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Phantasm and haunting in Neo-Slave Narratives: A study of Natashia Deon’s Grace and Latanya McQueen’s When the Reckoning Comes From the late 20th to the early 21st century, neo-slave narratives have emerged as an African American literary genre that foregrounds Afrocentric heritage to narrate the stories of slavery, resistance, and emancipation. Two Afro-American neo-slave narratives, Natashia Deon’s Grace (2016) and LaTanya McQueen’s When the Reckoning Comes (2021), have been selected for this study. Guided by Jacques Derrida’s concept of hauntology and Stella Setka’s theorization of the phantasmic ethnic narratives, this research attempts to study the role and significance of vengeful ghosts and ancestral spirits of enslaved blacks represented in the selected narratives who, in the post-slavery period in American history, haunt their offenders and protect their descendants from racial oppression. This research seeks to decode the ancestral spirits as‘ndiichie’—revered spirits in Igbo cosmology—that can qualify as Igbo-specific phantasmic figures. Using Catherine Belsey’s textual analysis method, it is examined how these ancestral spirits change their subject position as well as that of post-slavery black characters. The interrelationship of enslaved and post-slavery black characters is studied through communal memory embodied in these ancestral spirits. In addition, this research examines how reconnecting with the Igbo heritage enables the selected narratives to represent Igbo-specific phantasm as part of a legitimate worldview, thereby challenging Enlightenment skepticism towards the supernatural. This research also makes a theoretical intervention by adding the aspect of retributive justice to Stella Setka’s theory that contributes to the ongoing discussions in Afro-American neo-slave narratives.
"Analyzing Political Binaries in Pakistani English E-Newspapers: A Corpus-Based Critical Discourse Analysis of Adjectives Used in the Editorials" Newspapers play a vital role in the projection of narratives of political parties. Such political discourses tilting towards certain ideologies are somewhat evident in the editorials of the newspapers. For such ideological projection, the editors of newspapers use language of their own choice in order to influence the readers on a particular topic. For this purpose, they use different categories of language as tool such as adjectives as linguistic triggers in their editorials. This study seeks to investigate the use of adjectives to describe the political parties (government and opposition) before and after periods of political transition (10th April,2022) through “Vote of No Confidence” in Pakistan. The study examines the role of adjectives in conveying positive or negative connotations, stereotypical attributions, and evaluative traits in relation to political parties. Additionally, it investigates the construction of in-groups and out-groups through membership categorization devices (Referential) and other linguistic strategies (Predication). The study employs a corpus-based approach to critical discourse analysis, focusing on two central discursive strategies: predication and referential in Wodak’s Discourse Historical Approach (2015). The research identifies three prominent Pakistani English e-newspapers for data collection: Dawn, The News, and The Express Tribune. These newspapers are analyzed to uncover the portrayal of political binaries (PDM vs PTI) and the adjectives employed to characterize political entities within their editorials. The findings of this research reveal distinct patterns in the use of adjectives in the selected editorials, shedding light on how different newspapers frame and represent political binaries. The study contributes to our understanding of how language and discourse shape political narratives in the Pakistani media.
