Sociology of Sanskrit Language: in the Context of Women and Shudras

Author: Dr. Kaushalya (Motilal Nehru College, University of Delhi, India)
Speakers: Dr. Kaushalya
Topic: Language Socialization
The (SCOPUS / ISI) SOAS GLOCAL CALA 2020 General Session

Abstract

The language of the Dalits is one of the most crucial constituents that give Dalit literature its distinctiveness. The language violently disturbs the seemingly natural posture and superficial orderliness of the status quo. That is to say, the language of the Dalits go against the standard language, which is considered to be “pure”, “cultured”, “classical”, and “divine”, and which is also the language of the academia. The so-called “decency” is the most suffocating term for the Dalits and it stifles the Dalit voice. The Dalit language is definitely decent for Dalits. The language used by a person is determined by the education he receives and the socio cultural environment he was brought up in. The Dalit have a different vocabulary and speech.

Dalits being at the lower end of the caste hierarchy have been traditionally kept away from education, and for this reason their language is very different from the textual language used by the upper castes. Dalit literature brings out the discrimination the Dalits face in every walk of life and the atrocities that are committed on them. In India, an elder person is generally addressed with respect. But if the elder person is a Dalit, he would be addressed disrespectfully. Dalits face discrimination even at their work places. Talent in Dalits would never be recognised. The Dalits being at the lower end of the caste hierarchy have been kept away from education and this is the reason why their language is very different from the textual language used by the upper castes. In these all context we will try to find out that what is the reason behind language of Shudra (Dalit) and women used in Sanskrit texts.

Keywords: Linguistic, Dharmshastra, sociology of Shudras and woman