Journal of Arts and Linguistics Studies

A Deconstructive Analysis of the Protagonist in Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray

2025-05-01T15:44:24+00:00

Among different researches, it is observed that the protagonist of the novel The Picture of Dorian Gray, is depicted as an antagonist, or a hero that turned into a villain. This study aims to visualize the protagonist through diverse lenses. The purpose of this study is to closely understand the text, and shed light upon the psychological progression, the tragic flaw, and the understanding of different elements that stimulate Gray’s growth. The study keenly views the text, and generates suppositions; it highlights the aspects of the novel that are undiscussed formerly, and forms an empathetic, and unbiased analysis of Dorian Gray. The study aims to contextualize the pivotal effect of the portrait, and other characters, on the personality of Dorian Gray. Derrida’s theoretical framework of deconstruction is used in this study in order to dissect, and remodel Dorian Gray’s character. This dissection, and remodeling is achieved by generating suppositions, and evaluating prospects. Overall, the study accomplishes the deconstructive analysis in order to reinvent, and empathetically unravel Dorian Gray’s probable personality.

Tweets, Hashtags, and Campaigns: A Multimodal Analysis of Donald Trump’s Social Media Strategy

2025-04-13T07:21:49+00:00

Social media has drastically changed political discourse, offering politicians direct access to connect, engage, and gather voters without discretion. This research paper uses Multimodal Discourse Analysis to examine how Donald Trump's rhetorical and visual Twitter tactics interact, construct meaningful narratives, and influence the public. Kress and Van Leeuwen's framework scrutinizes how Trump's tweets employ ideological, interpersonal, and textual functions to shape views, reinforce dogmas, and inspire participation strategically. Results demonstrate that to cultivate loyalty and control his story, Trump persistently capitalizes words for emphasis, repeats slogans for familiarity, adopts a bold tone for authority, and shares patriotic graphics for identification. While exacerbating polarization, his populist, nationalist, and autocratic language passionately unite supporters behind a cause. Moreover, the blended hashtags, catchphrases, and visual aids in his messages maximize emotional resonance and spread, amplifying influence within the online sphere. These insights highlight social media's growing capacity to define discussions and determine outcomes and multimodality's power in modern political communication. Future studies comparing the multimodal strategies employed by different political figures can help us better understand how the dynamics of online political communication are changing.

Interconnecting Individualities and Eco-Feminism: A Linguistic Approach to Fahmida Riaz's Poems Translated by Tahira Naqvi

2025-04-23T11:56:02+00:00

This paper explores the intricate interplay of individuality, gender, and ecology in Fahmida Riaz’s poetry, particularly in The Body Torn and Other Poems, as translated by Tahira Naqvi. Through a Critical Discourse Analysis, the study investigates how Riaz’s poetic language constructs and interweaves distinct identities within an eco-feminist framework. Central to the inquiry is how linguistic elements—such as metaphors, pronoun usage, and syntactic patterns—reveal the interconnected nature of gendered experiences and environmental concerns. The research also examines the role of translation in preserving or reshaping these thematic connections. By employing a qualitative methodology that integrates Critical Discourse Analysis and Sociolinguistics, the study highlights how Riaz’s work challenges patriarchal structures and ecological exploitation through strategic language use. Furthermore, it addresses a gap in literary scholarships by focusing on the intersection of eco-feminism and translation in Riaz’s poetry. The findings contribute to broader discussions in feminist linguistics, translation studies, and eco-critical literary analysis.

The Political Economics of Language Barrier Analyzing the Cross Disciplinary Action of Politico Economic Research through Linguistic Lens

2025-04-24T18:02:18+00:00

This paper examines the complex relationship between language and political economy, highlighting the significant impact of linguistic characteristics on the economic environment. This paper explores the relationship between political economy and language, specifically how language is used for influence, negotiation, and coercion while developing and implementing economic policies. Using linguistic approaches, the research examines how language influence’s public opinion of economic policy. The study examines how politicians explain difficult economic concepts and how language might influence inclusion or exclusion in decision-making procedures. The review examines how linguistic variety and communication constraints affect the efficacy of economic efforts. The review examines the sociopolitical impact of language on economic policy, including how it might reinforce or challenge power relations and inequality. This review combines political economy and linguistics to provide a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between language and economic policy. It is relevant for lawmakers, researchers, and those who practice seeking an integrated view of the current economic landscape.

Discovering Virginia Woolf's Linguistic Tapestry in "A Haunted House" and "The Widow and The Parrot" with a Systemic Functional Linguistic Lens

2025-04-30T20:52:17+00:00

The study using SFL framework investigates the patterns Virginia Woolf woven in two of her stories "A Haunted House" and "The Widow and the Parrot". Both stories deal with supernatural elements, but they diverge in the pattern when a SFL based analysis was carried out. Having a detailed examination of transitivity and thematic structure we discovered distinguished linguistic strategies to showcase supernatural atmospheres. The data reveal that both stories employ unmarked inanimate themes with material processes, yet their process type distribution and narrative integration vary greatly. In "A Haunted House," integration of supernatural and emotions is done by employing more stable spread of marked (16%) and unmarked themes (33% animate, 51% inanimate) with a dominant proportion of material processes (80%). Whereas "The Widow and the Parrot" displays a divergent distribution with enhanced relational processes (30% vs 8%) drawing clear boundaries between supernatural sections (70% inanimate themes) and compassionate texts (100% animate themes). This comparative investigation validates Woolf's intact pattern to create supernatural elements and discovers that she uses different processes to integrate elements of supernatural and emotions throughout her story 'A Haunted House' and disintegrate supernatural and compassionate texts in 'The Widow and the Parrot'.

Exploring the Connection between Presence and Absence of Krashen’s Theory on Learner’s Input and Affective Filters: A Triangulation Approach

2025-04-30T20:57:25+00:00

This research examines Krashen’s Second Language Acquisition (SLA) theory, particularly the Input Hypothesis and Affective Filter Hypothesis, which impact learners’ emotional states such as motivation, confidence, and anxiety. Using a triangulation approach, the study integrates quantitative (language proficiency tests and affective filter questionnaire) and qualitative data (classroom observations) from two groups of B2 English learners where one receiving instruction based on Krashen’s input hypothesis while the other was taught using traditional, grammar-translation methods. The findings indicate a statistically significant moderate positive correlation between Krashen-based instruction and learner motivation, albeit a slight but noteworthy decrease in learner anxiety. In contrast, the absence of Krashen’s theory in traditional classrooms inevitably lowered motivation and increased anxiety levels. Thematic analysis provided additional support by highlighting that classrooms following Krashen’s ideologies foster emotional resilience, active participation, and spontaneous language use. The study concludes that Krashen’s theory provides an educational framework as well as a psychological one that can significantly improve the teaching and learning of a second language.

Impact of Automation on Labour Laws in Pakistan: Investigating the Challenges and Opportunities for Workers in a Changing Job Market

2025-04-30T21:02:38+00:00

The rapid advancement of automation technologies is reshaping labor markets globally, with significant implications for developing economies like Pakistan. This research investigates the impact of automation on labor laws in Pakistan, focusing on the challenges and opportunities it presents for the workforce. As industries increasingly adopt automated systems, traditional job roles are being redefined or eliminated, raising concerns about job security, workers' rights, and legal protections. The study explores how existing labor laws align—or fail to align—with the demands of a technologically evolving job market. Through a qualitative analysis of legal frameworks, policy documents, and expert interviews, the paper highlights key gaps in labor legislation that need urgent reform to safeguard workers’ interests. It also identifies potential opportunities, such as the creation of new job categories, upskilling programs, and improved workplace safety. The findings emphasize the need for a proactive and adaptive legal response to automation, ensuring an inclusive labor environment that supports both economic growth and social justice. This study aims to inform policymakers, legal experts, and stakeholders about necessary reforms to make labor laws in Pakistan more resilient and responsive in the face of technological disruption.

Empowered or Muted? Exploring the Intersection of Workplace Culture and Gender Expectations for Women in the Corporate Sector in Peshawar, Pakistan

2025-04-30T21:09:19+00:00

This paper explores how workplace culture intersects with gender expectations and shapes the experiences of working women in the corporate sector in Peshawar, tackling hurdles and growth opportunities side by side, making women feel either empowered or muted. However, due to lack of qualitative data and the factors influencing women’s experiences in male-dominated cities (i.e., Peshawar) are uncharted. The focal objective of this study was to explore and study the intersection of workplace culture and gender expectations on working women in addition to the core factors that impacted the perspectives and experiences of working women in the corporate sector. Data were accumulated from 13 female employees in the form of purposive sampling via interviews, and analysis was done in light of the interpretivist paradigm by applying qualitative approach. The thematic analysis was scrutinized according to the framework of muted group theory, women empowerment and Genderlect, highlighting the factors that were shared by respondents. The analysis revealed that women working in the corporate sector in Peshawar felt empowered just by having the work and opportunities to excel, while felt muted whenever they were overlooked or interrupted owing to societal and cultural constraints, they preferred muteness rather than voicing to maintain interpersonal dynamics at the workplace. The findings recommended that working women should voice their opinions and should focus on their education, security, and well-being. Furthermore, organizations and workplaces should implement policies and practices concerning gender equality and women’s empowerment.

