A recent study on abusive language survey has shown surprising trends in the frequency with which individuals in different parts of India use abusive or insulting words. The survey discovered that Delhi uses abusive language the most on a daily basis, and other states are not very far behind.
Survey Highlights
Nearly 80% of the population in Delhi speak abusive language on a daily basis, followed by Punjab at 78%, and Uttar Pradesh and Bihar at 74%, said the findings. Rajasthan has 68%, and Haryana has 62%. Maharashtra too had 58%, showing heavy usage throughout the nation.
On the lower side of this scale, Jammu & Kashmir and some Northeastern states revealed substantially lesser use of profanity between 15% to 30%.
This survey of abusive language is not all about how many swear the most. It’s an indicator of a more underlying societal problem normalization of offensive and violent communication. Scarily, the survey also highlighted that most women are both abusers and victims of abusive language, with some 30% admitting to its use on a daily basis.
Such trends have an influence on mental health, interpersonal relations, and the overall sentiment of public and private speech. It is all the more problematic when this language is normalized within children and within families.
Campaign for Change
To counteract the increasing practice of using abuse in everyday life, a public campaign titled “Gaali Band Ghar Abhiyan” is presently actively urging families to make a pledge against using abuses. The target is to decrease the usage of abusive language in households, particularly against women and children.
Awareness, self-discipline, and building respectful environments in schools, offices, and society are the main centers of the campaign.
Way Forward
- Experts propose the following to counter the issue:
- Implement respectful communication education in schools.
- Encourage home and community anti-abuse commitments.
- Initiate social media and public space awareness campaigns.
The abusive language survey is a reflection of our daily speech behaviors. It encourages us to reflect on the manner in which we speak and how our words affect other people. The transformation of this culture begins at home with awareness, respect, and accountability.
