Decolonizing English: Linguistic resistance and literary voice in contemporary Muslim women's writing

Abstract

This paper explores how contemporary Muslim women writers use English as a resource for linguistic decolonization. Based on a comparative analysis of selected literary texts, the study argues that English functions not only as a medium of communication but as a site of resistance and transformation. The analysis focuses on three linguistic domains - lexicon, syntax, and pragmatics - showing how authors employ lexical innovation, syntactic deviation, and pragmatic strategies to construct culturally grounded meanings and alternative epistemologies. The findings indicate that these writers reshape English through hybrid and translingual forms, challenging the idea of a standardized and monolithic language. By integrating insights from postcolonial theory and applied linguistics, particularly World Englishes and translingual practice, the paper conceptualizes linguistic decolonization as both a sociolinguistic process and a literary practice. Ultimately, it highlights the role of literature in amplifying marginalized voices and fostering a more inclusive global linguistic landscape.