The Role of AI in Documenting Pragmatic Markers and Semantic Structures in Undocumented Pakistani Languages

2025-05-01T18:52:39+00:00

The rapid decline of undocumented languages in Pakistan threatens the disappearance of invaluable cultural, historical, and linguistic knowledge. Despite a rich linguistic landscape, many regional and minority languages remain poorly described, with limited textual resources or scholarly analysis. This study explores how Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly Natural Language Processing (NLP) and machine learning techniques, can be effectively utilized to document pragmatic markers and semantic structures in these endangered languages. Pragmatic markers—words or phrases that regulate discourse and convey speaker intention—are crucial to understanding how language reflects social structure, cognition, and cultural interaction. Drawing on fieldwork conducted in multilingual regions of Pakistan, the study integrates transformer-based AI models with traditional linguistic methods to identify and categorize pragmatic markers and their functions. The research demonstrates that AI enhances the efficiency and accuracy of linguistic documentation, especially when applied to low-resource languages. However, it also reveals the irreplaceable value of human linguistic expertise and community engagement in ensuring the authenticity, interpretability, and ethical soundness of AI-generated insights. The findings challenge universalist assumptions about pragmatics, emphasizing cultural specificity and variation. By bridging technology and field linguistics, this study offers a new model for interdisciplinary collaboration in language preservation, paving the way for more inclusive, ethical, and effective documentation practices. Recommendations include developing AI models adapted to local linguistic typologies, promoting multimodal and community-led research methodologies, and ensuring equitable access to linguistic resources for marginalized language communities.

Teaching Literature Through Linguistic Lenses: A Stylistic Approach

2025-05-05T20:28:58+00:00

This study investigates the impact of teaching literature through a stylistic approach, using linguistic analysis as a tool to enhance students’ interpretive and analytical abilities. This research was conducted for over six weeks with 40 undergraduate students divided into experimental and control groups. The research employed a mixed-methods design combining pre- and post- assessments, rubric-based essay evaluations, and qualitative feedback through surveys and focus groups. Results revealed that students exposed to stylistic instruction demonstrated a 22.2% improvement in their mean essay scores, compared to an 8.3% improvement among those receiving traditional thematic instruction. Statistical analysis confirmed the significance of these gains, with a paired t-test yielding p < 0.001 for the experimental group. Qualitative findings supported quantitative data, with 86% of students in the stylistic group reporting increased confidence in textual interpretation and critical reading. Students highlighted the structured nature of stylistic analysis as key to their deeper engagement with literary texts, enabling them to move beyond subjective impressions to evidence-based interpretations. Initial challenges regarding the complexity of stylistic terminology were reported but largely overcome through gradual scaffolding. The research aligns with prior studies emphasizing stylistics as a bridge between linguistic precision and literary creativity. Based on these outcomes, it is recommended that literature curricula systematically incorporate stylistic methods, that teacher training programs include modules on pedagogical stylistics, and that further longitudinal studies be conducted to assess the long-term effects of stylistic training. Overall, teaching literature through linguistic lenses cultivates critical literacy, enhances academic performance, and prepares students for nuanced engagement with both literary and real-world discourses.

Cult of Poetry and Cult of Revolution: Friendship as Explored Through Alexander Pushkin and Bhagat Singh’s Handwritten Letters

2025-04-15T07:23:26+00:00

This paper aims to explore the underlying intimacy in selected handwritten letters of two figures of history originating from separate geographical lands. Resistance - in the heart of a revolutionary, Bhagat Singh and a poet, Alexander Pushkin - conveyed separate personalized intimacies, fraught with imperial state structuring, dogma and varied indigenous sensoria for both protagonists of this research. Prescribing nouveau legitimacy to any research is a slippery slope in the extensive academic scholarship, however, this paper perspicaciously traces the truisms of Singh and Pushkin’s times á la their voluble words as written to friends in different times: at ease, in prison, weary of surveillance and policing and in need of comfort.

Navigating Motivational Barriers in English Language Learning: Pedagogical Challenges and Strategies for Tertiary-Level English Teachers

2025-05-08T17:49:52+00:00

The present study aims at exploring factors that cause the motivational barriers in learning English as a second language (ESL) by college students and how the problems can be mitigated. Unmotivated ESL learners often manifest low engagement, lack of interest, and limited persistence in learning English. This hinders their success and poses challenges for ESL teachers. The study has employed Sequential Exploratory Design that is a mixed method research approach to collect data. Two types of data were collected for the study through two approaches. The qualitative approach addresses the questions on perceptions and opinions of the teachers through focused group interviews based on their lived experiences. The interviews helped to gain teachers’ insights on the barriers ESL students face while learning English language. While the quantitative approach helps to gather the opinions of the students through questionnaire consisted of 15 questions based on three different sections. A Likert-scale questionnaire was designed ranging from Strongly Agree to Strongly Disagree that addressed different factors causing lack of motivation among ESL learners. To make the data more authentic and reliable, the students were selected from different programs. The findings of the study unveil numerous factors that contribute in making ESL learners unmotivated that include exam-centric education, limited exposure of English in real-life, socio-economic constraints, low self-efficacy, and negative peer influences. The findings also suggest ways for pedagogical implications for policy makers and educators to enhance ESL students’ motivation.

An Embodiment of Resistance against Oppression: A Critical Discourse Analysis of Sherman Alexie's Selected Poems

2025-05-08T18:01:29+00:00

The present research aims to explore the resistance and counter-discourse against dominant narratives of white supremacy in Sherman Alexie’s poetry. Critical Discourse Analysis assesses and scrutinizes the methods by which a text or speech resists discourse. Therefore, the researcher has attempted to analyses three poems written by the Native American poet Sherman Alexie using a critical discourse analysis framework. By exploring various elements in the language of the poems, Sherman Alexie has resisted the mainstream American attitude towards Native Americans. The researcher has employed textual analysis and a qualitative approach to scrutinize the poet's text and examine how it challenges the conventional representation of Native Americans in American literature. This analysis highlights how Alexie's use of imagery, symbolism, and narrative voice challenges stereotypes and presents a more nuanced understanding of Native American identity. This nuanced understanding is crucial in dismantling the monolithic portrayals often found in mainstream narratives. By weaving personal and communal experiences into his poetry, Alexie not only reflects the diversity within Native American cultures but also invites readers to engage with their complexities and contradictions. By doing so, the poems reclaim cultural narratives and invite readers to engage with the complexities of contemporary Native American experiences.

Perception and Acceptance of AI-Driven Tools in ESL Learning in Selected Pakistan Universities

2025-05-11T11:33:14+00:00

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the forefront in technological advancement. AI-driven tools in ESL learning have proven very beneficial and innovative at academic and professional levels. Pakistan is also getting advance in this field. This study aims at the perception and acceptance toward the potential and implementation of AI-driven tools in learning English as Second Language in Pakistan. This study examines the current level of awareness and understanding of AI tools among students, teachers, and administrators to gauge their and potential, acceptance or readiness for adopting such technologies. Data is collected from ESL learner and teachers of the English departments of different universities of Multan for quantitative analysis by using questionnaires and conducted structured interviews. Past studies and research will be reviewed for comprehensive data collection for qualitative analysis. Finding will show the challenges and opportunities faced by AI-driven tools and how they can be tackled by adaptation of AI-Driven tools and making financial strategies and policies for this purpose.

Clipping Patterns in Sindhi: A Morphological Analysis of Word Shortening

2025-05-14T11:09:38+00:00

Sindhi is an Indo-Aryan language spoken primarily in the Sindh province of Pakistan. This study focuses on the clipping processes in the Sindhi language, particularly in relation to word shortening with respect to meaning and grammatical class. Its aims were to identify salient types of clipping, explain their structural patterns, and examine their consequences semantically. Employing qualitative methods, data was gathered through observation at a wedding and informal conversations in Nawabshah which produced 15 instances of clipping. The analysis shows that the most prominent type of clipping is back-clipping (mother to "ما") where suffixes and final syllables are removed. Other types included phonetic reduction (“نرمي” to “نرم”, soft) and some cases of front–clipping (“دروازو” to “در”, door). The results indicate that while clipped forms still convey the primary essence of the word, they are more dependent on situational context and therefore more informal, often devoid of grammatical attributes such as gender or number. This research addresses a gap in the study of morphology of Sindhi and contributes to the understanding of the processes of word formation in the language.

