Sheetal^*, Dr. Ranjana Yadav¹

*Research Scholar, Department of English, Sunrise University, Alwar, Rajasthan, India.

¹ Research Supervisor, Faculty of Humanities, Sunrise University, Alwar, Rajasthan, India.

Abstract

This paper explores Narendra Jadhav’s autobiography through the framework of Searle’s typology of speech acts, with particular emphasis on illocutionary acts—namely assertive, commissive, expressive, declarative, and directive forms—as well as the broader speech situations they inhabit. Jadhav’s narrative not only documents the lived experiences of the Dalit community but also functions as a transformative linguistic tool that confronts caste-based oppression. His use of language transcends mere description; it enacts resistance, affirms identity, and reclaims dignity. Through speech that performs as much as it informs, Jadhav’s autobiography becomes a compelling medium for social critique and empowerment.

Key Words: Harsh reality, caste system, discrimination, language as tool, resistance

Raising one’s voice against injustice is a sign of true bravery. Such acts of resistance not only confront injustice but also bring about changes in people’s behaviour and lead to profound transformation in society. Dr. Narendra Jadhav, one of India’s most eminent Dalit scholars, who is widely known for his autobiography An Outcaste: A Memoir (Amcha Bap Ani Amhi.) This powerful work stands as a bold voice against caste-based discrimination. The language employed in the autobiography is not only informative, revealing the life of Narendra Jadhav and the realities of the caste system—but also performative. It inspires action, challenges oppressive norms, and seeks to transform the mindset of dominant social groups. Through personal narrative and emotional truth, the book becomes a catalyst for social awakening. Language is not merely a medium of communication. It is a vehicle of transformation. In An Outcaste: A Memoir (Amcha Bap Ani Amhi.) Dr. Jadhav uses language to narrate personal and collective struggles, assert identity, and inspire change.

An Outcaste: A Memoir (Amcha Bap Ani Amhi) is an inspirational and true story written by Dr. Narendra Jadhav. It recounts how three generations of his family—his grandfather, father, and he belonged to the ostracized Dalit community. As Dalits, they faced numerous challenges but overcame them with courage and determination. Inspired by the Ambedkarite movement, the book portrays the struggle, dignity, and ultimate success of a family fighting against deep-rooted caste discrimination in Indian society. It also highlights how Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar awakened Dalit pride and consciousness, transforming the lives of countless individuals who had long been denied basic human rights because of their caste.

An Outcaste: A Memoir (Amcha Bap Ani Amhi.) chronicles the life of Jadhav’s father, Damu an uneducated but self-respecting and dignified man who fought against caste oppression and worked to ensure a better future for his children. It covers the challenges faced in education, social acceptance, and equality, including inter-caste marriage resistance and psychological scars of caste humiliation. An Outcaste: A Memoir (Amcha Bap Ani Amhi.) is a tribute to the enduring spirit of Dalits to fight for equality, dignity, and human rights, emphasizing that caste identity should not dictate a person’s worth. Finally, An Outcaste: A Memoir (Amcha Bap Ani Amhi.) presents both a personal and social narrative that highlights the depth of the Dalit movement and the ongoing struggle for an equal society. The story is deeply inspired by Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s visionary ideals, which awakened self-respect and hope among Dalit people.

Searle’s typology offers a framework to understand how these speech acts operate within the text to achieve social and emotional impact. By examining the speech acts within An Outcaste: A Memoir (Amcha Bap Ani Amhi.), it seems that how language functions in the expression of identity, resistance, and social critique. John Searle refined the work of J.L. Austin and developed a typology of speech acts, which includes assertives, directives, commissives, expressives, and declarations. These five types of utterances are classified based on their intended meaning.

Assertive

One of Searle’s five main categories of speech acts is the assertive.  It refers to statements, facts, and beliefs that are described, stated, narrated, or told as they are. Assertives are plain and straightforward. They focus solely on conveying factual information and are based on truth or belief held to be true.

Commissive

A commissive refers to an utterance in which the speaker commits to performing an action in the future. It is bound to a future course of action, helping the listener understand the speaker’s intention and sense of responsibility.

Expressive

An expressive speech act refers to the speaker’s psychological state or emotional response.  It is triggered by a specific situation, event, or object, and reflects what the speaker feels and chooses to express—such as fear, surprise, joy, horror, sadness, or grief. Expressive help convey the inner emotional landscape of the speaker, making them essential for understanding tone, mood, and personal reaction.

