GUMAN (Urdu Research Journal)
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A Comparative Study of the Fiction Writing of Surendra Prakash and Nand Kishore Vikram: سریندر پرکاش اور نند کشور وکرم کی افسانہ نگاری کاتقابلی مطالعہ
No full textThe strong reaction of the pioneers of modern story after 1960 against the traditional, superficial, monotonous and shallow demonstration of realism of their predecessors was, on the one hand, forcing them to abandon plot, character, unity of impression and modernity, while on the other hand, the tourism of new styles was provoking them to break away from the fixed linguistic rules. In this crowd of modern fiction writers, Surendra Prakash and Nand Kishore Vikram has the distinction of being the one who rejects the importance and meaning of the ancient tradition of fiction, nor does he reject the references and questions of life and time, but fully maintains his role as a pioneer in breaking the concept of progressive brand realism and changing the earth and sky of Urdu fiction. While adopting and experimenting with a different world of experiences, a unique world of observations, a unique habitat of characters, the blurred paths of mythology, and new flavors of language and expression in his stories, Surendra Prakash does not forget the traditions of storytelling.
Key Words: Surendra Prakash, Nand Kishore Vikram, ancient tradition of fiction, 1960, impression and modernity, Urdu fiction
Sara Shagufta's Concept of Woman
Full text linkThis document delves into the life and literary contributions of Sara Shagufta, a prominent poet in Urdu and Punjabi literature. It explores her unique poetic style, which reflects her personal struggles, societal injustices, and the broader issues faced by women. The document highlights her significant works, including her poetry collections "Aankhein" and "Neend Ka Rang," and discusses the themes of resistance, identity, and social consciousness that permeate her writings. Sara Shagufta's poetry is presented as a powerful voice against oppressive societal norms, offering a deep insight into the emotional and intellectual landscape of a woman poet in the 20th century.
Keywords: Sara Shagufta, women's literature, Social Resistance, identity, Emotional depth, 20th-century poetry, Literary contributions, Societal injustices
Impact of Open and Distance Learning on English Language Proficiency in Pakistani Universities
Full text linkThis research examines the effects of Open and Distance Learning (ODL) on English language proficiency among Pakistani university students, to determine its ability to improve language and the various concerns. In Pakistan educational achievement lacks quality for various reasons which include geographical situation and economical as well as infrastructural constraints. This need has been met by Open Distance Learning (ODL) which has flexibility and accessibility as its most important approaches in education especially for students in rural and other inhospitable regions. More to the point, even though there are indicators that ODL can work, its precise function in the enhancement of the students’ English language proficiency has not been very well elaborated. The study targeted 250 university students in ODL English courses; the researcher took a purposive sample giving disproportionate representation in different discipline and geographical area. Of the four research groups, 20 students and five instructors conducted additional interviewing. The study therefore used quasi-experimental design with pre- and post-achievement tests on listening, reading, writing, speaking for the quantitative data supplemented by qualitative data from set structured interviews to understand students’ learning experiences and difficulties. Descriptive and inferential analysis included t-tests between paired data and content analysis. Constructivist learning theory as well as sociocultural theory have provided the theoretical foundation and the study focuses on the involvement of students as well as interaction in learning a foreign language. The results show that the ODL completed had a positive impact for the improvement of the English language with more improvement recorded in the listening and writing skill which improved by 14% and 15% respectively. But technological problems, lack of communication, and time constraints were the challenges which were discovered. However, student summarized positive experience with ODL from freedom of choice; self-motivated learning; opportunities to develop skills. It was therefore concluded that strengthening the technology support system, averting on interactivity frequency and designing support structure for understanding and organizing time in the programmes can increase effectiveness of the ODL programmes. Encouraging the use of multimedia materials, engaging students into peer-to-peer cooperation and providing constructive comments of the instructor are important means to enhance learning effectiveness. ODL may be used as an effective solution to teach English in environment-limited conditions as compared to classroom teaching.
Keywords: Open and Distance Learning (ODL), English language proficiency, Pakistani universities, language acquisition, Constructivist Learning Theory, Sociocultural Theory, technological challenges, self-directed learning, interaction, mixed-methods research
Unspoken Neo-Theoretical Discourses in Urdu Criticism : اردو تنقید میں ناگفتہ نو نظری مباحث
No full textThe rapid socio-political, cultural, and intellectual transformations of the late 20th and early 21st centuries have not only reshaped global literary paradigms but also led to the revival and reinterpretation of past ideologies within contemporary contexts. As a result, various neo-theoretical movements—such as Neo-Marxism, Neo-Structuralism, Neo-Colonialism, Neo-Formalism, and others—have emerged, providing fresh lenses for literary analysis. These "Neo" frameworks have been widely debated, critiqued, and applied in Western literary criticism, influencing the evaluation of texts across multiple disciplines. However, Urdu literary criticism has largely remained detached from these developments, engaging only minimally with these renewed theoretical perspectives. The few discussions that do exist are scattered across literary magazines and research journals, lacking comprehensive critical engagement or methodological application within mainstream Urdu literary discourse. This apparent neglect has restricted the theoretical expansion of Urdu criticism, limiting its ability to engage with evolving global critical practices. If these neo-theoretical discourses were systematically studied and incorporated into Urdu criticism, they could potentially open new avenues for critical inquiry, deepen interpretative frameworks, and enrich analytical discourse. Such an endeavor would not only modernize Urdu criticism but also position it within the larger global critical landscape, fostering intellectual exchange and innovation.
Keywords: Neo-Ideologies, Literary Criticism, Tradition and Innovation, Neoclassicism, Neo-Realism, Neo-Expressionism, Neo-Romanticism, Neo-Surrealism, Urdu Criticism, Intellectual Influence
کشمیری اردو شاعری میں منقبت نگاری
No full textThis article provides a comprehensive overview of the tradition of Manqabat in Kashmiri Urdu poetry, emphasizing its deep spiritual, cultural, and socio-political relevance. In the literary landscape of Kashmir, Manqabat is not confined to mere praise of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them); rather, it evolves as a potent medium of spiritual purification, resistance, and intellectual awakening. Rooted in centuries of devotion, this poetic form reflects the collective emotional and ideological response of the Kashmiri people to a history marked by injustice, violence, and oppression. In this context, the remembrance of Imam Hussain (a.s.) holds profound significance. Kashmiri poets present him not only as a martyr of Karbala but also as a symbol of ethical revolution, unwavering truth, and spiritual leadership. His legacy resonates deeply with the sentiments of a people striving for dignity and justice. Thus, the Manqabat in Kashmiri Urdu poetry becomes a dual expression, one of intense devotion and the other of socio-political consciousness. It becomes a form of protest literature, offering solace as well as strength in times of collective suffering. In the modern era, this tradition continues to grow in importance, reflecting the evolving dynamics of resistance, identity, and faith in the region.
Keywords: Kashmir, Urdu Poetry, Manqabat, Ahl al-Bayt, Imam Hussain (a.s.), Resistance Literature, Spiritual Awakening, Devotional Poetry, Karbala, Socio-political Expression, Kashmiri Literature.  
An Analysis of Mood in American and Canadian Electoral Speeches: A Comparative Study
Full text linkPolitical speeches represent a major means wherein leaders build authority, convey ideology and engage with their electorate. This study analysis the use of mood and modality within the framework of Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) to study how leaders in American and Canadian political discourse linguistically realize power and persuasion. Drawing from ten speeches (five from each national framework), the research uses a qualitative comparative design in psychosociological terms which focuses on Halliday's (1994) interpersonal Metafunction of meaning, namely with respect to the use of declarative, interrogative and imperative structures and also modal expressions. The findings point to the output results that American politicians mostly use the declarative and imperative modes to convey assertiveness, leadership and confidence. However, the Canadian politicians mostly tend to use the declarative and interrogative modes in their speeches to convey inclusiveness, negotiation, and group identity. Regarding the modality, the American speeches, per self-revealing, made much use of high-value modals (must, will, etc.), encasing power and determination. On the contrary, Canadian political discourse made lives of medium-value modals (can, should, etc.) engendering a feeling of elasticity and mutual responsibility. The final analysis reveals that mood and modality in discourse represent linguistic devices which strategize whose construction of political ethos occurs as a device of engaging voters. It is concluded that this point about mood advanced in the present study can function as a means of determining the mirror of wide-scope ideologies which are themselves. embedded in national cultural vocabulary frameworks
د فېض الوهاب فېض پۀ شاعرۍ کښې قام پرستي Nationalism in the Poetry of Faiz ul Wahab Faiz
Full text linkFaiz-ul-Wahab Faiz is a distinguished poet whose literary contributions reflect a deep sense of nationalism and patriotism. His poetry embodies themes of unity, cultural pride, and resistance against oppression, making him a significant voice in nationalist literature. This paper explores the various dimensions of nationalism in Faiz's poetry, analyzing how his verses inspire collective identity, social awakening, and importance of Mother tongue. Through a critical examination of his works, the study highlights the poet’s role in shaping nationalistic discourse, emphasizing his poetic techniques, imagery, and ideological stance. By contextualizing his poetry within historical and socio-political frameworks, this research aims to demonstrate how Faiz-ul-Wahab Faiz’s poetic expressions continue to influence nationalist thought and cultural narratives
Effect of Flipped Classroom Method on Speaking Skills of ESL Learners at Graduate Level: An Experimental Investigation
Full text linkThe current research explored the impact of an instructional strategy known as the ‘flipped classroom’ on the development of speaking skills among ESL learners. Guided by the constructivist learning theory framework, the researcher employed an experimental approach to assess the impact of the flipped classroom on ESL learners’ speaking skills. The experimental group received instruction through the flipped classroom model, while the participants in control group were given instructions through traditional lecture method. Both groups were given pre-tests and post-tests to measure the participants’ speaking abilities in the four components of fluency, coherence, pronunciation, interactive communication, and proficiency. Analysis of the quantitative data collected revealed that students in the experimental group improved in all aspects of speaking skills than the control group. The study also found the effectiveness of the flipped classroom in promoting self-directed learning, enhancing communicative language pedagogy, and facilitating a shift towards student-centered learning. These findings carry significant pedagogical implications for ESL educators, suggesting that incorporating flipped approaches into language instruction can provide richer opportunities for spoken language practice and more effective skill development.
Keywords: Flipped classroom, ESL learners, critical thinking, constructivism, learner autonomy, language pedagog
Pablo Neruda’s Poetry: Aesthetic Dimensions, Intellectual Resonance, and Its Reception in Urdu Criticism
Full text linkPablo Neruda remains one of the most significant poetic voices of the twentieth century, whose works seamlessly integrate love, politics, nature, memory, and human resistance. This article explores the aesthetic and ideological depth of Neruda’s poetry and traces the evolution of his poetic consciousness from intimate romantic lyricism to universal humanitarian commitment. Through a critical lens, the study examines how Neruda transforms personal emotions into collective expressions of struggle and hope, creating a poetic vision where the boundaries of self, society, and nature dissolve into a unified sensibility. The paper also analyzes the political core of Neruda’s work, particularly highlighting anti-imperialist sentiments and the poet’s solidarity with marginalized and oppressed communities. Using Marxist and postcolonial frameworks, the article interprets Neruda’s critique of exploitation, his celebration of human resilience, and his commitment to historical memory. His odes to ordinary objects, which elevate everyday life into metaphysical beauty, are also explored as part of his larger aesthetic philosophy. A significant portion of the study focuses on Neruda’s influence on Urdu literature. His translations played a major role in shaping the progressive movement in Urdu poetry, particularly resonating with poets like Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Sahir Ludhianvi, and Habib Jalib. The thematic alignment between Neruda’s political romanticism and Urdu’s tradition of resistance poetry forms a unique intercultural dialogue. However, the paper also identifies gaps, inconsistencies, and interpretative reductions in Urdu criticism of Neruda, offering new avenues for further research. Overall, this article argues that Neruda's poetry continues to inspire global literary discourse by demonstrating that poetry can be simultaneously intimate and revolutionary, tender and defiant, personal and universally resonant.
Keywords: Pablo Neruda; Latin American Poetry; Urdu Literary Criticism; Political Resistance; Poetic Aesthetics; Marxist Criticism; Postcolonial Reading; Comparative Literature
A Research and Critical Analysis of Mustansar Hussain Tarar’s Novel "Qila Jangi" مستنصر کے ناول "قلعہ جنگی " کا تحقیقی و تنقیدی جائزہ
No full textThis research presents a critical and analytical review of Mustansar Hussain Tarar's historical novel "Qila Jangi", which explores the aftermath of 9/11, the war in Afghanistan, and the broader implications of global politics. The novel vividly portrays the American invasion of Afghanistan, the Taliban resistance, and the tragic events surrounding the Qila Jangi massacre. Tarar skillfully uses Qila Jangi as a symbol of oppression, highlighting the hypocrisy of global powers and the human suffering caused by war. The novel sheds light on the experiences of foreign fighters who sought refuge in the fortress, only to face brutal airstrikes and relentless bombings. It critically examines the exploitation of ideologies, the manipulation of young minds for militant causes, and the larger geopolitical games played by superpowers.The research evaluates the novel's narrative structure, character development, and thematic depth, showing how Tarar merges historical realities with literary imagination. Through detailed character portrayals—ranging from misguided jihadists to victims of war—the novel questions the morality of conflict and the consequences of ideological indoctrination.Ultimately, Qila Jangi stands as a powerful literary work that not only revisits a tragic chapter in Afghan history but also compels readers to reflect on the devastating impact of war, propaganda, and global political maneuvering.
Key Words: War and Conflict, Qila Jangi Massacre, Afghanistan War, 9/11 Aftermath, Ideological Exploitation