Prospecting Climatic Hazards in Whitley Strieber’s The Day After Tomorrow: An Eco- Critical Perspective

2025-05-14T14:38:34+00:00

Meteorological hazards are the constant changes in the atmospheric patterns due to human alteration of the land. However, the weather processes include heat waves, cold waves, cyclones, hurricanes and freezing rain. As a matter of fact, such changes occur particularly in temperature and wind. These natural hazards caused by humans will form another ice age in future. Ice age is basically a long period of climatic shifts in the reduction of Earth atmosphere which leads to ice-melting at poles. The ice age is the coldness of global temperature, and the large areas of the earth are covered by continental ice sheets and alpine glaciers. The main objective of this study is to investigate the impact of human activities causing meteorological hazards. This study is delimited to meteorological hazards which are conceived in novel The Day After Tomorrow (hereafter The Day). The research is qualitative using Eco-critical theory to examine meteorological issues caused by human alteration of the land. Apart from the novel as primary source, secondary source includes research articles and web-based links carefully gathered to understand and analyze the story from the given theory. The textual analysis technique is used for the analysis and interpretation of the selected text with Eco-criticism as theoretical tool by William Rueckert is applied thereon. The analysis yields that meteorological issues are caused by human alteration of the land that include deforestation, burning fossil fuel, building infrastructure, transportation networks, agriculture and industrial pollution. The study further finds that meteorological hazards are the results of human pollution which has shown the massive temperature reduction in recent years as per reports of the concerned news agencies. However, we have it has been seen that scientific theories are really working to control these hazards. Therefore, humans need to be disciplined and to treat nature the way it is, rather than changing it according to their needs. Furthermore, they should remain as species rather than nation so that they may control and avert the predictable ice age.

A Linguistic Analysis of Deviations in Oscar Wilde's Works

2025-05-17T10:17:30+00:00

The literary works of Oscar Wilde are characterized by wit, aestheticism and artistic use of language. This paper examines linguistic anomalies in Wilde's plays, prose, and poetry, particularly the ways he subverts language to generate humour, irony, and social critique. Focusing on deviation at the lexical, syntactic, semantic and phonological levels, the study explores the use of style in The Importance of Being Earnest, The Picture of Dorian Gray, selecting epigrams. The results show that Wilde's studied departures from linguistic norms serve to undermine Victorian convention, provide the maximum satirical impact, and draw attention to aesthetic beauty.

The Displaced Position of Changez and the Resultant Lack of Comradeship in Hamid’s The Reluctant Fundamentalist

2025-05-17T10:20:03+00:00

The study offers the displaced position of Changez Khan in The Reluctant Fundamentalist. It hinders the formation of deep, horizontal comradeship within both American and Pakistani societies. The research examines the tensions and contradictions that shape Changez’s shifting loyalties, highlighting his decisions. Changez assimilates into American professional culture as a Pakistani who migrates to the United States and attains a corporate position. However, his connection to his homeland, including its traditions, history, and political realities, complicates his sense of belonging. Using a qualitative approach that incorporates close textual analysis and existing scholarship on diaspora identity, nationalism, and imagined communities, this study argues that Changez’s position within the Third Space prevents full integration into either national or cultural framework. As a result, he remains isolated and unable to forge lasting bonds of comradeship in either context.

Post-Truth Fragmentation And Power Dynamics In Rooney’s Normal People

2025-03-19T20:02:00+00:00

Cultural, technological, and philosophical changes reshape and transform reality substantially into the postmodern era. This reshaping of the real world is underscored in Sally Rooney’s Normal People. Through the selected work, Rooney brings to the fore post-truth storytelling about human-made subjective versions of reality, which defy standard societal perspectives. The investigation follows the analysis of truth, which discloses its diverse aspects and requirements. By analyzing subjective realities, selective perception, truth fragmentation and power dynamics, Normal People validate Thomas Zoglauer's post-truth narratives including social constructivism, perspectivism as post-factualism, misinformation, disinformation and fake news. The study follows a qualitative research design that aligns with the narrative style and studies perspectives by analyzing documents and collecting information in a post-truth framework. This research project acts as a blueprint for analyzing written content by comparing advantages against disadvantages with the path truth follows, leading to better comprehension for readers.

Speaking Without Rules: Intuition and Sentence Learning in ESL Classrooms

2025-05-17T20:37:05+00:00

This study explores the role of intuition in the acquisition of English sentence structures by second language (L2) learners. Focusing on the syntactic dimension of second language learning, the research investigates whether learners can identify correct grammatical forms intuitively without explicit knowledge of the underlying rules. Using a quantitative approach, a test was administered to twenty postgraduate English learners to evaluate their intuitive grasp of English sentence patterns. The findings reveal that while a significant number of learners could accurately identify correct sentence structures, most were unable to articulate the corresponding grammatical rules. This suggests that intuitive, implicit knowledge plays a crucial role in early or subconscious language acquisition. The study underscores the importance of extensive exposure to authentic language input, which may help learners internalize syntactic patterns intuitively. The research offers insights into the interplay between implicit learning mechanisms and syntactic competence and encourages further exploration of intuition in second language acquisition from both cognitive and neuro-linguistic perspectives.

Tracing Psychological Trauma Shaping Identity of Individuals in the Novel "The Salt Houses" By Hala Alyan

2025-05-19T07:58:02+00:00

The aim of this research paper is to trace the psychological trauma faced by Yacoub's family in the novel “Salt Houses” by Hala Alyan. It is a historical fiction that narrates the story of a Palestinian family that experiences displacement, war and loss, shaping their overall sense of trauma. Hala Alyan masterfully presents the essence of the chaotic life Palestinians experienced from 1963 (Six-Day War) to 2006 (Israel-Lebanon War) by portraying the situation of a specific Palestinian family. This novel hints at the long-lasting nature of trauma through the element of passing this unresolved trauma from generation to generation. Moreover, these traumatic experiences influence each character of the novel differently, shaping their subjective capacity to deal with things in a unique manner. A qualitative research approach has been employed to conduct this study. The novel (data) is analyzed using Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytic theory. By delving deep into the different aspects of this novel, this study has explored how various traumatic events have psychologically and emotionally impacted the individuals distinctively in this novel.

Mission and Vision Statements of Selected Universities in Punjab: A Critical Discourse Analysis

2025-05-16T14:56:37+00:00

The mission and vision statements of public and private universities in Punjab, Pakistan, are critically analyzed using critical discourse analysis. This research also addresses the gap in the literature about the representation of embedded ideologies and socio-political reality in such writings. This research explores how language affects institutional identities and adheres to national and international educational trends. The researcher collected data from the official websites of ten public and private universities recognised by the Higher Education Commission. The researcher analyzed the data using Norman Fairclough’s (2015) three-dimensional framework of Critical Discourse Analysis, specifically focusing on textual analysis, discursive practices, and social practices. Public universities emphasize inclusivity, national advancement, and equality, whereas Private universities focus on global competitiveness, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Private universities use market-oriented rhetoric in both sectors, governed by neoliberal ideals. The research provides practical implications for politicians, scholars, and officials, focusing on the significance of aligning with the national goal and promoting social justice.

Han Kang’s Gwangju: The City of Eco-Conscious Revolution that Lives Eternally by Dying!

2025-05-11T09:53:07+00:00

Eco-criticism aspires to analyze and criticize the literature through an environmentalist lens. Eco-critically aware authors decentralize human-beings and put nature in the heart of the text. Taking the novel called Human Acts of South Korean author Han Kang, this paper aims to illustrate Nixon's attritional violence and pollution under the canon of eco-criticism as it discusses in detail, the demoralizing ruthlessness of power and the abuse of biota – human beings being an integral part of it, along with the gradual yet detrimental effects of the war on the environment. This paper aspires to find out the ways in which Human Acts, an anthropocentric piece of fictionalized history about a pivotal democratic movement that changed the history of South Korea, can be considered an emblem of environmentalism, by taking into account Eco-narrative of the novel. Moreover, it also works on discovering the eco-consciousness brought about by the author in a text primarily about the suffering of human beings by making women the fighters for the conservation of nature, via Eco-feminism.

Exploring the Role of Social Media in Enhancing English Vocabulary Among the Students of KFUEIT

2025-05-19T21:16:39+00:00

The present research attempted to know how competency during the learning process at the university level is affected by social media. The purpose was to determine the access by gender and discipline groups toward learning university-level English. This involved determining how students of different genders and academic fields evaluate social networking sites concerning development in their English proficiency and competency at the university level. data was descriptive in nature; it was obtained from a selective demographic sample through a self-structured questionnaire. All the BS-level registered students at KFUEIT made up the population, and the sample size comprised 100 students. Using the data obtained from the selected population sample, organizing, coding, analyzing, and tabulating went hand in hand with the use of SPSS version 24. Note that the result of the research clearly shows favorable tendencies to the effect that large university students have a huge source of access to various social media channels to engage in English learning.

Representing Ideo-Political History of Pakistan in in the line of fire and Daughter of the East

2025-05-19T21:34:36+00:00

Pakistan, since its formation, has been handled by two significant administrative groups i.e. democracy and the military rule. Both streamlines are quite distinctive in nature thus, their viewpoints regarding Pakistani political history are different from each other on basis of their ideological beliefs while interpreting the past. Which attracts critical discourse analysts as they are keenly interested in identifying the manipulation of language for chasing certain goals, a common practice in the field of politics. Therefore, the researcher aims to analyze the selected autobiographies by the political entities, considering them a genre of political discourse. Van Dijk (2000) supports this idea of examining political discourses for identifying ideologies because through discourses, they are easily conveyed, manifested and justified. Two autobiographies entitled as; In the Line of Fire and Daughter of the East by Pervez Musharraf and Benazir Bhutto respectively, have been selected as corpora of the present study. Van Dijk's proposed framework in his article Politics, Ideology and Discourse has been employed to point out the discursiveness and manipulation through language done by the authors of the selected texts. It has been observed that both authors frequently used two macro strategies of “positive self- representation” and “negative other’s representation” for creating their preferred discourses. Furthermore, other ideological structures like “polarization”, “reasonableness” repetition”, “number game” “authority” have also been employed by the both authors to demonstrate their desired ideo-political stances. By using these ideological structures, the authors have portrayed a peculiar perspective of the whole scenery which proves language an effective tool for manipulation and persuasion.

