Language

Contrasting Approaches to Language, Meaning, and Knowledge in Advaita Vedanta and the Western Literary Traditions

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301 views

Aayushee Garg  
Ph.D. in English, Assistant Professor at Amity School of Languages, Amity University, Lucknow.

Rupkatha Journal, Vol. 15, Issue 3, 2023. https://doi.org/10.21659/rupkatha.v15n3.02
[Article History: Received: 12 February 2023. Revised: 08 August 2023. Accepted: 12 August 2023. Published: 14 August 2023]
Full-Text PDF  Issue Access

 Abstract

The present research article undertakes a comprehensive examination of contrasting approaches to language and meaning, topics that have engendered contemplation and discourse across a range of disciplines including literature, philosophy, and linguistics. The article commences by delving into the foundational disparities between Indian and Western literary theories concerning the intricate relationship binding knowledge and meaning. While the Western tradition concentrates predominantly on interpreting textual meaning, treating literary works as subjects for analysis and critique, the Indian tradition perceives concepts and ideas within texts as indirect indicators of reality and self-realization. The ancient Indian school of thought, Advaita Vednata, presents a distinctive viewpoint on the dynamic interplay between language and meaning. The article further dissects the distinct attributes of the seemingly paradoxical and contradictory language prevalent in classical Indian texts. Through this exploration, it strives to uncover the methodology of constructing meaning as employed within the framework of Advaita Vednata. This analysis is juxtaposed against the approach to linguistic interpretation prevalent in the Western literary tradition—a tradition largely rooted in the empirical world. Advaita Vedanta places significance on direct experience or anubhava, prioritizing it over transmitted knowledge, and acknowledges that the true essence of the self transcends human comprehension. By navigating the quandary of defining literary language, elucidating the process of meaning-making in Western literary theory, delving into Advaita Vednata philosophy, and studying the role of language in representing the essence of the self, this research aspires to contribute meaningfully to the ongoing discourse in the areas of literary criticism and philosophical studies.

Keywords: Language, meaning, self-realization, knowledge, Advaita Vednata.
[Sustainable Development Goals: Quality Education]
Citation: Garg, Aayushee. 2023. Contrasting Approaches to Language, Meaning, and Knowledge in Advaita Vedanta and the Western Literary Traditions. Rupkatha Journal 15:3. https://doi.org/10.21659/rupkatha.v15n3.02.

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A Sociolinguistic Analysis of Newspaper Coverage and Reader Response to Covid-19 Reports

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254 views

Ibiere Cookey1 Michael O. Ukonu2 Emeka S. Orekye3 Olanrewaju Mgboji4

1Department of Mass Communication, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Email: ibiere.cookey@unn.edu.ng

2 Department of Mass Communication, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Email: michael.ukonu@unn.edu.ng

 3Department of Mass Communication, University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

4 (Corresponding Author) Department of Mass Communication, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Email: olanrewaju.mgboji@unn.edu.ng

Rupkatha Journal, Vol. 15, Issue 1, April-May, 2023. https://doi.org/10.21659/rupkatha.v15n1.08
Abstract Full-Text PDF Issue Access

Abstract

Studies attest to the importance of official languages in health communication in multilingual societies. However, the challenge lies in using an official language in ways that enable both majority and minority language speakers to identify with their sociocultural orientations when using a lingua franca. With the emergence of Covid-19, this challenge has come to the forefront following surveys on citizen responses to health messages. The study examines the themes, narrative viewpoints, language modes of newspaper reports on Covid-19, and reader responses to these reports. We aim to determine the implications of reader response on the credibility, severity, and transmissibility of Covid-19. The contents of three Nigerian newspapers (The Guardian, Punch, and Premium Times) were analyzed using quantitative and discourse analysis. The results showed that the themes of newspaper reports focused on challenges, progress made, preparedness, and containment measures. The language mode was predominantly negative, using fear appeals. Audience responses followed the same themes as the newspapers but demonstrated a remarkable shift in narrative viewpoint and language mode, which in Nigerian style English indicated low source credibility, ethnic divisions, and the denial of the severity and transmissibility of Covid-19. Readers’ responses to newspaper coverage of Covid-19 reinforce the view among scholars that trust in information sources is linked to attitudes toward health risks.

Keywords: Covid-19, language, newspapers, reader response, health

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The Use of Foul Language in Pop Music Composition in Nigeria: A Historical Analysis

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Nnanyelugo Emelda Chinasa1, Onyeke Blessing Uzoamaka2 & Izuchukwu John Ewulu3

1Lecturer, Department of Music, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Corresponding author. Email: chinasa.nnanyelugo@unn.edu.ng.

