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Title: Language Variation in Print Media: A Study of Code Switching Patterns in Pakistani Urdu ‘Express’ Newspaper Editorials
Authors: Faiz Ullah, Amna Arshad
Journal: Journal of Asian Development Studies
Publisher: Centre for Research on Poverty and Attitude pvt ltd
Country: Pakistan
Year: 2023
Volume: 12
Issue: 4
Language: English
DOI: 10.62345/jads.2023.12.4.6
Keywords: Code switchingEditorialsTag SwitchingInter Sentential SwitchingNewspaper
The current study explores the problematic background of language variation within the print media domain, specifically exploring code-switching patterns in the editorials of the Pakistani Urdu' Express' newspaper. Code-switching is a linguistic phenomenon involving alternation between two or more languages within a single discourse that reflects the dynamic interaction of cultural and communicative factors. The study put into practice a sociolinguistic lens to analyze the frequency, types, and functions of code-switching employed in the Urdu editorials of the 'Express' newspaper. The study applies a qualitative descriptive method; it produces descriptive data in the form of code-switched sentences from the editorial of Pakistani Urdu newspaper. 'Express' is selected for this purpose. One week of newspapers is collected for the current study from 1st October 2023 to 7th October 2023 to analyze code-switching in editorial sections. The analysis of data from the newspaper shows that the types of code-switching are intra-sentential, word code-switching, and total integrated Urdu. The most dominant type of code-switching observed is Intra-sentential (80%). The findings are expected to contribute to understanding how language is strategically employed in print media, shedding light on the role of code-switching as a tool for effective communication and cultural expression. This study holds significance in media discourse, as it exposes the linguistic choices made by writers and editors in the 'Express' newspaper, offering insights into the complex relationship between language, culture, and journalism. The results of this research are anticipated to inform future discussions on language dynamics within the Pakistani media landscape and contribute to the broader field of sociolinguistics.
To identify patterns and frequency of code-switching in 'Express' newspaper editorials and to examine the distribution of linguistic elements (nouns, verbs, adjectives) in code-switched content.
Qualitative descriptive methodology using a week's worth of editorials from the 'Express' newspaper (October 1-7, 2023). Grounded theory was employed as an analytical tool.
graph TD;
A["Collect Editorials from 'Express' Newspaper Oct 1-7, 2023"] --> B["Analyze Editorials for Code-Switching Instances"];
B --> C["Identify Types of Code-Switching"];
C --> D["Categorize Linguistic Elements"Nouns, Verbs, Adjectives""];
D --> E["Quantify Frequency of Each Type and Element"];
E --> F["Interpret Findings using Grounded Theory"];
F --> G["Formulate Conclusions and Implications"];
The study highlights the prevalence of intra-sentential code-switching in 'Express' newspaper editorials, contrasting with previous studies that emphasized word code-switching and total integrated Urdu. The findings suggest that nouns are the primary elements involved in code-switching, indicating their adaptability in multilingual discourse. The absence of tag and inter-sentential switching points to a specific editorial style.
The dominant type of code-switching observed was intra-sentential (80%). Nouns were the most frequently code-switched linguistic elements (approximately 50%), followed by verbs (approximately 30%) and adjectives (20%). Loanwords from English constituted about 20% of code-switched elements. No tag-switching or inter-sentential code-switching was identified.
Code-switching in 'Express' newspaper editorials is a dynamic phenomenon, predominantly intra-sentential, with nouns being the most frequently code-switched elements. This practice reflects the complex interplay of language, culture, and journalism in Pakistan and contributes to understanding language variation and identity construction.
- The study collected newspapers from October 1, 2023, to October 7, 2023.
- Intra-sentential code-switching was found to be 80% of the observed instances.
- Nouns constituted approximately 50% of the code-switched linguistic elements.
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