The Aesthetic of Death: A Literary Stylistic Analysis of Emily Dickinson's poem "Joy in Death"

2025-05-19T08:02:41+00:00

This study examines the aesthetic of death in Emily Dickinson’s poem "Joy in Death," reinterpreting her unconventional portrayal of mortality as a source of beauty and human insight. By applying a three-level stylistic analysis grounded in Jakobson’s model of the poetic function of language and aesthetic theory, the research underscores how Dickinson transforms death into a reflective exposition on the human condition. Beyond literary analysis, this work advocates for enhanced cultural literacy and quality education, contributing to Sustainable Development Goal by fostering critical engagement with themes of life, death, and societal values, and ultimately supporting the promotion of understanding and dialogue on complex existential topics. The project finds out that in Dickinson's aesthetic of death, the subject is turned into an exposition on the human condition. She combines all this existential skepticism in perfect harmony with the beauty of poetry, which makes "Joy in Death" as timeless insight on life, death, and everything in between.

Rhetorical Strategies in Research Article Introductions: An Analysis of Pakistani English Journals

2025-05-24T19:10:56+00:00

This study engages in a rhetorical analysis of research article introductions from four of Pakistan’s major research journals. These introductions have been evaluated through the Swales and Feak (2004) CARS (Create a Research Space) model. The study looks at how, if at all, these introductions have employed the three moves identified by Swales and Feak. It shows, through its findings, that the authors published by the four journals make use of all three moves while showing some variation in the ways they have been employed. It is seen, for instance, while the most employed move is moving 1 (Establishing a research territory) step a (showing that the general research area is important, central, interesting, problematic, or relevant in some way), the least commonly employed move is moving 3 (Occupying the niche) step e (indicating the structure of the RP). Move 2, moreover, which deals with establishing a research gap (and as such should have been the most common), is not employed as often as it should have been. On these grounds, this study suggests that there is a need for practical teaching modules that make use of models like the CARS model to teach effective research paper writing. It also suggests that authors need to have clarity in both their thinking as well as in their work and calls on journals to raise their standards and tighten their criteria. To scholars, it provides an evaluation of specific research article introductions, thus also being of use to them in their own journey as researchers and authors.

The Art of Currency: A Semiotic Analysis of Pakistani Currency Notes from 2005 to 2024

2025-05-24T19:19:00+00:00

One of the most important inventions in human society has been money, whether it takes the shape of coins or currency notes. Centuries of experiments and invention have gone to its development. Since its inception, money has undergone constant modification, acting as a store of wealth for the future as well as a medium of exchange in day-to-day transactions. Communication between a wide variety of users is based on the presentation of notes in return for products and services across most of the world. Any country’s identity, history and culture are reflected in the design of its paper money. Over time, Pakistani banknotes have changed to incorporate various textual and visual components that support the country’s political beliefs, cultural heritage and national identity. Thus, this research examines Pakistani banknotes from 2005 to 2024 by semiotic analysis. Additionally, this research also examines how language, symbols, and visual elements interact to produce meaning. Using Roland Barthes’ semiotic theory (1977) and Kress and van Leeuwen’s (2006) multimodal analysis, this study performs a qualitative semiotic analysis of Pakistani currency notes from 2005 to 2024. It looks at how Pakistani paper money’s icons, colors and images reflect the nation’s history, values and sense of self. It also explores the visual modes on the banknotes that contribute to the construction of unified or fragmented national narrative of the country. Therefore, the primary focus of this study is the qualitative examination of Pakistani currency notes as multimodal texts that provide profound understanding of the country’s history, culture and changing sense of national identity.

Literature as Protest: Rewriting Borders and Belonging in Refugee Narratives

2025-05-24T19:26:37+00:00

This study looks at how contemporary literature about refugees is meant to protest and can give new meanings to ideas of borders, who we are and belonging. This research uses Boochani’sNo Friend But the Mountains and Hamid’s Exit West to study the ways authors use stories, imagery and themes to challenge common ideas about refugees. Using Gloria Anzaldúa’s (1987) idea of the “borderlands” as its foundation, this study looks at how each text alters geographical, cultural and emotional boundaries. Five main themes are highlighted in the analysis: crossing borders, the concept of displacement and exile, trying to build identity, using stories of resistance and seeking other types of community. Drawing on poetry, Boochani shares how suffering and resistance are central to life in detention, yet Hamid humorously redefines common perspectives on migration and personal identities. They make use of things like mountains and doors to show how their main characters deal with the breakdown of their mind and how they use their creativity. It is shown that refugee literature both captures trauma and can be used as a tool to shape and intervene in society. The report shows that literature connected to exile brings about confusion in static national, cultural and emotional boundaries, providing additional frameworks for the world’s displaced populations. Ideas include adding works by refugees to the list of classic books, using literature from refugees in schools and acknowledging its influence on society and policy. All in all, the research spotlights how literature helps change the way researchers see refugees as people who can act, imagine and stand up for themselves.

Astro-poetics and Celestial Imagery in Celestial Bodies by Alharthi

2025-05-24T19:30:10+00:00

Celestial imagery serves as a powerful thematic and symbolic element in Jokha Alharthi's Celestial Bodies, reflecting the intricate interplay between family, culture, and identity. The novel emphasizes the interconnectedness between human and non-human worlds, inviting readers to explore its Ecocritical significance. This study aimed to analyze the novel's use of celestial imagery to evoke wonder and awe while criticizing the impact of human activities on the environment. This research is based on the discussion of Timothy Morton (2016) on Ecocritical theory. The analysis examined how these motifs enrich the narrative and provide a nuanced perspective on ecological and cultural interrelations. Through close textual analysis, the study highlighted how celestial symbolism operates to intertwine personal and communal experiences with broader environmental themes. The findings reveal that Celestial Bodies critiques the consequences of human actions on the environment while celebrating Middle Eastern literature's capacity to weave cultural and ecological narratives. This work underscores the novel's enduring importance as a rich and complex literary contribution.

Linguistic Genocide of Indigenous Languages in Pakistan and Nigeria: A Comparative analysis of Language Policies and Practices

2025-05-24T19:37:03+00:00

In the post-colonial world, language policies often contribute to the vitality of languages, often determining which languages thrive or face extinction. This research investigates and compares Pakistani and Nigerian language policies and practices to ascertain which policies promote or exhibit linguicism against Indigenous languages. The data have been taken from the constitutions of the countries concerned, while data for actual language practices come from credible online sources. Employing a qualitative approach and a comparative research design, textual analysis of data has been conducted through the linguicism lens as the theoretical framework and linguistic imperialism as the analytical framework. The study’s findings highlight the persistence of English as a colonial legacy in shaping language policies in Pakistan and Nigeria. Pakistan has officially recognized English and Urdu, whereas Nigeria has recognized English, Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba. Pakistan uses only English and Urdu in key domains such as politics, the economy, law, and education, to the neglect of Indigenous languages. Similarly, Nigeria grants official recognition to English and actively uses it in key domains such as government, law, and administration. Nigeria also grants official status to Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba. However, their usage is subservient to English and remains limited. This study advocates the elimination of language-based discrimination and emphasizes the formulation of more inclusive language policies to safeguard and promote linguistic diversity. Moreover, this research aligns Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 10 (Reducing Inequalities) by highlighting the role of language policies in promoting equitable access to citizens in their native languages and reducing social inequalities.

Unveiling the Mind of a Writer: A Think-Aloud Study of Creative Writing Processes

2025-05-24T19:50:33+00:00

This study explores the cognitive processes of creative writers through the "Think Aloud" research technique. The primary aim was to understand how writers generate and organize their thoughts during the act of writing. Four creative writers were selected randomly and asked to verbalize their thoughts in real-time while composing their texts. These verbal reports were recorded and analyzed to identify recurring patterns and shared strategies. The findings revealed that, despite individual differences, all participants shared a common influence: their social background significantly shaped their writing choices and thematic orientations. This study offers valuable insights into the inner workings of the creative mind and highlights the role of socio-cultural context in the writing process.

The Representation of “Budget” in Pakistani English and Urdu Newspaper Articles: A Corpus-Assisted Discourse Study

2025-05-25T12:38:48+00:00

This study examines the representation of "budget" in Pakistani English and Urdu newspaper articles using a corpus-assisted discourse analysis approach. The research investigates how the media build and shape public perceptions of budget-related issues by exploring linguistic patterns, discursive strategies, and ideological indicators such as pronouns, metaphors, and adjectives. The study implies a mixed-method by using Conceptual Modal (CACDA) CL(Baker,2008) Frame semantics (Fillmore,1982). The findings reveal that the budget is a social failure, and all ideological indicators have highlighted the budget as a serious problem for the common person in society.