Declarative

 Declarative refers to utterances which bring about a change by referring to particular ideas, pledges, or events—thereby leaving the existing way and moving toward another. Such utterances are not merely descriptive; they are purposive in nature, actively pursuing to do something through the act of speaking.

“What kind of tradition is this that treats Mahars worse than cats and dogs? I spit on these inhuman traditions, I am not going to abide by such traditions. I am a man of dignity and I will not go from house to house begging for Baluta, what are all of you going to do? Kill me?” (Jadhav p. 10).

Speech Situation

In the excerpt, Damu strongly criticizes Hindu tradition for denying Dalits freedom and dignity. He describes how Dalits were forced to live under a rigid caste system. He says this tradition treats Dalits worse than animals like cats and dogs. His anger and rejection of these customs are clear. Damu believes every person is born with dignity and rights. He refuses to beg from house to house, a practice forced on Dalits. He says he would rather die than follow such degrading customs. He believes in living with self-respect, values, and human dignity.

Speech Acts Analysis

Assertive: Damu speaks honestly about what he sees. He shows strong anger and disgust. He questions whether the tradition is fair or moral. His words make listeners feel the pain and injustice. He wants people to see how wrong the system is.

Expressive: He strongly rejects the tradition. His words show that he no longer accepts it. By speaking out, he symbolically cuts ties with it. This act shows courage and a desire for change. It is a step toward freedom and self-respect.

Commissive: He says who he is with pride. He chooses to reject the shameful practice. He is taking back his self-worth. He refuses to be trapped in the role society gave him. His words show strength and a fight for dignity.

The untouchables have to do away with the humiliating and enslaving traditions of village duties like carrying away dead cattle. It is utterly disgraceful to sell your human rights for a few crumbs of bread. We will attain self-elevation only if we learn self-help, regain our self-respect and gain self-knowledge.” (Jadhav22).

Speech Situation

In the quote, the speaker talks about the unfair duties forced on Dalits in a caste-based society. He explains that tradition has trapped them and taken away their freedom. He strongly rejects these shameful and cruel customs. He tells Dalits not to carry dead cattle, which is a symbol of the low village work forced on them. Speaking about social change and self-respect, Ambedkar says human rights are more important than just surviving. Real progress, he says, comes from self-effort, self-respect, and learning. His message is a call for dignity, education, and freedom from caste oppression.

Speech Acts Analysis

Assertive. The speaker talks about a real problem in society. He says these duties are shameful and feel like slavery. His words are meant to wake people up. He wants change. It is both a truth and a message to fight against oppression.

Directive: The speaker wants Dalits to take action. He tells them to stop following harmful traditions. His goal is to wake people up and bring change. He speaks the truth and asks others to reject oppression. It is a message of strength, awareness, and hope.

Expressive: The speaker feels strong emotions. He shows disgust and moral anger. These feelings come from seeing unfair and cruel treatment. His words express deep pain and a sense of injustice.

Commissive: The speaker chooses a path of upliftment. This path is based on self-effort and personal growth. The goal is to inspire Dalits to shape their own future. It encourages them to live with dignity and wisdom. The message is about strength, hope, and self-respect.

“Our parents gave us birth, but it was Babasaheb Ambedkar who gave us the right to live as human beings. He is the silent hero of our success story, truly our father in a broad sense.”( Jadhav p.70)

Speech Situation

In the quote, Dr. Narendra Jadhav shows deep gratitude to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. He remembers how Ambedkar faced many struggles in his life. Ambedkar’s thoughts, actions, and legacy helped Dr. Jadhav find his voice, identity, dignity, and values. Dr. Jadhav says that most of his success is because of Ambedkar. He sees Ambedkar as a true hero who awakened his inner strength. Inspired by Ambedkar’s vision, Dr. Jadhav lovingly calls him a father figure in a broader sense.

Speech Acts Analysis

Assertive: The speaker says that Dr. Jadhav’s biological parents gave him birth. But Dr. Ambedkar gave him dignity and rights. This shows what the speaker believes to be true. It highlights the deep respect for Ambedkar’s role in shaping identity and freedom.

Directives: The speaker is trying to make the listener take action. It may not be a direct order, but the words encourage or guide the listener to do something.

