PASHTO GENDER PROVERBS WHICH PORTRAY WOMAN’S PERSPECTIVE ABOUT HERSELF

Abstract

Pashto proverbs, as a significant genre of the folklore and also as social discourse have guided Pashtuns in different aspects of their life. These proverbs are central to the social and individual life of Pashtuns, as these have sprung from Pashtunwali as a code. Pashtuns are bound by this code to live their according to the principles of this code. Those who do not follow it strictly are considered s lesser Pashtuns. There are a large number of gender proverbs in the language, which treat woman with derogation, denigration and bring her to subsidiary and inferior level in the social structure. Discourses serve the interests of the powerful groups and provide them opportunity to monopolize their power and to perpetuate it as well. Woman in different traits and relationships have been brought down to the level of inferiority, contrary to the superiority of man. Proverbs are considered a masculine genre of the folklore and portray masculine perspective. There are a small number of Pashto proverbs about feminine perspective. These proverbs with feminine perspective present a view of woman, which is contrary to the proverbs about her from masculine angle. These proverbs project Pashtun woman with a strong sense of honor, self-respect and a desire for economic and social independence.