Evaluating the Efficacy of the Grammar Translation Method in Enhancing English Vocabulary Acquisition among Senior High School Students: A Case Study

2025-05-25T17:41:40+00:00

The Grammar Translation Method is widely used in Pakistan to teach English, despite criticism for its focus on rote memorisation and mother-tongue instruction, which may limit communicative competence. The study assesses GTM’s effectiveness in teaching English Vocabulary to senior high school students and explores its limitations in fostering language skills. By examining both the strengths and weaknesses of GTM in this context, the study aims to provide insights into whether this traditional method aligns with the needs of modern English language learners in Pakistan. A mixed-methods approach was employed, involving classroom observations, questionnaires, pretests, and posttests of senior high school students in KP Mardan, Pakistan. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and a paired t-test to compare pretest and posttest scores. Quantitative data from the pretests and posttests were analysed using descriptive statistics (means and standard deviations) and a paired t-test to determine whether there was a statistically significant difference in vocabulary scores before and after the intervention. Qualitative data from observations and questionnaires were thematically analysed to identify recurring patterns and insights into GTM’s practical limitations. A significant decline in posttest scores (p = 0.002) indicated GTM’s ineffectiveness in vocabulary acquisition. Questionnaire responses revealed students’ dissatisfaction with GTM’s lack of speaking opportunities and heavy reliance on translation. GTM fails to enhance vocabulary learning due to its teacher-centred nature and the neglect of communicative skills. Integrating methods like Communicative Language Teaching and Total Physical Response, which links vocabulary learning with physical actions to enhance retention. However, these methods are recommended to improve English instruction in Pakistan’s senior high schools.

The Relationship between Phubbing, Psychological Well-being and Quality of Life among Young Adults

2025-05-27T10:42:46+00:00

This study examines the association between phubbing (phone snubbing), psychological well-being and quality of life among young adults aged 18-34 years. Cross-sectional research design was used. Sample was drawn using Rao soft sample size calculator. 371 participants from Rawalpindi completed standardized scales measuring these variables. Results revealed phubbing positively correlates with psychological well-being (r = .01, p < .05) but negatively with quality of life (r = -0.12, p < .05). The analysis confirmed that phubbing significantly influences both psychological well-being (R2 = 0.1) and quality of life (R2 = 0.13). Gender differences emerged, with males exhibiting higher phubbing tendencies (M = 139.19) but lower psychological well-being and quality of life (PWB: M =41.9, QOL: M=40.1) compared to females (PH: M = 130.1, PWB: M =44.5, QOL: M=45.6). Additionally, graduate students reported better psychological well-being and quality of life (PWB: M =46.05 and QOL: M=44.8) than undergraduates, who scored higher on phubbing scales (M =133.0). Socioeconomic disparities were also evident, as lower-class individuals engaged in more phubbing behavior while middle and upper-class groups demonstrated superior psychological well-being and quality of life. The study addresses a significant gap in existing literature by exploring the broader implications of phubbing in a Pakistani context. This research contributes to understanding the psychological and social consequences of technology overuse in young populations.

Cultural Assimilation and Identity Crisis in the Reluctant Fundamentalist: A Postcolonial Perspective

2025-05-30T11:03:18+00:00

From a postcolonial standpoint, this study examines the issues of identity crisis and cultural assimilation in Mohsin Hamid's Reluctant Fundamentalist. The novel illustrates the psychological struggle people have when juggling their Eastern identities with Western norms through the figure of Changez. Using postcolonial ideas such as Homi Bhabha's notions of mimicry and hybridity and Edward Said's Orientalism, the study illustrates how assimilation into Western society can lead to resistance, self-fragmentation, and alienation. According to the article, Hamid criticizes the cultural pressures imposed on postcolonial people and highlights the unpredictable nature of identity in a globalized society after 9/11.

Stylistics in Indigenous Verses: Analyzing Stylistic Patterns in Hur Shah’s Shina Poetry

2025-05-31T21:22:53+00:00

This study examines Hur Shah's Shina poetry's stylistic elements, focused on the poem Shodaar. The analysis follows Leech and Short's (2007) stylistic framework, which looks at phonological, grammatical, and lexical levels, and takes a qualitative and descriptive approach. The study finds that Hur Shah used a variety of stylistic elements, including as sound patterns, sentences, phrases, parts of speech, and figures of speech, all of which add to Hur Shah's unique poetic style. The results show that these techniques are intentionally and creatively employed to express deeper meanings and hidden themes in the poem. This study advances our knowledge of Shina literary aesthetics and seeks to motivate more investigation into the relationship among language, style, and thematic depth in regional poetry.

The Chain of Oppression: Education, Poverty, and Class in Hard Times

2025-06-02T09:19:00+00:00

Charles Dickens’ Hard Times serves as a sharp critique of Victorian industrial society, particularly through its portrayal of education as a mechanism that perpetuates poverty and reinforces class divisions. This analysis employs a Marxist literary lens to examine how Dickens exposes the systemic oppression embedded in the capitalist educational framework. By analyzing the intersections of education, poverty, and class, the study explores how the working class is consistently denied intellectual and emotional growth under a rigid utilitarian system designed to serve industrial and economic interests. The primary aim of this paper is to investigate how Dickens presents education not as a means of liberation, but as a tool for maintaining existing social hierarchies and deepening economic inequality. Key research questions guiding this inquiry include: How does the educational system reflect capitalist ideologies in the novel? and In what ways does poverty hinder access to meaningful and transformative learning? Using a qualitative, thematic approach, this study critically examines character development, narrative structure, and symbolic elements—particularly Gradgrind’s educational model and the contrasting experiences of Sissy Jupe and Bitzer. By engaging closely with Marxist theory, this research contributes to broader literary discussions on class struggle and economic injustice. It underscores how Hard Times remains a vital commentary on the socio-economic limitations of education, especially in societies marked by exploitation, inequality, and industrialization.

A Conceptual Metaphor Analysis of Endurance in Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea and For Whom the Bell Tolls

2025-06-03T17:48:48+00:00

This study applies Conceptual Metaphor Theory (CMT) to explore the metaphorical structures that underpin themes of endurance, psychological conflict, and existential struggle in Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea and For Whom the Bell Tolls. CMT posits that metaphors are not just stylistic elements but cognitive tools that shape human understanding. Through qualitative metaphor analysis, this research uncovers how Hemingway uses metaphor to convey deep psychological and sociocultural meanings, mapping war, nature, and isolation onto emotional and moral dilemmas. Findings reveal that metaphors like “life is war,” “the sea is a test,” and “death is a bell” frame the protagonists’ inner journeys. The study contributes to the literary understanding of Hemingway’s minimalist style by showing how conceptual metaphors offer profound insight into his characters’ existential resilience.

Exploring the Hidden Meaning of the Poem ‘Taming the Demon’ by Hassin ur Rehman through stylistics Analysis

2025-06-05T20:45:25+00:00

The aim of study is to examine the English poem ‘Taming the Demon’ by Hassin ur Rehman from the Stylistic perceptive of Leech and Short. The researcher has applied Leech and Short model (2007) to disclose figurative language in order to convey the deep and hidden meaning of the poem. In the poem the poet conveys the diverse aspects of figurative language including metaphor, alliteration, imagery, anaphora, personification and symbolism. The researcher applies the stylistic analysis on the level of graphological, grammatical, syntactical, and semantical pattern. The study via stylistic unravels the hidden meanings and thematic complexities of the poem. The overreaching theme of the poem focuses on the Inner struggle or the battle of perseverance which become the source of that arises the artistic and emotional expression. Moreover, the style of the poem leads towards the emotional level with the help of profound diction. Conclusively, all the elements of stylistics depict internal fear, emotional growth, and using emotion in a positive way. The researcher analyzes other research articles along with the original text of the poem to support the objective of this study.

Breaking Inner Barriers: A Jungian Psychoanalytic Reading of Farzana Aqib’s When Will These Walls Go Down

2025-06-05T20:48:41+00:00

This study explores Farzana Aqib’s poem When Will These Walls Go Down through the lens of Carl Gustav Jung’s analytical psychology, focusing on key archetypes such as the Shadow, Anima/Animus, and the Self. Using qualitative content analysis, the research interprets the poem’s central metaphor of “walls” as psychological barriers, reflecting repressed emotions and unconscious fears. The speaker’s intense emotional expressions and symbolic language are analyzed as manifestations of inner conflict and the desire for transformation, aligned with the Jungian process of individuation. The study concludes that the poem transcends its personal context, offering a compelling representation of universal psychological themes embedded in the collective unconscious. Thus, the poem becomes a valuable text for Jungian literary analysis.

Cultural Lexicons: A Sociolinguistic Analysis of Lexical Variations in Bapsi Sidhwa's The Crow Eaters

2025-06-05T20:59:27+00:00

This study examines the sociolinguistic dynamics of lexical variations in Bapsi Sidhwa's The Crow Eaters, focusing on how Urdu influences the development of Pakistani English (PE) as a distinct postcolonial variety. Through qualitative textual analysis, the research identifies and categorises linguistic features, including lexical borrowings (e.g., pukka, salaam), hybrid constructions (jugaad system), and literal translations (dil ka sukoon), demonstrating their cultural and communicative functions within the novel. The findings reveal that these linguistic innovations are not random deviations but systematic adaptations that reflect the bilingual reality of postcolonial Pakistan. By analyzing frequency patterns and contextual usage through quantitative analysis, the study highlights how Sidhwa's narrative strategies preserve cultural authenticity while navigating the complexities of English as a legacy of colonialism. The research contributes to broader discussions in World Englishes by illustrating how PE operates as a vehicle for cultural identity, blending indigenous traditions with global linguistic influences. Ultimately, this analysis highlights the importance of literary texts in documenting language contact phenomena and expands our understanding of postcolonial sociolinguistics in South Asian contexts.

