Department wise Listing | NUML Online Research Repository
List of Content
Back to Listing
Title Abstract Action(s)
"Portrayal of Institutional Ideologies in Government and Private College Prospectuses: A Comparative Multi Modal Analysis" This research study has attempted to find the hidden ideologies in government and private prospectuses. I have applied the Appraisal Theory of P.R White and Martin in combination with Visual Grammar Theory (Semiotic Analysis) of Kress and Leeuwen as a lens to analyze and evaluate the selected written and visual texts from the prospectuses of the government and public sector colleges. The study is qualitative and providesinsight into semiotic resources and modes that are linked with the ideologies. The study aims to provide the hidden ideologies in the prospectuses. The study provides insight on the different use of ideologies inthe prospectuses and compares the explored ideologies present in the prospectuses and observes the existence of institutional ideologies in the public and private sectors. The research provides ideologies and their existence in the prospectuses with modes and resources, it observes the various ideologies present dominantly in prospectuses in the private and public sectors. The findings of the research revealed that there are various modes and resources linked with meaning and ideology in the private and publicsectors. Moreover, it demonstrates the dominant use of ideologies in the public and private sector colleges extensively.
RENEGOTIATING EGYPTIAN MUSLIM IDENTITY: A DIASPORIC STUDY OF RAJIA HASSIB’S A PURE HEART AND IN THE LANGUAGE OF MIRACLES Title: Renegotiating Egyptian Muslim Identity: A Diasporic Study of Rajia Hassib’s A Pure Heart and In the Language of Miracles This research study has aimed to offer a different viewpoint on the widely held conception of the identity of Egyptian Muslims in the USA, by conducting a diasporic study of Rajia Hassib's novels A Pure Heart and In the Language of Miracles. This study deviates from the norm by emphasizing the intersectionality within the Egyptian Muslim migrant population, shedding light on their unique approaches to navigating complex identities and challenging stereotypes in both Egyptian and host countries. By examining the selected novels of Rajia Hassib, the research has shown how migrant Muslim Egyptians in particular deal with and dispel preconceptions about their identity, especially within the nations they have migrated to. The theoretical framework utilized in this study has adapted Erikson’s ideas of Identity Development and Cultural Psychology with Homi K. Bhabha’s ideas of Third Space and Hybridity to examine how people navigate through their various identity constructs within Egyptian sociocultural contexts. The research has shed light on the problems of alienation by analyzing their experiences as depicted in the selected texts. It contributes to a deeper understanding of how cultural dynamics shape notions of belonging and exclusion for individuals in the West. The study has further highlighted how difficult it is to create an identity, especially in the wake of 9/11, and how Muslim immigrant identity is still shaped by enduring problems of cultural dissonance, "othering," and Islamophobia. This research posits that a more accepting and caring cohabitation is the first step towards creating inclusive and fair communities. The study emphasizes how important it is to recognize and value this variety in addition to its richness of culture. Society needs to go beyond crude preconceptions and appreciate the diverse range of cultures, histories, and experiences that make up the Muslim American community. This can open the door for a more accepting, understanding, and peaceful cohabitation that values the diversity found in the intricate mosaic of American culture.
MAPPING DISPERSION OF IDENTITIES IN SAHAR MUSTAFA'S THE BEAUTY OF YOURFACE AND RANDA JARRAR'S A MAP OFHOME: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF PALESTINIAN DIASPORA Title: Mapping Dispersion of Identities in Sahar Mustafa's The Beauty of Your Face and Randa Jarrar's A Map of Home: A Comparative Study of Palestinian Diaspora This study examines how cultural discrimination and the memory of home affect the life experiences of characters in Sahar Mustafah's The Beauty of Your Face and Randa Jarrar's A Map of Home to better understand identity dispersion in Palestinian diaspora literature. Identity dispersion challenges the notion of a stable, singular image of identity, referring to the complexity of identities that emerge over time. This is particularly evident among Palestinians, where diaspora identities develop as dynamic constructs influenced by economic, political, and cultural factors. Stereotypes, microaggressions, and unequal chances are just a few examples of the many ways that cultural discrimination, which is based on prejudices about ethnicity, language, religion, and customs, manifests itself. This study investigated how characters in the chosen novels, represent first and second Palestinian diaspora generations, are affected by identity dispersion. While first-generation individuals often maintain strong connections to their cultural heritage, second-generation individuals navigate more complex relationships with their identities. This study merged the theories of identity development by Avtar Brah and Peter J. Burke using a thematic analysis technique. The approach is enhanced by Vijay Agnew's investigation of home and memory in diaspora experiences. This study added to our knowledge of the consequences of identity dispersion on diasporic identities by looking at how diaspora people react to the phenomena. It contributes to our understanding of how diasporic identities are fluid and continually evolving, thereby enhancing the existing body of literature on the subject.
