AN INVESTIGATION OF LINGUISTIC VARIATIONS IN PAKISTANI ENGLISH FICTION WRITING: A MULTIDIMENSIONAL CORPUS-BASED STUDY

Abstract

Abstract

The study at hand aims to examine how Pakistani English novelists employ diverse linguistic features to distinguish Pakistani English as a unique variety. This research adopts a multidimensional analysis of Pakistani English novels authored by different novelists to investigate linguistic variations among them and discern the features that characterize the language used in novels. To this end, a corpus containing six Pakistani English novels has been meticulously compiled, encompassing a total of 439,367 words. The data has been subjected to a quantitative exploratory approach, and thorough tagging and analysis have been conducted using MAT tagger based on Biber's multidimensional model for studying linguistic variation. Five textual dimensions have been scrutinized by employing calculated z-scores. It is essential to recognize that the study's scope is confined to six English novels written by diverse Pakistani authors, thus excluding other genres of Pakistani fiction writings. Consequently, while the findings offer valuable insights into linguistic variations, they may not represent the entire spectrum of Pakistani English literature. The results of the analysis reveal intriguing patterns across the dimensions. The discourse displays informationally dense characteristics in Dimension 1 (D1), signifying a wealth of content and data. Dimension 2 (D2) reflects a narrative nature in the language, suggesting a storytelling quality. Conversely, Dimension 3 (D3) highlights explicit features, emphasizing clarity and directness in expression. Dimension 4 (D4) indicates a less overt expression of persuasion, implying that the novels employ subtler means to influence readers. Lastly, Dimension 5 (D5) reveals a non-abstract form of text type, suggesting a focus on concrete and tangible elements. In conclusion, the research categorizes Pakistani novel writing as "General Narrative Exposition." This insight not only aids in the stylistic analysis of Pakistani English writers' works but also holds the potential to develop linguistic profiles of individual authors. By understanding the distinct narrative styles and linguistic preferences of Pakistani English novelists, this research contributes to the broader study of Pakistani English literature and its unique linguistic characteristics.