Demonstrative and Substitute Pronouns in the Poems of Female Sangam Poets

சங்கப்பெண்பாற் புலவர்களின் பாடல்களில் சுட்டு மற்றும் பதிலிடு பெயர்கள்

Abstract

Sangam literature stands out for its unique traditions and rich cultural identity. One of its most striking features is its sophisticated and structured use of language. Rooted in an intellectually vibrant society, this body of work also gave rise to remarkable women poets who played a vital role in shaping its legacy. These women channeled both their inner feelings and the world around them into poetry that was anything but superficial. Their verses reflect not only emotional depth but also sharp intellect and a deep moral and social awareness.Their mastery of language was extraordinary. Whether through sound, word choice, sentence structure, or the ideas they conveyed, their work radiated clarity, elegance, and meaning.What truly set these women apart was their command of linguistic expression. They skillfully used demonstrative and referential terms to articulate both personal and social experiences, weaving them seamlessly into elements such as the poem’s theme, the voice of the poet, the landscape (thinai), and the mode of expression (koottru). This essay explores the linguistic brilliance and expressive power of the women poets of the Sangam era, shedding light on how they made language their own.