Abstract

The concept of the subaltern, rooted in Antonio Gramsci’s writings and developed in postcolonial theory, has become central to understanding the dynamics of power, marginalization, and resistance in literature and society. Subaltern voices—those of the socially, politically, and economically marginalized—have historically been silenced or misrepresented by dominant discourses. This article explores the intricate relationship between language, power, and resistance, focusing on how subaltern voices emerge, contest hegemony, and reshape narratives in literature and cultural history. Drawing on subaltern studies, postcolonial theory, and literary examples, the article examines the mechanisms of silencing, the strategies of resistance, and the transformative potential of reclaiming language for subaltern subjects.