Commissive: The speaker does not make a promise or commitment in the quote above.

Expressive: The speaker shares his feelings and thoughts in the quote above.

Dada exemplified the new found pride and awareness that Babasaheb Ambedkar had inculcated among Dalits. He learnt to be fearless and raised us to be brave too.” (Jadhav p.56).

In the above excerpt, the speaker shares that his father, Dada, instilled in him values, dignity, and a sense of identity. Dada also introduced the speaker and his family to the teachings of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, whose humanistic principles inspired confidence among Dalit communities and empowered them to resist the rigid caste system.

Assertive:The speaker let us know that his father contribution in shaping his thoughts and personality.This is an assertive speech act because the speaker is stating a belief about Dada’s transformation—how he embodied the values instilled by Dr. Ambedkar. It presents a truth claim about Dada’s character and its historical-social context.

Directive: The excerpt does not include a direct command. But Dada’s actions send a strong message. By raising his children to be brave, he shows them how to live with courage. His behavior teaches them to follow the same values. It is a silent way of guiding them to be strong and fearless.

Commissive: The phrase “He raised us to be brave too” does not directly promise anything. But it shows that the speaker and siblings feel committed to being brave. They want to carry on Dada’s legacy. This is like a promise passed down through values, not words. It is a pledge from one generation to the next.

Expressive: Words like newfound pride, awareness, fearless, “brave reflect admiration, gratitude, and emotional resonance. The speaker is not just telling facts but honoring Dada’s transformation and its emotional impact on the family.

Declarative: This is not a declarative act. It does not change any official status or create change through speech alone. But in a symbolic or literary way, naming Dada as a symbol of Ambedkarite pride is powerful. It helps reclaim Dalit identity. This act has a declarative feel in the context of culture and social meaning.

Damu says “Atrocities, exploitations and inhuman treatment of upper castes provokes Dalits to question their identity.” (Jadhav p.19)

Speech Situation

In this quote, Damu—Narendra Jadhav’s father—talks about how Dalits are treated cruelly by upper castes. This pain and unfair treatment make Dalits question their identity. They begin to ask who they are and why they are treated this way. Damu shares these thoughts during a moment of reflection in the memoir. He is thinking deeply about how caste discrimination harms a person’s sense of self and dignity.

Speech Acts Analysis

Assertive: Damu speaks about the real-life struggles of Dalit people. The cruelty they face makes them question who they are. His words describe what they go through and help others understand their pain. He is not just sharing facts. He is showing a deep truth about how caste oppression shapes identity.

Directive: The above statement carries an implicit call to awareness. By highlighting the injustice, Damu may be urging Dalit people to reflect, resist, and seek change.

Commissive:  Damu shows his strong commitment to fight back against the atrocities, exploitation, and inhuman treatment by the upper castes. He refuses to stay silent or accept the injustice. His words and actions reflect deep resistance and moral courage. He stands up for dignity and demands change.

Expressive: Words like “atrocities” and “inhuman treatment” carry strong emotions. They show pain, anger, and a sense of injustice. Damu is not just telling what happened. He is sharing how caste violence affects Dalit identity. His words reflect deep emotional and moral feelings.

Declarative: Damu’s statement does not directly change anything. But it helps start a bigger conversation. It questions caste rules and gives new meaning to Dalit identity. It tries to declare dignity and challenge injustice.

Dr. Narendra Jadhav’s memoir reveals significant insights into how language functions in the expression of identity and resistance. By examining the speech acts within the text, we gain a deeper understanding of the author’s intentions and the impact of his narrative on readers. The words he employs serve to promote education, protest against caste-based discrimination, affirm identity, and inspire transformation. Ultimately, the memoir is aimed at achieving liberation from humiliation and asserting human dignity.

References

Austin, J.L. How to Do Things with Words. Harvard University Press, 1962.

Ambedkar, B.R. Annihilation of Caste. Navayana, 2014

Jadhav, Narendra. Out Caste: A Memoir. New Delhi: Penguin, 2003

Searle, John. Speech Acts: An Essay in the Philosophy of Language. Cambridge University Press, 1969.

Austin, J.L. How to Do Things with Words. Harvard University Press, 1962.

Ambedkar, B.R. Annihilation of Caste. Navayana, 2014