Unraveling Ecological Discourse in The Vegetarian By Han Kang Under the Lens of Halliday’s Ideational Metafunction

2025-06-05T21:06:02+00:00

Ecolinguistic discourse analysis entails the examination of discourses and their evaluation within a normative structure that acknowledges both the human experience and the integration of humans within a broader community of life forms. This normative structure, referred to as ecosophy, can manifest either explicitly or implicitly and is often oriented toward pragmatic objectives, such as the establishment of societies that are characterized by social justice and that actively safeguard and sustain the ecological systems upon which all life forms rely for their ongoing existence. This paper aims to employ the UAM Corpus Tool 3.3 corpus annotation software to perform ecological discourse analysis of novella “The Vegetarian” by Han Kang specifically examining the text construction and reality representation through the lens of processes, participants and circumstances. The objective is to elucidate Yeong-hye’s and other character’s perspectives regarding the ecological environment and nature while simultaneously demonstrating the applicability of ideational metafuction in perspective of ecological discourse analysis of translated text of this novella, thereby contributing to the expansion of research in the realm of ecological discourse analysis. This illustrates Han Kang’s ecological perspective characterized by an empathy for nature, a profound respect for the natural environment, a stance against the rampant degradation of nature instigated by human activities, and a call to action for humanity to safeguard the natural world. This paper is designed on mixed methods. This research employs quantitative analysis through extracting statistical analysis of most frequent ideational annotations by using UAM Corpus Tool 3.3 corpus software and also qualitative analysis through examination of processes, participants and circumstances resources found in the texts, in form of process types such as material, mental, relational, behavioral, verbal and existential resources. This study explores Yeong-hye’s renunciation of meat can be construed as an ecological act, signifying her refusal to engage in the violence that is inherent in the human exploitation of non-human animals.

Intersecting Environmental Crisis and Caring Masculinities; An Eco-Critical Study of Forty Signs of Rain by Kim Stanley Robinson

2025-05-18T00:42:27+00:00

This paper explores the transformative potential of caring masculinities within the framework of ecological masculinities as a response to the escalating environmental crisis. Rooted in the scholarship of care, this approach challenges hegemonic notions of masculinity traditionally linked to institutions that perpetuate environmental degradation and exploitative political ideologies. By advocating for a shift away from dominance and consumption-driven systems, caring masculinities offer an alternative pathway for addressing the pressing ecological and social issues of our time. The theoretical underpinnings of this study draw primarily from Hultman and Pule’s Ecological Masculinities, Darwish’s critical insights in Men, Masculinities, and Earth: Contending with the (m)Anthropocene providing intersection between masculinity, nature, and care offering a nuanced perspective on how masculinity can transcend hegemonic norms to foster a relational and empathetic connection to the environment. Connell’s foundational concept of hegemonic masculinities from Masculinities further informs the paper’s critique of traditional masculine ideals, which prioritize dominance and power over sustainability and equity. In addition, the paper incorporates Pelegri’s pivotal work, “Green Intersections: Caring Masculinities and the Environmental Crisis” which articulates a critical nexus between caring masculinities and ecological ethics. The analysis centers on Kim Stanley Robinson’s novel, Forty Signs of Rain, as a case study to examine how caring masculinities manifest in response to environmental crises. The character of Charlie, who embodies the values of care and sustainability, is positioned against the backdrop of hegemonic capitalist structures and consumer politics. Through a critical evaluation of Robinson’s narrative, this paper explores how caring masculinities can challenge patriarchal hierarchies and re-imagine political and social systems to prioritize ecological well-being. This paper aims to contribute to the growing body of scholarship at the intersection of gender studies and environmental humanities, providing a critical framework for rethinking masculinity in an era of ecological precarity. By highlighting the interconnectedness of gender, care, and ecological sustainability, it challenges traditional paradigms and calls for a reimagining of both masculinity and environmental politics in ways that foster care, equity, and justice for all life forms.

Visual Strategies in Pakistani Snack Packaging: A Multimodal Critical Discourse Analysis of Emotional Consumerism Among Youth

2025-05-25T11:35:10+00:00

This research investigates the use of visual strategies by local Pakistani companies in snack packaging and focuses on how these strategies target the emotional consumption behaviour of youth. Using Multimodal Critical Discourse Analysis (MMCDA), this research examines the ideological underpinnings of visual elements of snack packaging where they act as a form of discourse that intertwines consumerism with emotional appeal. Drawing on Fairclough’s Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) and Kress and van Leeuwen’s Social Semiotic Approach, this research explores the ideological messages conveyed through the use of visuals such as gaze, framing, and different angles. It highlights how snack packaging companies use symbols that are familiar to youth, such as their favourite cartoon characters, national heroes, political figures, and viral internet personas, to create emotional connections with them. Hence, this research reveals how snack packaging serves as a tool that shapes consumer’s behaviour among Pakistani youth, compelling them to buy the snacks. Through the lens of multimodality, it unveils how these visuals are linked directly to emotional consumerism in Pakistan.

Contemporary Art of Dubbing in Pakistan: A Case Study of Suprasegmental Translation of Turkish Serials into Urdu

2025-06-12T09:25:27+00:00

This research examines the suprasegmental adaptation of Turkish television series in Urdu dubbing, focusing on measurable differences in pitch, intonation, and rhythm, and their implications for technical synchrony and cultural-ideological mediation. By employing a mixed-methods design, 18 scenes from six Turkish dramas and their Urdu-dubbed counterparts were analyzed. Praat software had been employed to quantify acoustic features (intensity, pitch, syllable duration) and qualitative integrated frameworks (Audiovisual Translation Theory, Relevance Theory, Prosodic Phonology). Results revealed systematic divergences: Urdu dubs compressed intensity ranges (46.73–100 dB vs. Turkish 1.74–100 dB), elevated pitch peaks (e.g., 172–800 Hz), and adopted stress-timed hybridity to prioritize lip-sync accuracy and cultural resonance. These shifts reflected a strategic negotiation between technical constraints (e.g., isochrony) and ideological imperatives, amplifying Islamic themes for Pakistani audiences while disrupting Turkish’s syllable-timed prosody. The study highlighted Urdu dubbing’s role as a cultural filter, balancing transnational storytelling with local conservatism. The analysis acknowledged reliance on manual acoustic data extraction, which may introduce human error, and an exclusive focus on standardized Urdu dubbing practices, neglecting regional dialectical influences Future research should leverage machine-learning algorithms to automate prosodic alignment in Urdu dubbing workflows. This research advances audiovisual translation scholarship by modeling a tripartite framework for non-European language pairs, emphasizing the interdependence of technical precision, cognitive pragmatics, and cultural authenticity in media localization.

Punctuation Shifts in English to Urdu TED Talks: A Functional and Cross-Linguistic Analysis through SFL and Descriptive Translation Studies

2025-06-12T09:30:59+00:00

This study explores punctuation shifts in English-to-Urdu translations of TED Talk transcripts, focusing on both the frequency and functional transformation of punctuation marks. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research first quantifies the use of selected punctuation marks such as the period, comma, colon, semicolon, question mark, quotation marks, exclamation mark, and apostrophe, in both source and target texts. It then qualitatively analyzes thirty examples for each punctuation mark, categorized into instances of preservation, alteration, and omission. The analysis is guided by Systemic Functional Linguistics (Halliday, 2014) and Descriptive Translation Studies (Toury, 1995), providing insight into how meaning, coherence, and stylistic tone are affected by punctuation decisions in translation. Findings reveal that while some marks are retained to preserve rhetorical effect, others are adapted or omitted in accordance with Urdu syntactic and stylistic conventions. These shifts reflect broader translation norms and highlight the semiotic significance of punctuation as a culturally and linguistically embedded feature of discourse.

A Quantitative study of Women’s Representation from Gender Stereotypes’ Perspective in Academic Language of PTB’s English Textbooks in Grade 3

2025-06-13T22:06:25+00:00

The research analyzes the way women are portrayed in educational context through Grade 3 English textbooks published by The Punjab Textbook Board (PTB) Pakistan while emphasizing linguistic elements of gender stereotypes. Through a quantitative corpus-based method the research seeks to discover specific cases of gender prejudice in female portrayals. The chosen textbooks formed a committed corpus for analysis with AntConc and Voyant tool software. The implemented software tools helped detect recurring patterns connected to gender representation in educational content. Research data shows a significant difference between how men and women appear in the content. Traditional and domestic positions with submissively dominate women whereas males perform the majority of leadership and professional and public activities in media content. The depicted images in these publications reinforce gender stereotypes thus influencing students' mental pictures of social positions and requirements. According to the research there is evidence that these biased gender representations impose limits upon young students' professional aspirations and shape their understanding of gender equality. These findings demonstrate an immediate necessity to review the curriculum because Pakistan needs to fulfill its educational targets together with its international agreements regarding gender equality. Educational reform of textbooks with balanced portrayals of genders enables policymakers and educators to build learning spaces which support gender equality. This study generates significant findings that serve as important guidance for curriculum developers and educational stakeholders as well as researchers concentrating on building teaching materials with gender sensitivity. Future research should expand these findings by studying textbooks from multiple grade levels and academic disciplines to achieve better understanding about gender representations in Pakistani educational systems.