DIASPORA: A CONSTRUCT OF PALIMPSESTS IDENTITIES IN WHITE TEETH BY ZADIE SMITH AND THE NAMESAKE BY JHUMPA LAHIRI ABSTRACT Title: Diaspora: A Construct of Palimpsests Identities in White Teeth by Zadie Smith and The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri This research is concerned with the analysis of the ways in which the diasporic characters in the texts White Teeth by Zadie Smith and The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri establish their new palimpsest identity. The study utilizes Thomas De Quincey’s theory on palimpsest as its major concern along with the concept of hybridity, mimicry and third space as proposed by Homi k Bhabha in Location of Culture to trace the relevant evidence from the selected texts. This study describes palimpsest in relation to hybridity, mimicry and third space and how they make the identities of the characters palimpsest. The characters in these texts inhabit the two spaces of past and present altogether through their memories and by adapting to the foreign cultures which relate them to palimpsest. It is not possible for people to meet, connect and mingle in diverse spaces without sharing their cultural values. Inclusion sets a way forward to acceptance which produces hybrid spaces whereby people are informed about each other's past and values. In the selected literary texts, the first-generation diaspora who mostly seem to resist the foreign culture by restricting their off springs not only allow palimpsest metaphor to reveal their silenced past but also the ways in which their interaction with other cultures places them with palimpsest. The second-generation diaspora, however, is more inclined towards adaptations yet their intermittent visits to their native culture and their roots lying elsewhere is what keeps them lurking in between, making them a continuous subject of palimpsest. This research study will provide literary scholars with a new stance towards the application of palimpsest metaphor in literary domains. It will also help them to trace this concept in other literary genres.
ANALYZING SPEECH ACTS IN ENGLISH CLASSROOMS AT INTERMEDIATE LEVEL IN PAKISTAN: A PRAGMATIC STUDY ABSTRACT Title: Analyzing Speech Acts in English Classrooms at Intermediate level in Pakistan: A Pragmatic Study The current study investigates the complex dynamics of speech acts within intermediate-level English classrooms in Pakistan, aiming to understand the underlying factors shaping classroom communication. Through comprehensive observation, the research interprets various engagement strategies, diverse speech acts, and the influences guiding educators’ choices. The study highlights the reciprocal nature of classroom interactions, emphasizing the interplay between speech acts, classroom dynamics, and cultural considerations. The research paradigm used for the present study is qualitative while the research designs for the current study are observation and survey research. A purposive sampling technique was used for this study, with data collected through observations of teacher-student interactions in the classroom. Additionally, semi-structured interviews were conducted with fifteen faculty members to triangulate findings from classroom observations. The collected data were then analyzed descriptively using Searle’s speech act theory. The analysis of the data reveals that educators employ a range of speech acts, from positive affirmations to clear directives, contributing to a supportive learning environment. Moreover, intermediate-level students not only decode various speech acts but also communicate by incorporating a variety of speech acts into their communication with their peers and teachers. However, certain speech acts are used more frequently than others by both teachers and students. The results indicate that both teachers and students demonstrate satisfactory competence in their classroom interactions. Nonetheless, their performance in employing speech acts could be enhanced through training and additional reinforcement. The data collected through two different research tools validate the study’s findings. This study may be replicated in other academic and professional contexts to further validate or challenge its findings. Additionally, future research could assess communicative competence in second- language speakers by evaluating their performance in using speech acts.
"Exploring Communicative Competence: A Multimodal Analysis of Mock Interviews of CSS Candidates in Pakistan" This study aimed at identifying the most frequent types of competence manifested by CSS candidates during their mock interviews. Also, it studied the intersemiotic relationship between gestures and language during the interview. This research adopted mainly qualitative research method, however, linguistic choices and types of gesture were quantified in the form of percentages to substantiate the interpretation of the findings. The data included 10 mock interviews using purposive sampling technique. The study employed SF-MDA as a methodological framework of analysis and Celce-Murcia’s model (2007) as a theoretical framework. The four types of competence out of six such as, linguistic, discourse, interactional and strategic competence, were used from the model as checklists functioning as a research tool. Moreover, the concepts of SF-MDA extended by Lim (2011) for gesture analysis were used to analyze gestures. The findings of the study suggested that interviewee 1 and 7 manifested a well balanced approach in all types of competence, however, other interviewees had high percentage in strategic competence indicating that they had less proficiency in L2. Secondly, interviewees 1 and 7 used the highest percentage of indexical actions helping them in maintaining ‘positive face’ during the interview. Thirdly, the intersemiotic relationship between language and gestures gave the emergent meanings of leadership qualities like transcendence, courage, humility, drive and judgment among interviewees 1, 7 and 9. The key findings of the study pointed towards the idea that communicative competence is a multimodal phenomenon and multimodal competence is of inherent importance in an interaction like a job interview. Thus, the study draws attention towards the emerging field of multimodal literacy for analyzing the texts in the present day research.
