ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the availability of sexual vocabulary in Hindi, the usage, as well as the accessibility, of words and shared meanings and most notably of the language in itself being a context conducive to silencing or disclosure. It looks at the process of naming and disclosing sexual violence by Hindi-speaking women who live in an English-speaking mainstream society in the UK. The chapter describes the language barrier by subjecting Hindi sexual vocabulary to a feminist linguistic analysis, drawing from the responses of Hindi-speaking members of the public and from professional's experiences of working with survivors in statutory and voluntary sector organisations. Feminist activism and research have made significant contributions to the understanding of sexual violence and influenced policy, legislation and practice. The chapter is based on research conducted at the Child and Woman Studies Unit, London Metropolitan University. The concept of structural and political intersectionality is formative in understanding Asian women's experiences of sexual violence and disclosure.