2 Lecturer, Department of Music, Federal College of Education Ehamufu. Email: blessingonyeneke@gmai.com

3 Lecturer, Department of Music, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Email: izuchukwu@unn.edu.ng

 Volume 13, Number 3, 2021 I Full-Text PDF

DOI: 10.21659/rupkatha.v13n3.20

PlumX Metrics

Abstract

The background and exposure of music artistes contribute a lot in shaping the quality of songs they compose and produce. Since the 21st century, there has been a great departure in what used to be the ideal choice of words for musical composition and productions in Nigeria, especially in the popular music spheres. Hitherto, musicians of all genres were careful in their choice of words; but regrettably, the decent use of language is fast disappearing especially in dance hall and emotional songs. This stems from the cultural shack on the part of the artistes especially in the influence of the environment. It is this inherent lacuna that this paper seeks to address but most importantly the paper recommends a cultural policy for the government and as well as the need to checkmate and regulate the brands of music by periodically engaging DJs, radio presenters and other principal stakeholders in the entertainment industries.

Keywords: Cultural shack, History, Philosophy, Language, Environment

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Performative Subjects & the Irresistible Lack of Understanding in David Mamet’s Oleanna: a Butlerian Discourse Analysis

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243 views

Hojatolla Borzabadi Farahani1 & Mariam Beyad2

1Department of English language, Arak Branch, Islamic Azad University, Arak, Iran

2Associate Professor, University of Tehran. Email: n_bfarahani@yahoo.com

 Volume 12, Number 2, April-June, 2020 I Full Text PDF

DOI: 10.21659/rupkatha.v12n2.16

Abstract:

The present study tends to explore the constitution of power and its formative effects on David Mamet’s play, Oleanna, a very controversial work dealing with sexual harassment and political correctness. The analysis is going to be done applying views and results of Judith Butler’s notion of gender and identity trouble to the play first through explanation of related key concepts like difference, decentering, subject and language, and then utilizing them to analyze the roots of sudden, surprising transformations and role-reversals of the involved characters, John and Carol, through the three acts. Furthermore, it is tried to find out the causes of unavoidable violence within the contexts of the relations going between the characters.

Keywords: gender, identity, difference, decentering, performative, understanding, violence, discourses, language

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Rigvedic Poetic Art: The Language of Literature

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Bibhudatta Dash               
Assistant Professor, Department of Humanities & Social Sciences, Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology, Nagpur, India. ORCID: 0000-0002-3880-4739. Email: dr.bibhudattadash@gmail.com

 Volume 12, Number 1, January-March, 2020 I Full Text PDF

DOI: 10.21659/rupkatha.v12n1.29

Abstract

This article explores ?gveda and traces the genesis of poetics by interpreting various ?gvedic mantras (sacred utterances) to find out the figures of sound and sense; language of metaphors; linguistic constructs; language of suggestion and aesthetic enjoyment. It shows how Sanskrit rhetoricians were inspired and influenced by the ?gveda and how they succeeded in developing theoretical perspectives of literary art from this original source of art, poetry, and criticism. This research also intends to discuss how the Vedic poet-seers discovered the language of literature in the absence of a formal text on poetics and aims to understand how the literary communications are different from ordinary communications.

Keywords: ?gveda, Poetics, Sound, Sense, Suggestion, Language, Aesthetics, Metaphor

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Genre of Folk Narratives as Rich Linguistic Resource in Acquiring English Language Competence for Young Learners

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Prachishri Mishra & SwayamPrabha Satpathy

Dept. of Humanities. ITER,Siksha O Anusandhan University. Email: mishraprachishree7@gmail.com

 Volume 12, Number 1, January-March, 2020 I Full Text PDF

DOI: 10.21659/rupkatha.v12n1.08

  Abstract

Folk narrative (tales) is the reflection of culture for a particular group of people, it’s an amalgamation of the traditions common to a particular culture, subculture or group. These include tradition of narrating tales and proverbs. Ever since story telling has been a very alluring feature to understand a culture as well as helps in language learning. The frequent repetitions make them excellent for reinforcing new vocabulary and grammar. The natural rhythm that  is associated with the tales is useful to work on stress, rhythm, and intonation in pronunciation. It is difficult for a learner to learn a language which is not his mother tongue. The cultural elements of folktales help to bridge common ground between cultures and bring out cultural differences. It   develops cultural awareness that is essential if we are to learn to think in another language and understand the people who speak it. In this paper, it is analysed   that can these folktales be used as a language learning tool? First of all, however, we would like to consider the definition of folktales and explain the hidden subtypes behind the term. Apart from looking at folk tales in general, this paper would take a look at their function it also discusses the reasons for using these in school. The main purpose of this study is to examine the role of folk narratives in teaching English to young learners as second language.