Analysing Oscar Wilde’s The Devoted Friend using lexical features by Leech and Short

2025-06-14T20:52:27+00:00

This study aims to investigate how language is used in Oscar Wilde's short story The Devoted Friend (1888) to convey moral themes and irony. This story shows moral hypocrisy and the difference between pure friendship and taking advantage of others through the main character's experiences. Wilde critiques human nature and societal norms. Through his use of irony and symbolic motifs like the leech. The researcher examines linguistic patterns that influence the moral and thematic depth of the story using a systematic checklist. By highlighting the discrepancy between appearance and reality, Oscar Wilde uses particular linguistic elements and rhetorical methods to further the story's satirical tone. Textual analysis and critical interpretations were used to gather data for this qualitative study. The study concludes that Wilde reinforces the story's ironic moral teachings by skillfully using language to reveal the deception under the pretence of virtue. The purpose of this study is to increase the reader’s understanding of how language shapes meaning and affects moral perception in literature.

Linguistic Fidelity vs. Comic Effect: A Study of Humor loss in Aab-e-Gum’s English Translation

2025-06-12T09:15:40+00:00

This study aims to investigate the translatability of humor in Aab-e-Gum and its English version Mirages of the Mind, that how linguistic fidelity affects comic effect in cross-cultural literary translation. The research employs a qualitative comparative textual analysis of selected Urdu excerpts and their English counterparts with respect to the issue of humor retention, loss and transformation. The Incongruity Theory of Humor and Walter Benjamin’s concept of Task of the Translator that extends the life of the original text, guide the analysis. It is found that universal incongruity and behavioral absurdity are most generally preserved, while idiomatic compression, poetic expression, and cultural specificity are significantly resulted in humor loss. Literal translation strategies often preserve semantic accuracy at the expense of emotional flattening, weakening the intended comic effect. These findings are supported by reader reviews, which indicate that culturally embedded humor is received differently and is difficult to access. The findings of the study also underline the usefulness of transcreation and contextual adaptation in arriving at functional equivalence. The current study extends the discussion on literary translation that acknowledges humor as a culture-specific sensation that must be transferred with linguistic knowledge and cultural imagination.

Climate Change Discourse- A Corpus based Ecolinguistic Study of COP 26

2025-06-04T15:55:04+00:00

This research focuses on the veiled economic priorities woven into the climate change rhetoric at the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), convened in Glasgow, Scotland, from October 31 to November 13, 2021. Drawing on 130 English-language addresses by national delegates, obtained from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) official repository, the study employs Arran Stibbe’s Ecological Discourse Analysis and his Eight Story Framework as its analytical foundation. It examines linguistic elements such as evocative terms, affirmative expressions, lexical selections, modal verbs, patterns of assertion, and pronoun use to expose underlying ideological currents. The results indicate that orations from 20 nations overtly prioritize profit-driven motives and national self-interest. These narratives reposition climate change as a platform for economic gain, with policy proposals highlighting growth and technological advancement over authentic ecological stewardship. Amazingly, 11 of these 20 nations rank among the top 25 global carbon dioxide emitters (per 2020 data), tying their rhetorical strategies to significant environmental consequences. The analysis reveals a consistent disparity between the declared commitments of developed nations to provide climate funding and their actual contributions to at-risk countries. Using COP26 as a focal point, this study illustrates how international climate platforms are frequently leveraged to continue economic norms, highlighting how linguistic choices advance broader ideological and geopolitical objectives.

Theological Significance of the Kalima Shahada in Islamic Faith: An Analytical Study

2025-06-14T20:58:23+00:00

This research conducted a thorough analysis of the content of Kalim Shahada, with a specific focus on analysing and understanding its fundamental concepts. An in-depth analysis has been conducted on Kalim Shahada, a well-known religious declaration of the Muslims reveal its theme aspects and their importance within its cultural and contextual framework. The study utilises qualitative content analysis techniques to discover and analyse reoccurring themes, Monotheism (Tawhid), Sovereignty of Allah (Qudrat), Prophet-hood (Nabuwat), Servitude (Bandgi), Testimony (Shahdat) and Rejection of Polytheism (Rad-e-Shirk) found in the text. The findings provide a detailed and subtle representation of these themes, emphasising their significance and influence on both past and present interpretations. This study enhances our comprehension of Kalim Shahada by providing valuable insights into its theme organisation and its influence on the development of religious or cultural narratives. This research has far-reaching consequences for educational practices, religious scholarship, and intercultural interaction. It serves as a basis for future studies and conversations on the text's importance and impact.

Mapping Out Digital Sexuality in Contemporary Postcolonial Novels

2025-06-14T21:03:29+00:00

This study provides a critical examination of the representation of digital sexuality in post-colonial novels today. The intersection of digital technologies and sexuality has been an increasingly discussed subject in literary circles over the past decades, a reflection of the new intimacy, desire, and power dynamics that exist in digital realms. Through a set of post-colonial novels, this study examines how authors address identity, representation, and resistance in the contexts of digital sexuality. The study foregrounds digital sexuality in the broader field of postcolonial literatures to highlight the intersections of race, gender, and power relations in digital spaces. By closely reading a selection of novels, the paper demonstrates how authors depict characters negotiating issues of visibility, agency, and cultural hybridity vis-Ã -vis digital technology. It challenges the extent to which digital platforms define the subject's experience of intimacy and desire in postcolonial settings, weighing the emancipatory potential and the constrictions offered by digital spaces themselves in postcolonial contexts. The consequences of such digital surveillance, censorship, and algorithmic biases against marginalized communities are studied; thus, exposing the intricate dynamics that interweave technology and social justice. By mapping representations of digital sexuality in postcolonial fiction today, the paper goes a step further to understand better the intersections of identity, power, and resistance in the digital. Such a focus draws attention to the need to critically engage with counter-narratives resisting normative sexual configurations. It articulates the urgency of foregrounding alternative 'digital' narratives of intimacy and desire. All in all, this study underlines the richness and complexity of postcolonial fiction as fertile ground for exploring the intricate machinations of digital sexuality, thus signaling the need for serious research and discussion on the intersection of literature and technology.

Analyzing Fanonian Concept of Neo-Colonialism: The Role of trauma and Memory in Ghosh’s The Glass Palace

2025-06-14T21:16:35+00:00

This study explores the psychological and socio-political implications of colonialism and neo-colonialism in the lives of the people living under its influence. The research is grounded in the works of Amitav Ghosh, particularly his novel The Glass Palace, which portrays the intricacies of British colonial rule in Burma (Myanamar) and its lingering effects on the lives of the characters. By examining the characters like Rajkumar, King Thebaw, Queen Supayalat and others the research highlights the trauma and psychological distress caused through colonial experience. The people living under the colonial systems had to face the loss of identities, culture, and tradition. They were led to believe that their culture was inferior and thus they were uprooted and alienated. Secondly, the research also aims to highlight how the colonial masters manipulated and hijacked the economic and social structures of the societies and then exploited the natural resources and manpower of those countries. Frantz Fanon’s theory of neo-colonialism and his ideas on colonial trauma are employed in this research to better understand the effects of colonialism. Moreover, Fanon’s Marxist perspective also brings attention to the role of local elites in perpetuating neo-colonial structures by analyzing different characters of the novel. This, in turn, shows that such structures of oppression and control impede the process of true liberation leaving the countries in a lasting state of struggle. Ultimately, the research aims to emphasize the ever-lasting effects of colonialism on the minds, economies, politics, and cultures of the colonized people.

The Role of AI in Supporting Writing Development while Sustaining Deep Learning Processes

2025-06-14T21:35:46+00:00

This study looks into how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being used as a digital tutor to help university students in Pakistan improve their writing skills. With the growing popularity of tools like Grammarly, QuillBot, and ChatGPT in classrooms, many language teachers are beginning to question how these technologies might be affecting students’ ability to write; both now and in the long run. Drawing on Constructivist Learning Theory and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), this qualitative research explores students’ experiences with these tools, focusing on their impact on grammar, coherence, and critical thinking. The study involved 15 undergraduate English-major students from University of Okara, using recorded writing sessions, semi-structured interviews, and analysis of students’ written work collected over three weeks. Results show that while AI tools can boost grammatical accuracy and help expand vocabulary, they may also lead to over-reliance and reduce students’ involvement in deeper, more thoughtful writing processes. The paper offers practical suggestions for how AI can be thoughtfully integrated into writing classrooms, encouraging not just correct writing, but reflective and independent thinking as well.