EMOTIONAL DIASPORA IN SICK LITERATURE: A TEXTUAL ANALYSIS OF RACHAEL LIPPINCOTT’S FIVE FEET APART AND JOJO MOYES’ ME BEFORE YOU Title: Emotional Diaspora in Sick Literature: A Textual Analysis of Rachael Lippincotts’ Five Feet Apart and Jojo Moyes’ Me Before You This study examines the impact of emotional diaspora on individuals experiencing chronic illness and disability as they transition from a state of wellness to one of sickness. Focusing on the emotional diaspora experienced by these individuals, akin to the challenges faced in the geographical diaspora, the study employs the works of literature, specifically Five Feet Apart by Rachel Lippincott and Me Before You by Jojo Moyes, as case studies. Drawing inspiration from William Safran's diaspora concept, the thesis advocates for a reevaluation of conventional diaspora studies, emphasizing the emotional displacement of those with chronic illness. This research, however, sheds light on a distinct dimension of diaspora, elucidating the emotional displacement experienced by individuals facing chronic illness, transforming their familiar surroundings into an unfamiliar realm. In contrast to geographical diaspora, emotional diaspora characterizes the sickness experience. Sick literature, often portraying young characters facing physical or mental disabilities, endeavors to depict the challenges and societal misfits associated with chronic illnesses. Additionally, the study aims to establish sick literature as a valuable and underrepresented academic field. Characters grappling with chronic diseases undergo emotional diaspora due to substantial life changes and the abrupt transformation of their self-perception. Expanding the study of diaspora, emotional diaspora is viewed as a state of displacement and alienation that individuals experience when they feel emotionally disconnected from their environment, culture or community. This research uses affect theory to explore how characters' emotional responses to illness in "sick literature" shape narrative structure and meaning, highlighting the interplay between affect and identity in marginalized experiences.
INVESTIGATING ENGLISH LANGUAGE COMMUNICATIVE NEEDS OF THE MEMBERS OF PROVINCIAL ASSEMBLY, KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA, PAKISTAN: A CASE OF ESP Topic: Investigating English Language Communicative Needs of the Members of Provincial Assembly, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan: A Case of ESP The present research attempts to investigate the English language communicative needs of the members of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provincial Assembly, Pakistan. The research follows the English for Specific Purposes (ESP) and Needs Analysis approach. English for Specific Purposes (ESP) is the use of English language teaching methods and materials adapted to fulfil specific English language needs of professionals, usually related to their academic or work goals. This study followed the model proposed by Hutchinson and Waters (1987). The study uses the mixed method research design and collects data through semi-structured interviews and questionnaires. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa assembly has 145 assembly members out of which 30 members were selected randomly as they were willing to be part of the research. The participants’ responses of the interviews and questionnaires are analysed and discussed. The study finds that the members of the provincial assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, require English communication skills in order to perform better in their political career. The present study findings show that many assembly members struggle to communicate effectively in English, and the members show willingness to improve their English language skills. A syllabus needs to be designed and employed to meet the English language communicative needs of the politicians of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa assembly of Pakistan. A syllabus has also been designed and presented by the researcher according to the needs of the members of the provincial assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.
