Gender Based Violence and Verbal Vituperation

This research article examines the nexus between verbal vituperation (insulting or abusive language) and gender-based violence within the framework of Kannada language and culture. By analyzing how verbal abuse reflects and reinforces societal attitudes toward gender, the study seeks to uncover the linguistic and cultural mechanisms that perpetuate violence, both verbal and physical, against women and marginalized genders in Karnataka. Drawing from historical and contemporary sources, including proverbs, idiomatic expressions, and literary works, this research explores how language sustains and strengthens patriarchal structures and gender hierarchies.

The methodology integrates linguistic analysis with literary criticism. First, Kannada proverbs, idioms, and colloquial expressions will be examined to identify patterns of verbal abuse targeting specific genders. This will be followed by a critical review of both classical and modern Kannada literature, from poets like Pampa to contemporary writers, to explore how verbal aggression and gender violence are portrayed. Additionally, a comparative study will be conducted to investigate the correlation between verbal vituperation and physical violence across time periods. The research will also employ sociolinguistic theory to interpret the relationship between language, culture, and gender.

The study is expected to reveal recurring themes of verbal abuse that marginalize women and reinforce gender discrimination, highlighting how these linguistic practices contribute to broader societal violence. By uncovering the cultural-linguistic roots of gender-based violence in Kannada society, the research aims to provide insights into how such forms of abuse can be addressed, contributing to a broader understanding of gender dynamics in Karnataka.

Keywords: Gender-based violence, Cultural-linguistic roots, Kannada literature, Marginalized genders, Abuse