VERBAL-NONVERBAL SIGNS, GENDER, AND SEXUALITY: A SEMIOTIC ANALYSIS OF PUNJABI LITERATURE AND CULTURE

Abstract

The present chapter tries to study Punjabi literature and culture in regard to the representation of alternate gender and sexual expressions via the use of specific verbal and nonverbal signs or codes. It is not easier to find overt expressions of queer genders and sexualities in Punjabi literature and culture. However, there are numerous instances where an indirect or a covert way to express same-sex desire is employed by the writers in their creative and the people in their cultural practices. This chapter seeks to find what type of verbal and nonverbal codes were invented and used for such expressions. The type of semiotics that this study relied upon is social and cultural rather than structural. There are several popular verbal codes in Punjabi language which have been used to refer to people with alternative gender and sexual expressions. The writers and poets have often employed some recurrent images or symbols to achieve this effect. On the other hand, the general public often targets the people who display such expressions by calling them ‘tempu’, ‘gandu’, ‘launda’ or ‘laundebaz’. So we have two types of conventions, one is a decent recognition and acknowledgement or indication towards queer expressions and the other is abusive and ridiculing. Just like any other society or culture around the globe, the Punjabis have always been aware of alternative gender and sexual choices or practices, especially among men. This has been referred to in many of the literary works and popular cultural practices as this paper tries to establish.