Linguistic Forum (LinFo) (E-Journal)
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Acoustic Profiling of Central Vowels of Pakistani English: Describing the Nativised Variety
Get PDFEnglish, as a global lingua franca, transcends linguistic and cultural boundaries and plays a pivotal role in connecting nations with diverse languages. The concept of World Englishes acknowledges the intricate tapestry of the English language across the globe. This research delves into the acoustic properties of central vowels in Pakistani English (PakE) with the objective of scrutinizing their distinctive features. Previous scholarly investigations (Bilal et al., 2011a; Sailaja, 2009; Kachru, 2005) have pointed to the absence of clear differentiation among central vowels (/ə/, /ɜ:/, and /ᴧ/) in Asian varieties of English. This empirical study seeks to verify these findings. To gather data, a cohort of 40 participants (comprising 20 males and 20 females) was selected from the BS English program at the University of Mianwali, all of whom were native Punjabi speakers. Isolated words were recorded using a standard carrier phrase, and acoustic analysis was conducted utilizing Praat software to measure vowel formants, specifically F1 and F2. The obtained data were subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS. The findings of this study indicate that speakers of PakE do not consistently differentiate between /ə/ and /ɜ:/, while they do maintain a distinct pronunciation of /ᴧ/ as a separate vowel sound. Consequently, PakE is characterized by the presence of two central vowels, substantiating its status as a distinctive nativized variety of English. This research sheds light on the evolving nature of English in diverse linguistic contexts, enriching our understanding of World Englishes and the variations within them
Learners’ Perception Regarding the Role of Native-like English Language Proficiency in a Pakistani Academic Setting
Get PDFStudents learning any foreign language must develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills and become proficient in the use of that language. In Pakistan, English is a language that is highly used in educational institutions as well as professionally. This research has been carried out by quantitative method approach. This research carries two objectives. Firstly, to explore the Pakistani student’s perception regarding the role of native English proficiency in their Academic setting. Secondly, to statistically analyze the variation in perception regarding the role of native-like English language proficiency in an Academic setting. The data has been collected from a university from university students. The exact number of participants from which the questionnaire has been taken is 30 students from 3 different departments of the university. This research comes with the result that participants generally agreed that good handwriting, fast writing speed, and use of technical words in papers all have a positive impact on their marks in exams. However, they did not agree as strongly that the use of difficult vocabulary increases their marks in exams. This research is beneficial for the students that how they can get native-like English language proficiency. This research is also good for the teachers because this gives them an understanding of designing syllabi for the students.
 
Beyond the Standard: Exploring Models and Dynamics of World Englishes
Get PDFThe current study constitutes a comprehensive review of the field of World Englishes. In addition to delineating the evolving linguistic landscape, it undertakes an examination of international English models, with a particular focus on their pedagogical applications and implications. Furthermore, it delves into the characterization of Pakistani English within the framework of these models. Kachru's 1984 conception of World Englishes, which underscores the diverse sociolinguistic contexts in which English is utilized, challenges the longstanding assumption of a singular, standardized English. The review critically surveys a wide spectrum of theories that elucidate the global utilization of English in its multifaceted forms. The review encompasses various theoretical frameworks, commencing with Strevens' World Map of English and extending to Haswell's Global Model of English. Through a meticulous analysis, it dissects their conceptual foundations, intellectual lineage, and practical significance. Furthermore, the review examines the intricate sociolinguistic processes that shape the emergence and evolution of World Englishes. Ultimately, the review posits the idea that the era of a single, monolithic standard of English has given way to the development of regional standards. Consequently, it underscores the imperative for policymakers to take cognizance of these findings and tailor English Language Teaching curricula to reflect the distinctive features of local English varieties
Optimizing ChatGPT as a Writing Aid for EFL Learners: Balancing Assistance and Skill Development in Writing Proficiency
Get PDFThis study explores the strategic incorporation of advanced language generation models, like ChatGPT, in the context of EFL education to enhance writing proficiency. The research delves into the intricate relationship between the use of ChatGPT as a writing aid and the development of autonomous writing skills in EFL learners. The primary aim is to optimize ChatGPT's utilization, finding a delicate balance between leveraging its support for improving grammar, vocabulary, and composition, while also promoting learners' self-sufficiency in crafting logically structured and coherent written discourse. By conducting a thorough analysis of various pedagogical approaches, this research seeks to offer practical insights to educators regarding effective strategies for incorporating ChatGPT to improve the writing abilities of EFL learners, thus enriching the broader landscape of language education. The empirical findings of this study are intended to inform the pedagogical community and advance discussions on the effective assimilation of AI-powered writing aids in language education paradigms, ultimately guiding their optimal use in instructional settings
Grammatical features of Pakistani English: A Corpus Analysis of Pakistani English Newspapers and Magazines
Get PDFThe paper presents a corpus analysis conducted on the written corpus of Pakistani English. The corpus, created by the authors, is derived from the most widely circulated English newspapers and magazines in Pakistan. The analysis employs Sketch Engine and utilizes two models, namely Galloway and Rose (2015) and Jenkins (2009), to identify the distinctive grammatical features of Pakistani English in the corpus. The selection criteria for examining grammatical features are also grounded in these two models. The study focuses on the analysis of specific grammatical aspects, including (i) the use of adverbs, (ii) the use of the definite article, (iii) plurality, (iv) the use of yes/no questions, and (v) reduplication. The findings reveal that Pakistani English exhibits variations in the placement of adverbs and the usage of the definite article 'the'. Plurality is a prevalent feature, with writers often treating uncountable nouns as countable in their compositions. However, the data does not indicate any deviations regarding two features: yes/no questions and reduplication. Despite being a less recognized variety of English, primarily due to the limited documentation of its features, this paper contributes to the establishment of Pakistani English as a recognized linguistic variety
