My target language is Hindi, which is based of linguistic paradigms that are deeply entrenched within the the cultural norms of the country. As Hindi has multifaceted aspects comprising of gender and tense based attribution to objects, learning it has been extremely complicated. So far my approach has been to engage with family and friends from India, as well as new acquaintances from Middle Eastern countries made in the University of Richmond. This format of engagement has been extremely helpful due to the opportune nature of my association with the country. Since I grew up in India, I have always been affiliated with Hindi and have become accustomed to it. However, I never knew the nuanced nature of the language and so approaching the feminine aspect of the language has been key to my furthering of knowledge. As I am at an intermediate level, the cultural aspects were more relevant to me a the nuances were becoming more apparent as the language became more complex. Dealing with aspects of how Indians have historically dealt with females and feminism throughout the past centuries, enables one to understand the deeper aspects of the linguistics related to the formulation of words. Particularly, what has been confusing is understanding the difference between cultural and traditional differences. While tradition tends to dictate a respect for females, with female Gods, seeking one's mother's blessings and ascribing a general respect for knowledge, which has female connotations. Conversely, cultural aspects show that Indians have historically been patriarchal with lack of education for females, disrespect to wive's and the practice of Sati.
When dealing with the language what becomes apparent, is the manner with which this confusion applies to objects. Illustratively, while books which are considered sacred have female linguistics, money which has deep practical aspects has male ascriptions. This especially relates to the current paradigm, wherein the nature of females are changing. Culturally, the issue has led to a controversial argument into the role of females, through history. As Hindi has a complex and largely mythologically based history, gauging the role of females has become especially difficult.
To understand how female and the feminine gender extends further within Hindi, I have chosen to observe political speeches. These speeches, in particular, are complex but also have cultural connotations both for the present and the future of India. With the changing role of gender within the current era, the manner in which this effects linguistics of languages that have gender based aspects, becomes especially interesting.
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