LANGUAGE IN INDIA

Strength for Today and Bright Hope for Tomorrow

Volume 24:12 December 2024
ISSN 1930-2940

Editors:
         Sam Mohanlal, Ph.D.
         B. Mallikarjun, Ph.D.
         A. R. Fatihi, Ph.D.
         G. Baskaran, Ph.D.
         T. Deivasigamani, Ph.D.
         Pammi Pavan Kumar, Ph.D.
         Soibam Rebika Devi, M.Sc., Ph.D.

Managing Editor & Publisher: M. S. Thirumalai, Ph.D.

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A Note on Freedom of Speech and Linguistic Constraints

M. S. Thirumalai, Ph.D.

In a recent judgment, Madras High Court Justice A.D. Jagadish Chandira observed that freedom of speech is not a license to transgress limits of decency. He has here focused on the sociolinguistic elements of freedom of speech. All linguistics scholars should read this judgment. Derogatory speech is widely resorted to in political speeches, particularly by the lower-level politicians. Such speech is unfortunately resorted to in caste conflicts. Verb inflection for person and number in Tamil, for example, are exploited for defamatory speech.

The Constitution of the United States of America protects the freedom of speech, but it also makes it clear that the citizens and all who live/visit the United States should not resort to falsely defame someone. The speech of individuals and groups should not be a threat or harassment. The speech of individuals and groups should not intend to provoke unlawful action. Speech should not violate the law of the country.

The Constitution of India Article 19(1)(a) guarantees the right to freedom of speech and expression for all citizens. This includes the freedom to express oneself through speech, writing, printing, and visual representations. However, there are some restrictions on this right, such as defamation, incitement to an offense, contempt of court, decency or morality, and public order. The right to freedom of speech and expression in India was considered the fourth pillar of Indian democracy by the framers of the Constitution. Government’s power is restricted in several domains where freedom of speech is considered important to maintain democracy.

In inter-personal speech/communication, in Tamil for example, the correct use of second personal pronouns and their verbal inflections play an important role in regulating freedom of speech. In the past, often people resorted to using second person singular and corresponding verbal inflections to address and refer to economically poorer sections of society, and also hierarchically so-called lower Hindu castes.

This is only the beginning part of the article. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE IN PRINTER-FRIENDLY VERSION.

M. S. Thirumalai, Ph.D.
Retired Professor-cum-Deputy Director
Central Institute of Indian Languages
Mysuru 570006
msthirumalai2@gmail.com
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