, it discusses how these students build their identities by having contact with various social groups (Brazilian, Portuguese students and other nationalities) in a post-colonial and transnational context and how they experience racial tensions in different contexts of their destination. Leaving Cape Verde to emigrate to other countries is experienced by many young Cape Verdeans not only as a destiny, a dream of a better life, of having a higher education abroad, but also to meet other people and to visit places from which they have news of successful experiences through other students and immigrants. Away from home, family and friends, such narratives highlight the importance of choices in designing their projects, and of networks of relationships built in the destination countries to minimize homesickness, help reception at university and integration in society. Thus, based on the adaptation strategies, experiencing processes of inclusion and exclusion in various social situations in Rio de Janeiro and Lisbon, this thesis discusses the impact of transit for the reconfiguration of identities and belonging of those students.