The Honorific Singular forms in Tirukkural and its Malayalam Translations (Based on the words related to the hero and heroine)

Abstract

It is natural that all the social inequalities prevailing in society are reflected in the language used in that society. In this regard, the use of honorific singular forms, which is one aspect of these inequalities, is noteworthy. There is no doubt that the use of honorific singular forms is an expression of social superiority. In this context, it is a common practice worldwide for those of higher status to be referred to with honorific singular forms, while those of lower status are referred to with ordinary singular forms. This practice of using honorific singular forms is found in the derived nouns referring to the hero and heroine in the Tirukkural. Furthermore, it is also observed in the verb endings of the couplets containing ideas related to the hero and heroine. This article aims to examine whether the Malayalam translations of the Tirukkural have taken this practice into consideration.