Stigmatization and punjabi language
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Date
2015
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UMT Lahore
Abstract
The purpose of the study is to examine the linguistic scenario of Punjabi language in Pakistan and the social milieu which is not favorable for it. Punjabi is being stigmatized in our society. To find out how a thing becomes stigma, Goffman’s (1963) theory of social stigma and Link and Phelan’s (2001) model of social stigma have been applied. It has been explored that Punjabi language has never been patronized politically, economically and religiously by the Muslims in the sub-continent and this attitude is still persisting in Pakistani Punjab. The discouraging auspice of these social institutions has not allowed Punjabi to flourish and become a prestigious code rather it has been reduced to a stigma. The pages of linguistic history of Punjabi have been leafed through in this context. For real life data, questionnaires were filled from 50 graduates of the University of Punjab to judge their attitude towards Punjabi language. The results of these questionnaires confirm that Punjabi is being stigmatized.
Punjabi has become a stigma and is being treated as inferior language by Urdu and English speaking classes in Pakistan. Goffman’s ( 1963) theory of social stigma and Link and Phelan’s (2001 ) model of social stigma appropriately fit on Punjabi which has been transformed into a stigmatized thing from a normal thing.