Subalternization in Arabic Novel: A Case Study of Indian Tribes in Samih Masoed’s  Hoshalaja

Nushrotun Nida; Rahmat Mulya Nugraha; Mohammad  Ridwan; Abdul Basid; Yulianti; Nurohman

doi:10.35516/Hum.2026.9722

Authors

Nushrotun Nida Arabic Language and Literature, STIABI Riyadul ‘Ulum, Tasikmalaya, Indonesia. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2816-5187
Rahmat Mulya Nugraha Arabic Language and Literature, STIABI Riyadul ‘Ulum, Tasikmalaya, Indonesia. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0182-8155
Mohammad Ridwan Arabic Language and Literature, STIABI Riyadul ‘Ulum, Tasikmalaya, Indonesia. https://orcid.org/0009-0008-3381-8235
Abdul Basid Arabic Language and Literature, Universitas Islam Negeri Maulana Malik Ibrahim, Malang, Indonesia.
Yulianti Arabic Language and Literature, STIABI Riyadul ‘Ulum, Tasikmalaya, Indonesia. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3216-7441
Nurohman Arabic Language and Literature, STIABI Riyadul ‘Ulum, Tasikmalaya, Indonesia. https://orcid.org/0009-0006-0854-5728

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.35516/Hum.2026.9722

Keywords:

Epistemic violence, Hoshelaja, Indian tribes, postcolonial, subalternization.

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to find out the form of American subalternization of the Indian tribe as a marginalized group depicted in the Hoshelaja by Samih Masoed. This study investigates and analyses how the process of subalternization is displayed through characters and narratives that reflect the social, political, and cultural conditions that marginalize Indian tribes in the context of the story.

Methods: This research uses a descriptive qualitative approach with Spivak's postcolonial analysis. Data were collected through intensive reading, translation, and note-taking of relevant quotes from Hoshelaja. Analysis was conducted on characters, dialogues, and narratives to identify forms of subalternization in social, political, and cultural contexts.

Result: The results show that the forms of subalternization of Indians in the Hoshelaja manifest as discrimination (sexism and racism); transformation (cultural colonialism and trade acquisition); distribution (human resources)

Conclusion: This study concludes that the form of subalternization is not only manifested through physical oppression of the subaltern, but also through the political system, trade, education and culture. The analysis of Indian characters in Hoshelaja provides valuable insight into the broader mechanisms of subalternization, which are also relevant to Arabic literature. Themes such a cultural marginalization, colonial influence, and systemic oppression can similarly be explored in Arabic literary works. Therefore, the researcher recommends further analysis of subalternization in Arabic literature to uncover parallel dynamics and contribute to a comparative understanding of marginalized voice.

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