Gender Differences in the Use of Foul Language in Punjabi
Gender Differences in the Use of Foul Language in Punjabi

Summary/Abstract: This study explores the use of foul language and its types in Punjabi from the perspective of gender. In this context, a corpus of Punjabi foul terminology was gathered from 56 male and female Punjabi speakers from urban and rural areas, through an open-ended questionnaire. The participants in this study belonged to different age groups and their education level was under-metric and graduation. All the participants selected as sample for the study were from the Punjabi culture. The theoretical framework of Battistella was applied. The data was analyzed in tables through a statistical approach with frequency and phonetic transcription. The convenience sampling technique was used in the study. Many studies have been done on the use of swear words in many languages to identify different aspects such as factors, gender variation, reasons, sources, types etc. However, to the best of my knowledge, in the history of Pakistan, no research works are found on the use of abusive language in Punjabi according to gender. This study could be very beneficial for those scholars who are interested in themes related to swearing. Various resources were found to be helpful in this study related to swear words, although it is quite difficult to access these resources. Some sociological, psychological, and neurological factors that are not part of the present research, can open the path to other researchers who are interested in what lies behind the rationale of using Punjabi swear words. The present study revealed that, Punjabi speaking people use foul language in many ways, types and situations. The study also found that males use more abusive terminology, while there is less use of coarse words by females. The study evidenced that swear word use is more derogatory and directed more towards females rather than males. Findings from this study contribute to research on the use of foul language, which is still in its infancy and to the lexicology of Punjabi language.

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