Key words:  Language, Teaching, Learning, Folktales, Narrative, Culture.

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Reclaiming Indigenous Identity and Cultural Diversity in Canada

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Santosh Bharti

Delhi University, Delhi College of Arts and Commerce, Netaji Nagar, New Delhi-110023, bharti.jnu@gmail.com

Volume 11, Number 2, July-September, 2019 I Full Text PDF

DOI: 10.21659/rupkatha.v11n2.01  

First published July 12, 2019

Abstract

Linguistic diversity is the key to Canada’s multicultural identity which it has been struggling to maintain for decades. Its language policies are rooted in two kinds of languages, the languages of European settlers and the indigenous languages spoken by aborigines who are the native residents of Canada. Despite the country’s conservation policy, social tensions and political debates abound on how it treats its languages by according them official or non-official status. Canada first developed its language policy in 1960s on account of Quebec nationalism and growing tensions between colonizing rivals. This led to establishment of policies which rendered English and French as official languages while indigenous languages got little support. Consequently, language-based discrimination is central to the nation’s social and political debates, which inform its self-image since the conquest of indigenous tribes. A combination of factors like hostile colonial policies, reserve systems and residential schools have undermined these languages and separated communities sharing common languages and traditions. This paper will assess how Canada’s indigenous tribes have fared since the implementation of national language policy which mandates protection of indigenous culture and identity. It will examine the treatment of indigenous languages in the current political milieu of Canada, and the progress made by the government towards adoption of important laws and path-breaking policies to create a future that nurtures its multicultural roots while  affirming the national identity.

Keywords: Indigenous, Language, Rights, Identity, Cultural Diversity, Language Policies, Canada.

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Using ICT for Learning the Punjabi Language: A Case Study

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Sandeep Kaur

Lovely Professional University. Email: Sandeep.17245@lpu.co.in

Volume 9, Number 1, 2017 I Full Text PDF

DOI: 10.21659/rupkatha.v9n1.32

Received January 19, 2017; Revised April 28, 2017; Accepted April 30, 2017; Published May 7, 2017.

Abstract

In the context of the relevance of regional languages in modern era, many modern tools have come into circulation. ICT has so for not been introduced in the realm of regional languages properly. It is widely assumed that computer based programs, software and web links do not support students in their learning of Punjabi.  However, this paper offers a contesting yet positive view. This study is designed to prove that laptop, mobile phones, internet- connectivity and projector based learning is very effective for students in learning of Punjabi. This research paper is based on findings of qualitative nature. For this research purpose case studies have been used. Questionnaires are used to collect data. Data are analysed by using descriptive numerical techniques made to express frequency, percentage and mean. On the basis of findings few suggestions are made.

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Writing Resistance: an Understanding of the Narratives of Empowerment in Toni Morrison’s A Mercy

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C.L. Shilaja

Sathyabama University

Volume 8, Number 1, 2016 I Full Text PDF

Abstract

Language is the medium by which one’s psychological experiences, emotions and imaginations can be recreated in the minds of the reader or listener. Through ages language has been the vehicle with which humans have communicated ideas to each other. Language has not only the power to heal and to comfort but also to retrieve the suppressed experiences of an individual from the past.This paper seeks to discuss Toni Morrison’s novel A Mercy as a text that explores the common language uncommonly well in using it as a double edged sword. She subverts language in a rather complex play of words employing it as a powerful tool for the survival and continuance of existence for the voiceless. It becomes a means of identity construction as much as a tool of empowerment, for the marginalized to overcome their traumatic experiences.

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Semiotic Encryption of Women, Violence and Hysteria in Indian Women Dramaturgy

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Praggnaparamita Biswas,  Banaras Hindu University, India

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Abstract

The juxtaposing depiction of women, violence and hysteria as semiotic elements in women-centric play-texts attempts to translate the theatrical meanings because of its demonstrable approach to unearth the textual meanings and its relational politics of representation. From semiological aspect, the interplay of women, violence and hysteria generates a kind of semiotic femaleness in order to prognosticate the feminist route of cultural politics imbedded in the narratives of female composed drama. The present paper intends to analyze the semiotic transformation of Indian women dramaturgy in the plays of Padmanabhan, Mehta and Sengupta. Each of their plays tries to interpret new meanings hidden under the semiotic signs used by these playwrights and also attempt to project the gender politics visualized in the realm of feminist theatre.   Keep Reading

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