English as a Linguistic Capital: The Lexical Impact of English on Pashtu Speech in Pakistan

Article Information

Title: English as a Linguistic Capital: The Lexical Impact of English on Pashtu Speech in Pakistan

Authors: Naveed-Ur-Rehman Khattak, Hafeez Khattak

Journal: Erevna Journal of Linguistics and Literature

HEC Recognition History

Category	From	To
Y	2024-10-01	2025-12-31
Y	2022-07-01	2023-06-30
Y	2021-07-01	2022-06-30
Y	2020-07-01	2021-06-30

Publisher: Air University, Islamabad

Country: Pakistan

Year: 2022

Volume: 6

Issue: 2

Language: English

DOI: 10.1234/ejll.v6i2.274

Keywords: Linguistics Capital English Penetration Mixed Methods Research Lexical Influence Negativity/Positivity

Abstract

English language enjoys a privileged position in Pakistan. It is the official language, medium of instruction in education and is used in daily formal and informal interactions. The local languages in Pakistan have registered an influence of English penetration in almost all linguistic domains. The study is undertaken to ascertain the influence of English over Pashtu that is the local language of the province Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in Pakistan. By employing mixed methods research, the concept of English as a linguistic capital has been explored by identifying the lexical influence of English in Pashtu speech. It has specifically focused on the exploration of the mutual impact of English; as a dominant language, over Pashtu; as a subordinate language, from the point of view of „penetration‟ of English lexicology. The frequently used categories and types of English lexical items in Pashtu speech have been analyzed and the influence of English in Pashtu Speech has been described by illustrating the positivity and negativity of the use of English words in Pashtu speech. The research has illustrated that the penetration of English in Pashtu speech has rendered richness and easiness in using the Pashtu language for spoken purposes. The study is significant in bringing awareness about the current socio-linguistic domains of the English language as a linguistic capital for the Pashtu speech community and has manifested the growing influence of English over Pashtu that has proved detrimental for the structural, syntactical, and semantic properties of speech in Pashtu

Disclaimer: The following sections are produced through an intensive multi-stage analytical pipeline developed by DefinePK, utilizing advanced natural-language processing, domain-specific knowledge models, and automated cross-referencing systems. Despite the rigor and computational effort involved, the generated summary may still contain inaccuracies or incomplete interpretations. Users are strongly advised to verify all critical information against the original paper and its authoritative sources.

Research Objective

To explore the concept of English as linguistic capital by identifying the lexical influence of English on Pashtu speech, analyzing the categories and types of English lexical items used, and describing the positivity and negativity of this influence.

Methodology

Mixed methods research employing a pragmatist paradigm. Data was collected from Pashtu TV channels (AVT Khyber, Mashrik, Pashtu 1, Kay 2, Shamshad, Aruj) by analyzing recordings of programs from various categories (national/international affairs, education, sports, culture, cooking) using convenient sampling. Non-participant observation was used to collect English words used in Pashtu speech. Data analysis involved categorizing lexical items, determining their grammatical categories (nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs), and assessing the positivity or negativity of the influence.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD
    A[Theoretical Framework: Linguistic Capital] --> B[Research Design: Mixed Methods]
    B --> C[Data Collection: Pashtu TV Programs]
    C --> D[Sampling: Convenient Sampling]
    D --> E[Data Recording & Transcription]
    E --> F[Non-Participant Observation]
    F --> G[Collection of English Lexical Items]
    G --> H[Data Analysis: Categorization & Grammatical Analysis]
    H --> I[Assessment of Positivity/Negativity]
    I --> J[Discussion & Interpretation]
    J --> K[Conclusion]

Discussion

English functions as linguistic capital in Pakistan, granting social acceptability and power to its speakers. The widespread use of English lexical items in Pashtu speech reflects a societal inclination to adopt English for perceived educational, social, and professional advantages. While this enriches Pashtu, it also raises concerns about the erosion of indigenous vocabulary and linguistic distinctiveness.

Key Findings

The penetration of English into Pashtu speech is significant across various domains, with nouns being the most frequently used category, followed by adjectives, verbs, and adverbs. This influence is both positive, enriching Pashtu vocabulary and facilitating expression, and negative, potentially diminishing the purity and structural integrity of the Pashtu language. Hybridized words and direct/indirect replacement of Pashtu words with English equivalents are common.

Conclusion

English holds significant influence over Pashtu speech in Pakistan, serving as a linguistic capital that empowers speakers. This influence offers linguistic enrichment and social advantages but also poses a risk to the purity and individuality of the Pashtu language. The study highlights the complex socio-linguistic dynamics at play in the Pashtu-speaking community.

Fact Check

- The study analyzed data from five Pashtu TV channels: AVT Khyber, Mashrik, Pashtu 1, Kay 2, Shamshad, and Aruj.
- In a 56-minute current affairs program ("Top Stories"), 162 English words were used, averaging 3 to 4 English words per minute.
- In a 60-minute education program ("Naway Sahr"), approximately 355 English words were used, averaging about 7 instances of code alternation per minute.

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