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Title An Imagological Depiction of Afghans in Pakistani Print Media Cartoons: A Semiotic Study

Author(s) Shumaila Yasmeen

Abstract This research is conducted to analyse the image of Afghan nation depicted in selected Pakistani print media cartoons. With the help of Charles Sanders Pierce's semiotic theory, verbal and non-verbal signs are identified to uncover the depicted identity of Afghan nation after Taliban’s retaking in government on August 2021. This study also uses an imagological concept to bring out stereotypes about Afghan nation’s identity, culture and land, while Van Dijk’s ideological square model is used to analyze hetero-stereotypes about Afghan nation and how power dynamics are emphasized by Pakistani cartoonists. The study is qualitative and descriptive in nature. It employs purposive sampling technique. The data of present research includes thirty political cartoons from two selected prominent Pakistani English newspapers: Dawn and Daily Times. The data is collected over a time span of two years from August 2021 to September 2023. The findings of the study reveal that Afghan identity is portrayed as aggressive, violent, unstable and terrorist in the selected cartoons. Media shapes global narratives and public perception while providing important insights into cross-national imagology. The national images have a geopolitical consequence that accentuates further a play of power politics and negative portrayal of ‘them’. Political cartoons frequently reinforce a biased conception with the help of comedy and satire.

Type Thesis/Dissertation

Faculty Languages

Department English

Language English

Publication Date 2025-05-23

Subject English Linguistics

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