INVESTIGATING ENGLISH LANGUAGE COMMUNICATIVE NEEDS OF THE MEMBERS OF PROVINCIAL ASSEMBLY, KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA, PAKISTAN: A CASE OF ESP Topic: Investigating English Language Communicative Needs of the Members of Provincial Assembly, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan: A Case of ESP The present research attempts to investigate the English language communicative needs of the members of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provincial Assembly, Pakistan. The research follows the English for Specific Purposes (ESP) and Needs Analysis approach. English for Specific Purposes (ESP) is the use of English language teaching methods and materials adapted to fulfil specific English language needs of professionals, usually related to their academic or work goals. This study followed the model proposed by Hutchinson and Waters (1987). The study uses the mixed method research design and collects data through semi-structured interviews and questionnaires. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa assembly has 145 assembly members out of which 30 members were selected randomly as they were willing to be part of the research. The participants’ responses of the interviews and questionnaires are analysed and discussed. The study finds that the members of the provincial assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, require English communication skills in order to perform better in their political career. The present study findings show that many assembly members struggle to communicate effectively in English, and the members show willingness to improve their English language skills. A syllabus needs to be designed and employed to meet the English language communicative needs of the politicians of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa assembly of Pakistan. A syllabus has also been designed and presented by the researcher according to the needs of the members of the provincial assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.
"Sustainability Discourses and Media Representation: A Multimodal Study of (RE) Framing Ecological Narrative in Pakistani Television Commercials" The current study is interdisciplinary in nature as it falls into the domain of Eco-linguistics, and Semiotics. The research aims to analyze television commercials to find out the framing/reframing of certain ecological narratives with the help of semiotic signs. The main objective was to find out if the commercials represented sustainable or unsustainable discourse. The commercials are persuasive as they entrap the viewers and make them believe the narrative that the advertisers are propagating. For this purpose, the data was collected through purposive sampling from three well-known TV channels i.e., ARY, GEO and HUM. The data was divided into four categories of food and beverages, cosmetics, detergents and cleaners, and technology. Every category included five commercials for a detailed qualitative analysis. The study employed theory of multimodality which helped analyze the data at verbal as well as visual level. The visual elements were analyzed with the help of semiotic analysis by Kress and Leeuwen (2006). The rest of the verbal analysis was done according to the theory given by Stibbe (2015) that included metaphor, framing/reframing, erasure and salience. The thorough analysis helped to conclude that the discourse created through the commercials is destructive and ambivalent as the products are harmful for human health and the surrounding environment. The advertisers deliberately excluded ecological perspective from their context so that the viewers might forget sustainability and buy a harmful product thus unknowingly contributing to the ecological degradation. These commercials are repeatedly shown on the most popular TV channels hence increasing consumption that leads to unsustainability.
PRACTICING TRANSLATION IN JURILINGUISTICS: A CORPUS-ASSISTED EXPLORATION OF THE PUNJAB CODE Title:Practicing Translation in Jurilinguistics: A Corpus-Assisted Exploration of the Punjab Code Legal translation is usually dealt as a distinct type of translation which requires more attention of translators and linguists. The study tries to explore legal translation from a sociological perspective. The project of ‘Urdu Translation of the Punjab Code’ is grounded within jurilinguistics in order to establish new insights into practice of legal translation in Pakistani context. The Punjab Code has been taken as a data set containing parallel corpus of English and its Urdu translation as end-product. This corpus is helpful in exploring and describing the translation practice. This study addresses three concerns, firstly, it is the extension to jurilinguistics in Pakistani context, secondly, it adds to the Descriptive Translation Studies instead of paying exclusive attention to either process or product of translation. Thirdly, it also explores the meaning and significance of carrying out this practice, for the said matter, translators and editors are brought to discussion table where they share their feelings and experiences. Besides meaning, it also enquires about the helpful material and the competence of the translators and editors. The project was initiated in light of global plain language movement so this research catalogues plain language principles and then studies them through qualitative and quantitative means. Since there are no ISOs developed yet (though they are being worked out), this study, through qualitative means in phase-I concludes with the solid principles of plainness in the context of legal language. Phase-II then enquires about application of principles delineated in phase-I through focus-group discussions with the translators and editors selected for this study. This phase is also an enquiry into meaning, materials, and competence of practice theory. The results obtained from phase-I and phase-II cumulatively help in conducting the quantitative study through parallel corpus. It gives a kaleidoscopic view of legal translation practice in modern times when machines are of great help. Finally, this thesis advocates for a provision of comprehensive plain principles manual written particularly in the context of English-Urdu translations or Urdu drafting in either cases.
