Linguistic Representation of Women in Balochi Proverbial Discourse: A Feminist Critical Discourse Analysis

Abstract

This study investigates the interplay of ideology and power in Balochi proverbial discourse, with a particular focus on how linguistic features perpetuate male dominance and female subjugation. It further critically examines the sociocultural mechanisms that normalize such gendered hierarchies within these proverbial expressions. By analyzing the discursive practices embedded in Balochi proverbs, this research elucidates the ways in which language functions as a medium for reinforcing asymmetrical power relations. This study employs a purposive sample of 30 Balochi proverbs, subjected to a feminist critical discourse analysis to examine gendered representations. Each proverb was translated into English while preserving its original linguistic structure. The analysis draws upon Cornell's (2009) theoretical framework to interrogate the discursive construction of gender within these proverbial texts. Additionally, the researchers involved 20 native elderly Balochi speakers both male and female to ensure linguistic accuracy. To mitigate potential interpretive bias, interviews were conducted with these community elders from the Markran Balochi region. Their insights facilitated a deeper contextual understanding of the proverbs' usage in everyday discourse.  The major findings of the research are power imbalance and systemic gender inequality in forms of the suppression of female and male dominance in Baloch society established through various factors such as double standard of male, discrimination, and dichotomy of male characters, dependency of female characters over males, and norms and values of Baloch society. This study serves a dual purpose: to document the oral traditions of an indigenous language and to critically examine the linguistic construction of gender within the patriarchal framework of Balochi proverbial discourse. The scope of this research is confined to speakers of the Makrani dialect, ensuring a focused analysis of sociolinguistic patterns within this specific community.