VISUALISING FLOOD (2022) DISASTER: A SEMIOTIC ANALYSIS OF CARTOONS IN SELECTED PAKISTANI ENGLISH NEWSPAPERS Title: Visualizing Flood (2022) Disaster: A Semiotic Analysis of Cartoons in Selected Pakistani English Newspapers This research explores the visual representation of the 2022 flood disaster in selected Pakistani English newspapers through a semiotic analysis of cartoons, employing Ronald Barth's Analytical Model and Hansen's concept of eco-imagistics. By adopting a qualitative research design and an interpretative approach, this study provides an in- depth analysis of semiotic elements across different newspapers, taking into account various cartoons and the different phases of the disaster. Through purposive sampling, ten cartoons per newspaper are selected- the number of newspapers being three- covering different facets of the flood disaster. The research systematically dissects linguistic, denotative, and connotative dimensions using Barth's model, revealing deeper meanings, messages, and cultural contexts. This study offers valuable insights into how Pakistani English newspapers visually portrayed the 2022 flood disaster. By analyzing these depictions, it highlights the overwhelming scale of the disaster, the lack of preparedness and inefficiency of government agencies, inadequate rehabilitation efforts, the dire conditions faced by flood victims amid ongoing political conflict between the government and opposition, and the insufficient financial assistance from the IMF. Additionally, eco-imagistics is employed to explore ecological connotations in cartoons. This rigorous process provides valuable insights into the semiotic aspects of disaster communication, unravelling how the 2022 flood disaster was visually portrayed in Pakistani English newspapers and contributing to a nuanced understanding of media representation in the context of environmental crisis.
"Voice Markers in Jurevicius’s Wordless Graphic Novel: A Multimodal Analysis" The present study attempts to identify the voice markers used by the writer in the wordless graphic novel The Adventures of Scarygirl. This wordless graphic novel is written by Nathan Jurevicius (2009). The selected graphic novel is quite unusual and unique because it does not contain words. The narrator employs certain significant voice markers to enable the readers to decode the wordless graphics effectively. Content, subjective and pragmatic voice markers embedded in the graphic novel pave way for better understanding of the visuals given in the selected novel. For this purpose, Jahn’s theory of voice markers (2021) has been applied to the selected visuals to make sense of the overall plot and major characters of the story. According to Jahn (2021), voice markers or signal markers function as effective cues to guide the readers during the reading process. In the selected graphic novel, content matter, subjective expression and pragmatic signals serve as effective voice markers. The application of Kress and Leeuwen’s theory of visual grammar (2006) further facilitates in identifying the voice markers and their functions in the narrative. Visual analysis as a research method brings to fore the importance of the afore-mentioned voice markers in the novel. The visual analysis of the represented participants, color, framing, gaze, social distance and angle highlights the role of these voice markers in the selected wordless graphic novel. It clearly highlights the fact that the content matter as a voice marker plays a crucial role in conveying essential information about the setting, atmosphere and characters. The meticulous use of colors reflects the narrator’s perception towards life. The variation in the sizes of visuals also points towards important developments within the story in general and the narrator’s personality in particular. In most of the selected visuals, the gaze of the represented participants is directed towards each other which either strengthens or weakens the relationship between them. Moreover, the social distance created by the narrator helps the readers in positioning themselves in the visuals. The readers are dependent upon these voice markers to explore the narrative accordingly. This research study is insightful as it provides access to the implicit underlying stories embedded within the wordless visuals. The voice markers are in, in fact, the cues that enable readers to understand the basic framework of the story and the development of the characters.
"Phrases Headed by Abstract Nouns with (UN) Signalling Potential: A Structural and Functional Analysis of Pakistani Published Research Articles" This study endeavours to analyse the research articles of Pakistani researchers in order to address the problem experienced by novie academic writers in using noun phrases headed by abstract nouns with or without signalling potential (WSP or WoSP). Importantly, the present study aims to determine similarities and/or differences in the function and structure of noun phrases headed by abstract nouns WSP or WoSP, and to identify the role of the structural and functional features of noun phrases headed by abstract nouns WSP or WoSP in the production of coherent academic texts. The study is descriptive in nature and falls within qualitative research. The study relies on qualitative content analysis and descriptive discourse analysis as research methods. In addition, the study adopts Flowerdew and Forest’s (2015) model as a theoretical framework for the functional analysis of abstract nouns WSP or WoSP. Moreover, the study uses Radford’s (1988) X-bar theory as an analytical framework for the examination of the structure of noun phrases headed by abstract nouns WSP or WoSP. The findings of the study reveal that there are similarities and differences in the noun phrases headed by abstract nouns WSP or WoSP in terms of function and structure. Moreover, the functional and structural features allow the novice academic writers to have appropriate organization of content. Furthermore, the study concludes that noun phrases headed by abstract nouns WSP or WoSP interconnectedly help each other for the production of coherent academic texts. The study suggests pedagogical interventions for novie academic writers to improve their academic writing skills.