A Cultural Marxist Study of Evolving Social Structures of Education and Entertainment in Oseman’s Solitaire and Radio Silence Title: A Cultural Marxist Study of Evolving Social Structures of Entertainment and education In Oseman’s Solitaire and Radio Silence This study engages in a comprehensive examination of the evolving social structures within the realms of entertainment and education in Alice Oseman's Solitaire and Radio Silence, employing a Cultural Marxist framework. Drawing on the works of prominent theorists such as Pierre Bourdieu, Paulo Freire, and Stuart Hall, the research delves into the intricate interplay between cultural elements, power dynamics, and societal structures as portrayed in Oseman's selected novels. The investigation begins by analysing the impact of class structures, drawing inspiration from Adonis and Pollard's exploration of Britain's purported classlessness. Insights from Louis Althusser's theory of Ideological State Apparatuses provide a theoretical foundation for understanding how education and media contribute to the perpetuation of social ideologies. The examination extends to the portrayal of gender roles, leveraging the works of Judith Butler and the critical intersectionality studies of Cho, Crenshaw, and McCall. Utilizing a diverse set of references, including studies on video games by Anderson and Dill, and critical analyses of digital media in political campaigns by Bimber, the study explores the role of contemporary media in shaping and reinforcing societal norms. Additionally, references such as Burgess and Green's work on YouTube and Buckingham's insights into children's learning in the digital age offer perspectives on the influence of new media on cultural practices. The study further investigates the intersection of technology, education, and social justice, referencing scholars like Cole, Kellner, and Deterding. By exploring the 6 historical dimensions of education through Bowles and Gintis and the critical lens of globalization in education by Cole, the research unravelled the difficulties of cultural reproduction and resistance within educational systems. Through a meticulous analysis of the provided references, this study seeks to contribute to the broader discourse on the socio-cultural implications of evolving educational and entertainment structures. It underscores the importance of a Cultural Marxist lens in understanding the dynamics of power, ideology, and resistance within the contemporary cultural landscape, as exemplified through Oseman's literary works.
A QUEER ECOFEMINIST STUDY OF MAJUMDAR’S A BURNING AND WINTER’S ANNABEL Title: A Queer Ecofeminist Study of Majumdar’s A Burning and Winter’s Annabel This research critically examines the novels A Burning by Megha Majumdar and Annabel by Kathleen Winter, focusing on the pervasive oppression of women, queer individuals, and the degradation of nature. By utilizing the theoretical framework of Queer Ecofeminism, as articulated by Greta Gaard, the study explores how these novels depict resistance against the intertwined forces of heteronormativity, patriarchy, and capitalism. Additionally, Christopher Shelley's concepts of transphobia and social repudiation are employed to elucidate the societal hatred and rejection faced by queer individuals in these narratives. The selection of novels from India and Canada underscores the universal nature of these oppressive forces, demonstrating their impact across diverse cultural contexts. This study aims to contribute to the broader discourse on gender, sexuality, and environmental justice by highlighting the ways in which oppressed groups resist and challenge systemic oppression by raising awareness of marginalized experiences and the systemic forces that perpetuate inequality. It challenges dominant narratives, advocates for social justice, and provides a platform for underrepresented voices. In both A Burning and Annabel women, queer individuals, and nature face oppression due to systemic forces. Women are oppressed because of their gender under patriarchal structures, queer individuals suffer due to heteronormative attitudes, and nature is degraded for capitalist gains. Despite these oppressive forces, the characters resist and challenge their conditions, demonstrating resilience and courage, even when their resistance does not always lead to success. By highlighting the interconnectedness of gender, sexuality, and environmental issues, research promotes more inclusive policies, fosters empathy and understanding, and encourages collective action towards a more equitable and sustainable future. Research aims to promote social justice by dismantling oppressive system.
