How did immigration diversify English literature in the 20th century?

In the 20th century, immigration played a transformative role in diversifying English literature. Rather than remaining an insular tradition, the field increasingly absorbed and integrated the perspectives of writers born outside the British Isles.12

This diversification was driven by the contributions of authors from diverse backgrounds, including those from the Indian subcontinent, Africa, the Caribbean, and East Asia. Notable writers who helped reshape the literary landscape through their immigrant experiences include V.S. Naipaul, Salman Rushdie, and Kazuo Ishiguro.21

By the latter half of the century, there was a marked increase in literary focus on the experiences of these recent settlers, whose works in English or English dialect enriched the broader tradition. This influx of new voices challenged traditional boundaries, allowing English literature to evolve by incorporating global perspectives and reflecting the changing demographics of Britain.21