Nature, Nation, and Narrative: The Role of the Oral Tradition in Indigenous Cultural Survival through Literatures in English

2025-06-16T21:54:28+00:00

This research paper is an investigation of the oral tradition as the most important mode of preserving and passing on Indigenous cultural identity, memory and resistance represented in the current Indigenous literatures in English. D Trumpet app This paper is a qualitative literary analysis study that takes a close approach to the narrative strategies of non-linear plot, intergenerational narration, ancestral narration, and land depicted as animate and sacred.The results indicate that oral tradition in these novels is not a simple thematic element, rather, it is structural and cultural base that gives resilience to communities, continuity of history, and political struggle. By incorporating the oral elements, these texts defy the Western literature conventions and reestablish storytelling as an active and life-altering practice. The paper has identified a gap in literary study and school programs that must acknowledge the value and importance of Indigenous oral storytelling as a form of knowledge creation. It also requires a decolonized critical paradigm that appreciates the Indigenous voices and worldviews. This study will add to the existing debates about cultural survival and narrative justice and Indigenous literary sovereignty by making oral tradition its primary lens.

A Critical Discourse Analysis of Farzana Aqib’s Poem Reluctant: Unveiling Silence, Power, and Emotional Resistance

2025-06-16T22:03:06+00:00

This research explores the poem Reluctant by Farzana Aqib using Norman Fairclough’s (1995) three-dimensional model of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA). The study aims to understand how poetic language is used to express emotional pain, especially the silent suffering of men, and how such silence challenges the expectations of a patriarchal society. The poem is analyzed on three levels: its language and structure (text), how it is produced and interpreted (discursive practice), and the social beliefs it reflects or resists (social practice). Through symbolic images like dusk, blood, and silence, the poem portrays deep emotional wounds that are hidden due to social pressure. The findings reveal that Reluctant uses silence as a form of emotional resistance and poetic protest, highlighting how even a quiet, short poem can question powerful gender norms. This research shows that poetry can give voice to the unspoken and challenge the idea that strength means emotional silence. By uncovering these hidden meanings, the study adds to the understanding of how literature reflects and resists social ideologies.

Representation of Transgender in American and Pakistani Newspaper Articles through Referential Strategies: A Corpus Driven Critical Discourse Analysis

2025-06-16T22:07:39+00:00

This study investigates the representation of transgender individuals in American and Pakistani newspaper articles through referential strategies, using a corpus-driven critical discourse analysis. By comparing articles from The New York Times and Dawn published between 2020 and 2022, it examines how linguistic choices construct societal attitudes toward transgender identities in distinct cultural contexts. This research integrates Reisigl and Wodak's referential strategies framework, which focuses on naming practices, nominalization, predication, and perspectivization. A mixed-method approach is used in this paper. Quantitative analysis through AntConc software and qualitative discourse analysis highlights significant cultural contrasts: American articles develop a more neutral and inclusive tone, while Pakistani articles frequently emphasize negative stereotypes, marginalization, and victimization. The findings suggest that media discourse in Pakistan reflects entrenched societal conservatism, whereas, in the U.S., it indicates progress in the public sphere despite challenges. This research contributes to understanding the media’s role in shaping public perceptions of gender diversity, offering valuable insights for policymakers, media practitioners, and advocates for transgender rights globally.

Weaponizing Words: A Critical Stylistic Investigation of Power Dynamics in Trump–Zelenskyy Meeting

2025-06-16T22:12:01+00:00

This research analyzes, in terms of critical stylistics, the transcript of the bilateral meeting that took place between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Using Alaghbary (2022) framework for critical stylistics, the analysis uncovers how both leaders construct their political identity, set authority and negotiates ideological positioning during high-stakes diplomacy. This framework analyzes naming and describing, modality, negation, deixis, and representation of speech as means of performing ideology. Methodologically, it is qualitative and segment-based, splitting the transcript into ten thematic sections for systematic critical stylistical analysis. The findings reveal that Trump uses a discourse that is characterized by transactional logic, coercive modality, and hierarchical assertions of power, always demanding gratitude in restaurant prices. On the contrary, Zelenskyy's discourse opens up moral legitimacy, democratic resilience, and collective victimhood, extensively using emotional deixis and negation to counter dominance. The study contributes to political discourse as it shows how stylistic strategies are used to construct asymmetrical relations in diplomatic communication. It offers valuable implications for researchers of discourse, political communication, and diplomatic training by revealing how language mediates global power dynamics.

Nature, Nation, and Narrative: The Role of the Land in Indigenous Literatures in English

2025-06-18T10:59:58+00:00

This paper studies how land is depicted in Indigenous novels written in English, including Carpentaria by Alexis Wright, The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich and The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline. In these novels, the land comes alive, showing its connection to the past, who the people are and how they stand up to adversity. Using Indigenous knowledge and writings that challenge colonial thinking, the study looks at the way land appears in stories and is connected to religious, legal and political systems. By analyzing the texts, the study reveals how colonial interventions like resources harvesting, policies of forced assimilation and crisis in the environment are opposed by Indigenous literature that refreshes bonds with the land. The novels highlight different ways of rebelling such as sharing old knowledge, telling past stories, leading the future generation and using the court system, all connected by where they live. The study points out that Indigenous literatures use land as a theme and as an operator affecting character, narrative construction and the preservation of cultural memories. It advocates for a shift in studies and teaching literature to focus on the ground and Indigenous cultures. Because of this study, there are more discussions about decolonization and the revival of Indigenous identities through literature.

Cultural Representation in Translation: A Venutian Study of Islamic Terms on English Websites

2025-06-17T09:27:40+00:00

The translation of culturally and religiously significant terms poses challenges that go beyond language. This study examines how around 80 Islamic terms, such as jihad, talaq, hijab, and mahr, are rendered into English across religious books, fatwa websites, academic writings, and bilingual glossaries. Using Lawrence Venuti’s model of domestication and foreignization, the research evaluates how translation strategies affect the meanings, clarity, and cultural depth of these terms. Analysis shows that domestication is the most commonly used approach. While it helps general readers understand the content more easily, it often simplifies or distorts the original meanings and erases essential cultural or religious nuances. In contrast, foreignization, though used less frequently, proves more effective in preserving the integrity of Islamic concepts, especially when accompanied by contextual explanations. The findings highlight how translation choices significantly influence public understanding of Islamic beliefs. The study suggests that retaining original Islamic terms with explanatory notes promotes accuracy, fosters cross-cultural respect, and avoids misinterpretation. This has practical implications for translators, educators, and media professionals who engage with religious or culturally loaded content, emphasizing the ethical responsibility to reflect the source culture faithfully in translation.

Kurram Agency; 2007 Sectarian Conflict and Its Aftermath

2025-06-12T00:26:38+00:00

In 2007, a sectarian conflict broke out in Parachinar city, and its flame engulfed the whole region within a few months. The conflict was among two communities (Shia and Sunni) when militant organizations entered the battlefield, which added fuel to the fire. Following the 9/11 attacks, then-President Parvez Musharraf outlawed such groups in Pakistan and forced them to seek refuge in Pakistan's border areas, where the terrorist groups solidified their roots. The first conflict broke out in April and remained for a few days. In November 2007, a second conflict erupted, resulting in hundreds of casualties and the complete expulsion of the Sunni population from Parachinar. After Sunni left Parachinar, militant groups closed the Thal-Parachinar Road, the only route that connects Parachinar and Peshawar, for three years. Shias from Parachinar started traveling through Afghanistan to enter Pakistan, but that route was also risky. During these years, many agreements were signed to open the route and restore peace, but the law enforcement agencies completely failed in their implementation. The people of Kurram still do not know the real elements behind the ongoing mass murders in Kurram Agency in 2007. In 2018, Kurram Agency merged with Pakhtunkhwa in accordance with the 25th Amendment to the Constitution of Pakistan. The study reveals that how the 2007 conflicts in Parachinar can be linked with 9/11 and what marks it left on the people of Kurram.

Foregrounding Death: A Stylistic Study of Sound and Meaning in Emily Dickinson’s Poem "I Heard a Fly Buzz — When I Died"

2025-06-18T11:22:22+00:00

The poem “I Heard a Fly Buzz — When I Died” (1862) by Emily Dickinson is particularly focused in this article to analyze and explore the poetic foregrounding of death through stylistic elements of sound and imagery. Dickinson’s representation of death defies religious idealism and sentimental romanticism, instead emphasizing disruption, uncertainty, and perceptual disintegration. The poem centers around the intrusion of a fly—its auditory presence destabilizing the anticipated solemnity of the deathbed moment. This study demonstrates how Dickinson’s deviation from conventional phonological patterns (such as slant rhyme, irregular meter, and dissonant sounds) and her use of haunting visual imagery (like “stillness,” “blue,” and the “failing windows”) reflect the psychological and existential fragmentation associated with dying. By analyzing these textual features through the lens of foregrounding theory and stylistic criticism, the article investigates how Dickinson uses sound not merely as a decorative element but as a force that enacts the thematic core of the poem: the quiet chaos of death. Similarly, her imagery is deeply sensory and symbolic, rejecting idealized transitions and instead highlighting bodily disintegration and spiritual ambiguity. The findings illustrate Dickinson’s poetic mastery in portraying death not as a grand metaphysical passage but as an intimate, disorienting, and unresolved experience. This article reveals how Dickinson’s experimental form, her manipulation of soundscapes, and her vivid symbolic constructions transform the reader’s engagement with mortality, thereby foregrounding her unique contribution to American literature and stylistic innovation.