“খোয়াবনামা” উপন্যাসে কালের দহন: ভাষা বিশ্লেষণ

Abstract

This research examines the linguistic representation of temporal turmoil, or ÔBurning of TimeŎ (kaler dohan), in Akhtaruzzaman EliasÕs seminal novel Khoabnama (1996). Situated in post-Tebhaga movement rural North Bengal, the novel intricately weaves social, political, and cultural unrest into its narrative. Elias employs regional vocabulary, metaphoric imagery, dialogues imbued with suppressed anger, and political slogans to convey historical realities and temporal anxiety. The language of Khoabnama is distinctive for its deep connection to the Barendra region; its dialogues are written in rich colloquial speech, giving voice to rural characters in a way that feels authentic and grounded. The study explores how these linguistic strategies embody social realism and symbolism, situating Khoabnama as both a literary and historical document. Comparative discussion with EliasÕs Chilekothar Sepai highlights his stylistic evolution and the continuous interplay of language, history, and society in his fiction. This paper contributes to Bangladeshi literary criticism by analyzing the subtle mechanisms through which language reflects socio-political temporality.