"Schema Alteration During Text-World Building: A Cognitive Linguistic Study of Contrastive Perspectives on Aurat March" This research investigates the interplay between Text World Theory, Schema Theory, and readers' schema alteration in the context of contrasting discourses on Aurat March in Pakistani media, particularly online blogs. Text World Theory posits that discourse comprehension involves constructing mental representations guided by textual clues, while Schema Theory suggests that existing knowledge influences the interpretation of new information. The study aims to explore how readers' schemas are triggered, modified, or reconstructed during the text world building process, focusing on the divergent perspectives presented in the discourse on Aurat March. This interpretive study follows phenomenological research design and makes a qualitative analysis of the four selected blogs and twenty reader responses collected on the blogs by weaving together the frameworks of Text World Theory and Schema Theory to illuminate the interplay between text construction and reader interpretation. The study reveals several key findings: firstly, readers with more prior knowledge on Aurat March tend to possess stronger schemas, resulting in minimal alteration during text world building. Secondly, schema alteration primarily occurs through the addition of new information, either modifying existing schemas or forming entirely new ones, particularly among readers with limited prior knowledge. Additionally, personality differences significantly influence schema alteration, with rigid thinkers often questioning their beliefs but requiring further confirmation before making changes, while flexible thinkers are more open to interpretation. Moreover, the study underscores the impact of readers' previous knowledge on their perception of text, highlighting the dynamic nature of schema alteration as readers integrate new information and adapt their existing schemas accordingly. Underscoring the need for further exploration in cognitive linguistics and related disciplines, the study suggests implications for fields such as literature, journalism, psychology, and education, emphasizing the importance of considering readers' cognitive experiences in text interpretation.
"A Cross - Linguistic Study of Politeness and Impoliteness Strategies in Urdu Short Stories and their English Translation " In the field of pragmatic studies, no study has been conducted that considers both politeness and impoliteness in two different languages of same culture. The current study focuses on exploring politeness and impoliteness strategies in the Urdu and English texts of short stories, a collection compiled and translated by Amina Azfar. The study considers eighteen short stories out of twenty-two that best fit the study criteria. Only utterances containing pragmatic strategies are taken from these short stories. The study follows two models i.e. politeness model by Brown and Levinson (1978, 1987) and the impoliteness model by Culpeper (1996, 2005) under the theoretical lens of “Pragmatic Equivalence” by Baker (1992) to interpret politeness and impoliteness respectively. The findings of the study state that politeness and impoliteness are present in the respective short stories of both source and target texts with a difference in frequency. Moreover, variations in the manifestation of politeness and impoliteness strategies have been observed in Urdu and the English language. Although these changes are apparent on a smaller scale i.e. 23% variation in politeness and 9% in impoliteness, yet they wield a significant impact and present distinguishable features of both language sets. It has been observed that this is due to linguistic and cultural gaps of each language, resulting in the variation of strategies as Urdu markers are more straightforward, implicit, and informal and English shows more formal, explicit, and deferential language. Additionally, since the stories were originally written in Urdu and later translated into English, the translation process resulted in the loss/change/addition of certain politeness and impoliteness strategies. Furthermore, research extends the model by adding three new sub-strategies of positive politeness named, appeal/request, showing appreciation, and swearing. Hence, the current study proves that both languages contain politeness and impoliteness strategies, however frequency of strategies vary across the languages.
REVISITING TECHNOPHOBIA: A STUDY OF POST-HUMAN ABSURDITY IN CONTEMPORARY SPECULATIVE FICTION Title: Revisiting Technophobia: A Study of Post-Human Absurdity in Contemporary Speculative Fiction This thesis analyses the confluence of artificial intelligence (AI) consciousness and human existentialism, through the lens of Absurdism and Integration Information Theory. It contends with the prevailing anxieties associated with AI, proposing that such trepidations are less a reflection on the technological innovation itself and more a manifestation of a profound existential dread deeply ingrained in absurdism. This thesis challenges the primacy of human centrality and the concept of an inherent divine essence within humanity. Through a meticulous examination of the primary texts, Kazuo Ishiguro's Klara And The Sun and Rosa Montero's Tears In Rain, in conjunction with the theoretical underpinnings of Integrated Information Theory (IIT) as postulated by Tononi and Koch, this thesis offers a sophisticated exploration of AI consciousness. Integrated Information Theory, with its scientific foundation, supports the plausibility of consciousness in AI, suggesting a potential bridging of the gap between human and artificial beings. This study posits that AI, with its intricate emotional and existential characteristics, reflects Albert Camus's existential reflections on the absurdity of existence, thus redefining the parameters of consciousness and being. The narrative arcs of AI protagonists, Klara and Bruna Husky provide profound insights into the evolving dynamics of human-AI interactions, offering a new lens through which to view our existential concerns and the future of AI in a world steeped in absurdism.
