Writings on Subaltern Practice
Description
Subaltern theory emerged as a small voice within academia decades ago. Over time, this work generated significant debate and numerous publications, talks, and conferences. However, little has changed in the experienced lives of the masses. This led people to wonder: "the subalterns seem to have a voice, but can they take action?"; or, in other words, is there subaltern practice?
This collection of essays and poems, written with a broad audience in mind, hopes to demonstrate not just how the subaltern can identify and question hegemonic practices, but how they can create alternative frameworks and material that enable themselves and their communities. In doing so, this book aims to demonstrate not just how deep the colonial poisons run, but also how to detoxify ourselves and the environment around us.
The writings included in this book study the inequalities that we experience in and around us and suggest actions and practices that can help us regain harmony. It is a callfor action and a sharing of ideas that can enable us to regain balance and fulfil our human responsibilities.
Reviews / Votes
" Writings on Subaltern Practice extends its relevance beyond academia, reaching anyone who is curious about the transformative potential of language and the possibilities of resisting exclusionary systems of knowledge. It invites a conversation that is as much about intellectual inquiry as it is about emotional and cultural healing, making it a text of profound significance for a wide and diverse audience." (Yecid Ortega, Journal of Education, Language, and Ideology, Vol. 3 (1), 2025)
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Person
Ahmar Mahboob (aka Prof Nomad / Sunny Boy Brumby) was born of South Asian refugees and South Asian social, economic, and political oppression, and grew up in exile in the United Arab Emirates, where he was educated not just through conventional schools but also through relationships with artists, poets, journalists, politicians, and writers-all friends of his parents. With them, he had grown to identify oppressive practices in academia and governance. Working on issues of disempowerment and marginalisation and recently abandoning most colonial teachings, he draws on observation, analysis, and practice to develop both his understandings and his own practices and teaching. Ahmar has published almost a dozen books, and has twice received the President of Pakistan Award. He was named the field leader of English Language and Literature by Australia Magazine in 2019. Ahmar's poetry was inducted into the Australia Poetry Hall of Fame in 2021.
Content
Foreword by Fakrul Alam.- Introduction by Monaliza Hernandez Mamac.- I am subaltern (poem).- From Ramsey Centre for Western Civilization to subaltern linguistics: A call for action.- Three rights (poem).- Modern linguistics is "non-sensical"?.- What is love (poem).- What is subaltern linguistics?.- Poster Boy (poem).- Doing Subaltern Linguistics.- I stand on solid ground (poem).- Why English?.- Beautiful tomorrow? (poem).- One reason for war: exploitative socio-semiotics.- "Papa, why do people hurt each other?" (poem).- International Mother Language Day: Has Pakistan learnt any lessons?.- Enlightenment, Renaissance, Reformation (poem).- The Myth of the Post-Colonial.- Splendid! Simply splendid! (poem).- Unlearn 'language'.- The river wept (poem).- The Unmaking of Paradise: Literacy as Trojan Horse: Part I.- Thank you (poem).- The Unmaking of Paradise: Literacy as Trojan Horse: Part II.- Should I go to school? (poem).- The Unmaking of Paradise: Literacy as Trojan Horse: Part III.- Ilove you unconditionally (poem).- Colonisation 3.0.- Toba (poem).- Regaining balance: Rethinking knowledge making.- You need to start learning (poem).- Regaining balance: Learning to make sense.- Learning is easy (poem).- Regaining balance: Relearning "religion".- The Diamond Jug (poem).- Ten myths that keep us colonised.- Learn from the trees (poem).