Embedding Subversion and Gender Identity – The Grammar and Use of ′Ulti′, the Secret Language of the Koti Community in Bengal

Embedding Subversion is a captivating exploration of Ulti’s clandestine world, amplifying overlooked voices and deepening our understanding of linguistic diversity and its sociopolitical implications. Through its rigorous analysis and innovative theoretical framework, it offers a profound exploration of Ulti as more than just a language; it is a linguistic manifestation of resistance and resilience. This seminal work transcends linguistic boundaries, providing insights into the interplay of language, identity and power dynamics within marginalized communities. It is a must-read for scholars interested in sociolinguistics, queer studies and language revitalization efforts. -- Zethu Matebeni, Professor and South Africa Research Chair in Sexualities, Genders and Queer Studies, University of Fort Hare, South Africa Enakshi Nandi's excellent scholarly work shines a light on the overlooked hijra-koti community in West Bengal, with a detailed account of their secret language, Ulti, and how it gives them a unique voice. A fascinating study! -- Paul Baker, Professor, Department of Linguistics and English Language, Lancaster University This book looks at language with a new lens. Enakshi gathers the courage to engage with the question of what language is all about. Equipped with sound theoretical underpinnings and a rigorous methodology, she examines the linguistic and sociolinguistic nature of Ulti – a language that seeks to erase the binaries of the cisnormative and heteropatriarchal world – and makes a significant contribution to our knowledge, taking us a step forward in understanding how to conceptualize language. -- Ramakant Agnihotri, Professor (retd.), CAS in Linguistics, University of Delhi