Periyar’s Philosophy of Language and the Politics of Respect: A Critical Assessment
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63300/jz5mn773Keywords:
Periyar, philosophy of language, Dravidianism, Tamil Renaissance, Dalit literature theory, feminist theory, self-respect movementAbstract
This paper provides a comprehensive assessment of E.V. Ramasamy Periyar's philosophy of language and its intersections with politics, self-respect, and social reform. Periyar's radical linguistic and cultural politics redefined Tamil identity and resisted northern cultural and linguistic hegemony. Drawing on literary theory—particularly Dalit literature theory and feminist theory—this article explores how Periyar's rationalism, non-dualism, and critique of Brahmanism influenced Tamil Renaissance thought, constructed a unique linguistic politics, and laid the foundation for socio-political emancipation.
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References
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Srinivasan, Padmini. “Self-Respect and Social Reform: Feminist Readings of Periyar.” Indian Journal of Gender Studies, vol. 8, no. 2, 2001, pp. 237-254.
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