ANTHROPOCENTRIC ATTITUDE: A STUDY OF ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION IN BACIGALUPI'S SHIP BREAKER TRILOGY Title: Anthropocentric Attitude: A Study of Environmental Degradation in Bacigalupi's Ship Breaker Trilogy This study explores anthropocentrism as a major cause for environmental degradation. The study revolves around the causes of anthropocentric attitude in human beings and its impact on the stability of ecosystem. Consequently, the research discloses the anthropocentrism as a ‘nature-killer’ though the lens of Taylor’s concepts of biocentrism egalitarianism, extractivism, respect for nature and techno-centric society as stimulator of anthropocentrism. Content analysis is used as a method for the analysis of the selected texts but it is further delimited to the Krippendorff, Klaus qualitative content analysis. By delimiting the research to the ‘Ship Breaker’ trilogy of Paolo Bachigalupi, this research demonstrates the causes of anthropocentric attitude that considers man ‘as the measure of all things in the universe’ and ultimately results in climate-change and its devastating consequences. Moreover, the selected texts also pinpoint how ‘unbridled techno-centric society’ that forego its reverence for a stable ecosystem and human beings’ pursuit of resource extraction as the major cause of environmental catastrophe. In addition, this research also explores the consequences of ‘othering’ of environment or nature, in the form of social chaos and environment degradation such as climate change, global warming, landscape and habitat loss, melting of ice-caps and extinction of various species. Furthermore, concepts of the social unrest, lack of political government and rise of corporates, “unbridled use of advanced technology” for devising warfare superhuman bodies, and climate refugees are also explored in the light of selected texts. The significance of this study lies in its ability to provide a robust ethical lens through which to examine the environmental themes in Bacigalupi's Ship Breaker trilogy. Moreover, the current study, by adopting content analysis as a research method, is likely to be a significant contribution to the production of knowledge in the area of Eco critical studies. This study concludes that the anthropocentric attitude and unchecked activities of the characters in the novel have contributed to the devastation of the ecosystem.
Teaching Discourse Markers at Higher Secondary School Level Using Data Driven Learning Approach: An Experimental Study The complexities in defining language concepts persist despite extensive research, something which is also reflected in language teaching. It has, consequently, continued to fall behind. The subject study, experimental in nature, was conducted to see if Data Driven Learning could be an effective teaching methodology for linguistic features which are inconsistent in origins and uses, which in this study are Discourse Markers (DMs). The study sample comprised 90 learners in 12th grade from a school in Abbottabad, divided into 3 groups of 30 each: a control group, treated with the Presentation-Practice-Production (PPP) method; and two experimental groups, each of them treated with hard DDL (computer-based) and soft DDL (paper-based). They were tested using an essay writing exercise and a sentence making exercise, with the objective to find out if the two versions of DDL had higher learning outcomes than the PPP method as well as how they compare with each other. A 3-month delayed post-test was also employed to gauge long-term retention. The theoretical framework forming the basis for the study comprised the Data Driven Learning Approach, the Noticing Hypothesis, Input Enhancement and the Involvement Load Hypothesis. The post-test results were comparable for both versions of DDL in using DMs in diverse ways and applying them in actual text; significantly higher than the control group. All three groups showed a decline in the delayed post-test, however, it was sharper for the SEG and the control group compared to the HEG. Hard DDL demonstrated higher long-term retention, while soft DDL was only slightly better at best. The results imply that Hard DDL has higher involvement load, noticing and cognitive stimulation, leading to a more solid foundation of concepts, while Soft DDL does not have significant benefits over a long time. The results provide grounds Hard DDL can be a suitable and more effective replacement for teaching Discourse Markers at higher secondary level in Pakistan. This research also opens the door to explore the differences in performance of the two different versions of DDL.