Beyond simple T/V distinctions: Investigating Balti personal pronouns as markers of social distance, authority, and communal solidarity

Journal of Language, Literature, Social, and Cultural Studies, Volume 4 Number 1 (Mar 2026), p. 22-38 e-ISSN: 2986-4461 DOI: https://doi.org/10.58881/jllscs.v2i2 https://ympn.co.id/index.php/JLLSCS Beyond simple T/V distinctions: Investigating Balti personal pronouns as markers of social distance, authority, and communal solidarity Zulfiqar Ali1, Dr. Muhammad Essa2, Muhammad Mustafa3 University of Baltistan, Skardu, PAKISTAN1,2 Kolej Universiti Lincoln, MALAYSIA3 3Email: Abstract - The study was aimed at examining the sociolinguistic role of the pronouns in the Balti language and how they are used to express power and solidarity relations within the Balti community in Baltistan. Using the theoretical framework of Brown and Gilman (1960), this qualitative study uses a purposive sampling technique, whereby it applied of semi-structured interviews and observation data collected among native speakers (Balti Poets). It is in the analysis of specific variants of pronouns, including formal and informal pronoun forms of "you" (e.g. Yaang and Khyang) that speakers strategically use to maneuver in social discourses. Results showed that the use of pronouns is regulated by the contextual factors such as age, social status, formality of the environment, and the type of relationship between these people. Formal pronouns indicate respect and power (authority) to elder ones and those in higher positions vice versa, the informal pronouns promote authority, intimacy and equality (solidarity) among equals and family members within discourses. The study highlighted that Balti pronouns play a pivotal role in shaping social identity and upholding the cultural rules of respect, integrity and strengthening social ties in the targeted situations. The study would be supportive for the researchers preserve the Balti language and further advance the sociolinguistic studies by illustrating the ever-changing nature of language and social structure in a distinctly unique settings accordingly. Keywords: Balti personal pronouns; social distance; power and solidarity; authority relations; communal solidarity; address forms 1. Introduction The Balti language, a member of the Tibetic language family spoken predominantly in Baltistan region of Pakistan, offers a unique lens into sociolinguistics, especially in terms of how language reflects social dynamics. Balti is one of the languages spoken in Pakistan particularly in the north of Pakistan (Ali et al., 2024). Pronouns can be applied in discourses to show politeness (Doe, 2025). Like many languages, Balti uses pronouns as a tool to navigate social hierarchies and to express relationships, status, intimacy, and solidarity. Understanding these pronoun choices in Balti provides a way to appreciate not only the structure of the language itself but also the cultural norms and values underpinning social interactions. This project aims to investigate the use of pronouns as expressions of power and solidarity within the Balti language. Power dynamics in language often reveal asymmetrical relationships, such as those between superiors and subordinates or elders and younger individuals. Solidarity, on the other hand, manifests in close, horizontal relationships where equality and mutual respect are prominent. In the Balti language, This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) 22 Journal of Language, Literature, Social, and Cultural Studies, Volume 4 Number 1 (Mar 2026), p. 22-38 e-ISSN: 2986-4461 DOI: https://doi.org/10.58881/jllscs.v2i2 https://ympn.co.id/index.php/JLLSCS pronouns are carefully selected depending on the context, formality, and social distance, reflecting a blend of traditional respect-based culture and community closeness. The Balti language, primarily spoken in the Baltistan region of Pakistan, is a part of the Tibetan languages (Maryam et al., 2024). Balti language possesses Tibetan roots but is distinct due to influences from Persian, Urdu, and Arabic. The language is spoken by the Balti people, who inhabit areas like Skardu, Shigar, Khaplu, parts of Ladakh in India, Tibet China and in some regions of Nepal and Bhutan. Balti language is widely used in different countries which are considered a branch of Sino-Tibetan family and most of the speakers are found in Baltistan (Mustafa et al., 2024). Pronouns in Balti, as in many languages, play a crucial role in communication by conveying information about social relationships, power dynamics, respect, and closeness. Unlike English, Balti has multiple forms of pronouns based on context, indicating the cultural emphasis on social roles like in the second person there are two pronouns in Balti (Khhiyang & Yang) as compare to the one in English (You). In sociolinguistics, the theory of “power and solidarity” by Roger Brown and Albert Gilman (1960) is considered of worth in linguistic research and this theory can be applied to same concept in pronouns in Balti. According to the mentioned theory, Power can be expressed through the pronouns that reflect social hierarchy, status, or authority. Solidarity is expressed through pronouns that denote closeness, equality, or a sense of camaraderie. In Balti, power pronouns are used when speaking to youngers and subordinates, people of lower social or professional rank, or strangers. Vice versa, these are used among friends, family members, or individuals of similar age and ranks. Balti speakers often use specific pronouns or titles when addressing someone with respect or to maintain formality. Examples might include forms that convey respect when speaking to elders or authority figures. Contextual Usage: Discuss how situational factors like age, status, and the presence of an audience influence the choice of pronouns in Balti. This reflects the cultural importance of respecting social hierarchy. Specific pronoun forms in Balti “Yang, Khhiyang, Khho, Mo, Khhhong, Dhong” are applied instead of or for "you, he, she, and they" in contexts of respect and formality. Informal or familiar pronouns are applied when addressing the close friends, siblings, or those of similar social standing. This fosters a sense of equality or mutual trust. In certain contexts, even among elders or superiors, speakers might switch to solidarity pronouns to indicate special bonds or closeness. For instance, Khhiyang, Khheri, Khheti, Khhidang, Khhudang etc. “You, Your, Yours” are used to show informality in Balti, “Ngna and other all pronouns in Balti” if repeatedly applied in discourses whether the discourse is spoken or written. The above mentioned Balti pronouns Include are being used among peers, close friends, and family members to convey power particularly in an informal way. The below examples from different languages highlight the unique aspects of Balti’s approach to respect and familiarity. Table 1: Factors influencing Pronoun Choices in (...truncated)