Who are They: Language Used for Transgenders and their Representation in Pakistani Drama Guru
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55737/rl.v5i1.26186Keywords:
Pronouns, Attitudes, Transgenders, Power Dynamics, Pakistani DramaAbstract
The study analyzes the use of language specifically pronouns for transgenders and power dynamics within transgender community in Pakistani drama, Guru. Pierre Bourdieu's theory of language and symbolic power (1979) is used for this study. The present study focuses on attitudes of characters through language and use of pronouns for transgenders and power dynamics within transgender community. This study examines how society, externally imposes language and how transgenders use language to overpower Chelas, these patterns are identified by qualitative content analysis. The research illustrates that oppression is not only imposed externally but also internally, within the community through cultural validation. This study finds that other characters in the drama use disrespectful language for/with transgenders and use of incorrect pronouns for them delegitimizes their identities. Similarly, guru-chela relationships also perpetuate because Gurus dominate their chelas through language and restrictions, while chelas are obedient and submissive to their gurus. By exposing both external and internal symbolic powers, this study focuses on how language plays a significant role in maintaining the hierarchies in society and the power dynamics within trans communities.
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