Go Beyond The Literal Connotations Of Words And Terms

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 4 December 2024 "Tribalism: A Natural Bond, Not Supremacism Tribalism refers to the strong loyalty and sense of identity that individuals feel toward their close-knit group, such as a family, clan, or tribe." While I appreciate Mr Rasheed's analytical (rather, over-analytical as it's his wont) explanations to Supremacism, Superiority, Pride and Tribalism, I'm afraid these are bookish, literal and sociological interpretations of the given terms. Yask, the first etymologist in the world, wrote in his 'Nirukta' "Shabdam Parigunam Asti " (a word is multi-connotational) and Panini, world's first linguist, wrote in the beginning of his Ashtadhyayi, "Shabdasya Arth Idmittham Bahu Prachalit Parivrittam" (Words can have more meanings, even better ones; but at times, the popular connotations are also important). Every word has literal as well as metaphorical meanings. For example, Tribalism: The state of existing as a tribe, or very strong feeling of loyalty to your tribe. This is the primary or literal meaning. The implied or metaphorical connotation has a slightly negative connotation: A very strong feeling of loyalty to a political or social group, so that you support them whatever they do. Robert Shnayerson stated, "National pride is a modern form of tribalism." This statement that "national pride is a modern form of tribalism" suggests that the strong sense of identity and loyalty associated with a nation can be seen as similar to the tribalistic behaviour of smaller, more traditional groups, where members prioritize their own group above others, sometimes leading to exclusionary attitudes and hostility towards outsiders; while not entirely accurate, this comparison highlights potential negative aspects of intense nationalistic sentiment when taken to extremes. A language is rich(er) by its metaphors. Politically correct people like Mr Rasheed may find the secondary connotations of certain words a trifle objectionable. Let me give an example. The Persian word Dahqaan ( دہقان ) means Farmer, Husbandman and also Hayseeds but there's a phrase in Urdu/Persian. It's Zabaan-e-Dahqaan (Rustic language). You may object to the use of the word Dahqaan by arguing that it's an affront to a peasant. No, it's not. American actor and comedian Jackie Gleason once said, "The man had a hangman's cold-blooded cruelty." It was a mere use of words for an impact. The writer didn't mean that a hangman or an executioner was essentially a cruel man. It's the flow and fluidity of a language with its dynamism that should matter, not the literal meaning of every word or term. We tend to say rather disparagingly in English, he or she has a churchy face to mean that the person has a very serious and sombre face. It's not insulting to the Church or a Christian shrine. Likewise, Muharrami Chehra (Maatami/sullen or ashen-faced) in Urdu doesn't insult the sad and serious spirit of Muharram. One needn't be politically, socially and linguistically correct all the time. That will make a language stale and staid. ---- A regular columnist for New Age Islam, Sumit Paul is a researcher in comparative religions, with special reference to Islam. He has contributed articles to the world's premier publications in several languages including Persian. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/literal-connotations-words-terms/d/133920 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism