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Title AUTHORS’ ENGAGEMENT IN THE CRIME REPORTS OF PAKISTANI NEWSPAPERS: A CASE STUDY USING APPRAISAL ANALYSIS

Author(s) Muntaha Fatima

Abstract Title: Authors’ Engagement in the Crime Reports of Pakistani Newspapers: A Case Study Using Appraisal Analysis This study critically examines authorial engagement in crime reporting within Pakistani newspapers, focusing on the portrayal of crime in four prominent English-language newspapers: DAWN, The Express Tribune, The Nation, and Daily Pakistan. Employing a mixed-method research design, the study integrates both quantitative and qualitative techniques to analyze how journalists position themselves vis-à-vis crime victims, perpetrators, and the legal system. Using Appraisal Theory, specifically the engagement meta-function, the research investigates linguistic choices and their impact on narrative construction. Data collection involved an in-depth document analysis of news reports on two high-profile cases, Dua Zehra and Sarah Inam, which were selected as representative examples. A purposive sampling technique was used to choose 24 news reports based on their relevance to the progression of each case. Quantitative analysis was conducted using MS Excel to calculate the frequency of monoglossic (single- voiced) and heteroglossic (multi-voiced) statements, while qualitative analysis involved thematic coding to interpret patterns of meaning within the narratives.The study identifies that crime reporting in Pakistan is significantly influenced by cultural, political, and institutional dynamics, with narratives often reflecting broader societal biases. Monoglossic statements present information as indisputable, aligning with official or hegemonic viewpoints, whereas heteroglossic statements incorporate diverse voices, allowing for dialogue and contestation. This dichotomy highlights the media’s role in framing crime narratives and influencing legal outcomes.The integration of quantitative data on statement types with qualitative insights into thematic shifts allows a comprehensive understanding of how authorial engagement shapes crime report framing. The findings underscore the ethical imperatives for journalists in constructing narratives that bear significant societal and legal implications, contributing to a nuanced understanding of crime reporting dynamics in Pakistan.

Type Thesis/Dissertation

Faculty Languages

Department English

Language English

Publication Date 2025-01-28

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