Effectiveness of Project-Based Instruction (PBI) for Teaching English Grammar at Middle School Level This study aims to introduce and apply a new teaching model, project-based instruction (PBI), for middle-level education in Pakistan. The focus is to teach using a new teaching system for grammar in the English textbooks of selected seventh and eighth grades from a government school in Islamabad, Pakistan. The education system of Pakistan has not yet fully discovered PBI and project-based learning (PBL). The choice of this topic is to practically imply this new teaching method with the current course material using the designs of the experiment and survey under the hybrid method and the constructiv-ism theory of Jean Piaget. The instruments - pre and post-tests and a questionnaire pro-vide the calculation and measurement through the SPSS software to analyze the instruc-tions through learning and the improved outcomes before and after the application. The testing and analysis inspected the reaction of the participating pupils after going through a new learning and teaching approach experience. The chosen sample in this research is random under the non-probability sampling method. The distribution of the picked students by PBL and PBI is under two groups i.e., control and experimental. These groups received two-step testing under PBI on previously gained knowledge and newly learned through inclusive learning and instructions. The instructions followed the pat-tern of ABL and ABI (Activity Based Learning and Instruction) in the classes through open-minded and hands-on educational means. The students remain the central focus while trying to make learning effective. Later, they filled out the survey questionnaire related to the teacher's (researcher) efficiency and pupils' overall targeted performances to improve. The results are the opposite of what was assumed because the students shared subtle differing views from each other on the performance, which did ensure on-point and transparent feedback. The division is on the grounds of different behaviors of the learners towards PBL and PBI being efficient in teaching English grammar in the current scenario.
Harmonizing Dichotomies: Ecospirituality and the Intersection of Postcolonial Ecocriticism In The Black Hill by Mamang Dai and The Miraculous True History Of Nomi Ali by Uzma Aslam Khan This study critically analyzes two contemporary novels, Mamang Dai's The Black Hill (2014) and Uzma Aslam Khan's The Miraculous True History of Nomi Ali (2020), within the framework of postcolonial ecocriticism and South Asian indigenous ecospirituality. Through a close textual analysis, the study explores how these literary works address environmental issues retrospectively in the regions that were former colonies and propose solutions grounded in ecospirituality, emphasizing the indigenous role to bring harmony with nature in the future. The methodology involves a detailed examination of the narratives of both the selected texts and the depictions of human interaction with the environment in them in the milieu of pre and post colonialism contexts. The concept of ecospirituality until now has been explored and confined to Latin American and African imaginaries that serve as my departure point to see the level of ecospirituality practiced and present in South Asian countries due to its vivid reverence for nature. Theoretical frameworks of postcolonial ecocriticism by Graham Huggan and Helen Tiffin and concepts of ecospirituality by Vandana Shiva and Omid Safi provides lenses for understanding the texts' exploration of environmental degradation, colonization, and indigenous perspectives. The study contributes to the ongoing discourse on environmental awareness and ecospirituality by examining how postcolonial ecocriticism and indigenous perspectives provide insights for sustainable behaviors in the context of South Asian literature. Overall, the study contributes to the understanding of ecocritical theory and practice, highlighting the role of literature in addressing ecological crises and promoting a harmonious relationship between humans and nature.
Internal-Colonial Ecocriticism and Environmental Othering: A Study of Mirza Waheed’s The Collaborator and The Book of Gold Leaves Through the lenses of environmental othering and internal-colonial ecocriticism, this thesis comprehensively examines the complex and multifaceted interaction that exists between humans and the environment. It places a significant focus on the literary works The Collaborator and The Book of Gold Leaves authored by Mirza Waheed. The research delves into the intricate ways in which internal colonialism precipitates environmental degradation and systematically marginalizes particular groups. By scrutinizing the themes of ecological denial and environmental othering within the socio-political and cultural context of Kashmir, the study brings to light the insidious impacts of these dynamics. Furthermore, the research highlights how Waheed's narrative vividly depicts the devastating effects of prolonged conflict and war on both the environment and society. This portrayal calls for a critical reconsideration of our relationship with the natural world, urging a shift towards environmental justice and sustainable development practices. The thesis employs Eco critical framework to underscore the profound interconnectedness between human actions, environmental well-being, and social equity. By doing so, it amplifies the urgent need to address these interlinked issues, advocating for a more holistic approach to environmental conservation and social justice.