From colonial erasure to decolonial resistance: Reclaiming literacy through Bengali folktales

Abstract

This study proposes a decolonial literacy framework through Bengali folktales against colonial and neoliberal literacy practices. By analyzing “Thakurmar Jhuli,” a collection of folktales, we explore how they can sustain alternative literate identity, reclaim intergenerational literacy practices, and resist colonial erasures. Through qualitative content analysis, we conceptualize a relational literacy framework that centers cultural, environmental, and communal ties and contributes to decolonial literacy movements, challenging hierarchical and market-driven models, advocating for educational justice, and belonging.

Authors

• Moutushi Mahreen, The Pennsylvania State University

• Md Rifat Hassan Liju, The Pennsylvania State University