Subject-Verb Agreement Errors in ESL Students' Academic Writing: A Surface Taxonomy Approach
Get PDFThis qualitative research study aims to analyze subject-verb agreement errors made by non-native English-speaking ESL students in their writing. The researcher assigned a task to the students to write a 200-sentence paragraph on the importance of education, and their writing samples were analyzed using a surface taxonomy approach. The study used purposive sampling to select 10 students from a public university in Lahore. The results showed that omission errors were the most common type of error, followed by misformation, addition, and misordering errors. This study provides insights into the challenges that ESL students face in mastering subject-verb agreement in their writing. These findings have implications for ESL teachers in designing effective language instruction that can help students improve their writing skills and avoid common subject-verb agreement errors
AI-driven Advancements in ESL Learner Autonomy: Investigating Student Attitudes Towards Virtual Assistant Usability
Get PDFThis research examines the impact of advanced machine learning-powered Virtual Assistants on promoting learner autonomy in English as a Second Language (ESL) education. It aims to assess the usability of Virtual Assistants like Alexa and uncover the challenges and opportunities associated with their integration into ESL learning environments. Employing a mixed-methods approach, this study evaluates the effectiveness of AI in enhancing ESL learner autonomy at the school level and compares AI-based learning with traditional classroom methods for ESL students aged 10 to 18. Data collection methods include feedback questionnaires, interviews, informal discussions, and an analysis of Alexa-based research. This research offers valuable insights for educators and learners, equipping them with innovative pedagogical tools to enhance the ESL learning experience. Ultimately, it explores how AI, specifically Virtual Assistants, can transform ESL education by fostering greater learner autonomy, enriching the educational landscape, and empowering students to take charge of their learning journeys
Exploring Desirability and Feasibility of Learner Autonomy: College English Language Teachers’ Beliefs in the Pakistani Context
Get PDFGlobalization played an essential role in spreading the idea of learner autonomy worldwide. Though it is a new research trend in the domain of English Language Teaching (ELT) in Pakistan, it has been practiced worldwide for approximately the last three decades. At present, the importance and crucial role of promoting learner autonomy cannot be denied in world academia. In the 21st century teaching and learning environment, the focus of attention has been shifted from the teacher to the learner. In this context, it is very significant to explore the beliefs of teachers in connection with the desirability and feasibility of learner autonomy in Pakistan. A questionnaire was adapted for data collection purpose because, in case of large samples, questionnaires are convenient for data collection and analysis. For this purpose, the data were collected from 400 English language teachers at 50 public sector colleges in Punjab, Pakistan, using a stratified random sampling technique. SPSS software was used for data analysis. Descriptive statistics such as percentages were calculated for the sake of analysis and generalisation of the findings. The analysis of the results indicated that a majority of the teachers believed that learners’ involvement in the process of decision-making about the kinds of tasks and activities was the most desirable and feasible among all other items. On the other hand, a large majority of the teachers believed that learning independently was the most desirable and feasible ability among the other abilities. From the findings of this research, it can be found that most teachers believe that it is the need of the hour to pay heed to the voices of their learners in the matter of decisions concerning their learning and prepare them for lifelong learning
A Critical Discourse Analysis of News in Media about Rape Victims in Pakistan
Get PDFThis study aims to investigate the discourse in news coverage, specifically focusing on the reporting of rape cases, with a particular focus on victim blaming and fact-hiding in the Pakistani media discourse. Drawing on the Van Dijk model of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), the study intends to unveil biases or power inequalities deep rooted in the structure and management of news reporting discourse. The research seeks to ascertain whether media outlets employ deceptive language to conceal the reality in reporting on rape cases, the influence of victim blaming on readers’ perception, and how the news media copes with the reporting of rape incidents. Data collection involves analysis of news articles from five well-known Pakistani publications: The Dawn News, ARY News, Dunya News, Geo News, and the Express Tribune particularly focusing on the "Zainab's Murder and Rape Case." The analysis highlights instances of deletion, word choice, hiding identity, and lack of mention of police action, which contribute to the manipulation of information in news reports. The results of the study shed light on the biased description of rape incidents in the Pakistani media, fanning victim blame and rape lores. The study stresses the need for unbiased and truthful reporting of sexual assault incidents, ensuring that the experiences of victims are accurately portrayed. By uncovering the manipulation and biases in the Pakistani news media, this research contributes to a better understanding of the discourse patterns surrounding rape cases and the potential impact on public attitudes towards victims.
 
Developing Lexical Resources of Saraiki Verbs: A Corpus Based Study
Get PDFSaraiki is an Indo-Aryan language and is recognized as the fourth most widely spoken language in Pakistan. It is extensively used in Pakistan, especially in south Punjab and Sindh, and is also spoken in some parts of Afghanistan and India. The language holds significant historical and geographical importance. Despite numerous studies emphasizing its distinctiveness, Saraiki remains less explored in terms of its unique linguistic features. The current corpus-based study aims to create synsets of Saraiki verbs by establishing an interface for their synonyms. A corpus of three million words has been developed using literary and non-literary sources. Data collection involved sourcing information from online platforms and scanning hard copies of literary and non-literary works, which were then converted into machine-readable files. From the corpus, one hundred high-frequency verbs were selected and categorized based on Fellbaum’s (1993) model, which comprises fifteen files developed according to semantic domains. The verbs falling within these categories were analyzed for their lexico-semantic relations to construct an interface of their synonyms. This study holds significance as it contributes to the development of synsets for verbs, encompassing verb meanings, definitions of associated concepts, example sentences, and lexicosemantic relations. Consequently, this research proves valuable for students, teachers, and researchers of Saraiki, as well as those engaged in the creation of Wordnet