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Item Gender prestige and code choices(UMT, Lahore, 2010) Moazzam Ali MalikThis study aims at analyzing how the^ociaj parameter of gender affects the choices of the codes* among Punjabi, Urdu and English bilinguais in Pakistan. It examines any possible gender difference in the pattern of choices of codes among these bilinguais. It looks at how this gender difference in the tendency and pattern of code choices is related with the speaker's gender and the social status and prestige of the language. In a bid to verify the existence of what Fasold refers as 'the sociolinguistic gender patt^' (92), and what Labov considers 'the first principal of sexulTdifferentiatioiT" ("Intersection of Sex" 205), this research answers the question that whether or not men and women tend to use higher-status language in different proportions under the similar social and situational contexts and domains. Causal-comparative research design has been opted for this study. The code choices behavior data was collected from the sample population of 180 students, 90 boys and 90 girls purposely selected from the two campuses of Punjab College, Gujrat. The selected population comprised of young (17-21 years old) Punjabi, Urdu and English bilinguais from male and female 'homogeneous' gender groups. Both the gender groups were homogeneous as during the stage of sampling a Sociolinguistic Questionnaire was used to make sure that both the gender groups were almost similar to each other in their social, psychological, ethnic and linguistic background. The code choice behavior of our selected sample population was studied at two levels, i.e., a) at societal or domain level and b) at the inter-personal level. The code choice behavior data under the similar social and sitiiational situation was measured at societal or domain level by using a Language Behavior Questionnaire. On the other hand, code choices behavior under the influence of internal and personal factors was measured by generating and recording a discussion between 4-5 member friends' groups on a given topic within the same-gender conversation. Our data was qualitatively analyzed to work out the frequencies of code choices both at domain level and interpersonal level. The results verified the existence of sociolinguistic gender-pattern of code choices among Punjabi, Urdu and English bilinguais.Item The use of speech acts and their communicative functions in memoranda of an academic organization(UMT, Lahore, 2010) Sahar AslamThe present research highlights the importance and significance of memoranda by analyzing its communicative function. It aims at finding the frequency of various kinds of speech acts in memoranda selected from three different sources. This research applies Driven and Verspoor (2004) Cognitive typology of speech acts that is quite contemporary and comprehensive. This research investigates the differences in use of speech acts in relation to the category of memos as well as the types of communication i.e. bottom up, top down and horizontal. The researcher selected 43 memos from business communication books and 132 memos for COMSATS institute Management Science Department. The researcher classified memos of various types and analysed the communicative function of memos through speech acts classification and examined the effect of the role of status. The research is significant as it applies speech act theory for the analysis of text used in academic organization. It would contribute the analysis of text in Pakistani context. Qualitative analysis of the data depicts the significance of memoranda in an academic organization. By analyzing the communicative functions of memoranda, it substantiates the importance of memoranda to pass information, to direct, to offer, to invite, to give warning, and to give recommendations.Item Pragmatic Perception of Politeness in Requests across Academic Cultures of English L1s and Punjabi esls(UMT Lahore, 2010) KHALID AHMEDThe present research study is anchored in the fields of interlanguage pragmatics (ILP) & cross cultural studies of speech acts to investigate comparatively the pragmatic perception of politeness in ‘Request patterns’ across cultures of Native English Speakers (EL1s) and Native Punjabi speakers learning English as second language (P-ESLs) in academic settings. The stimulus for this research study is to improve cross cultural communication between English and Punjabi Native speakers by having awareness of differences in the cultural conventions in making requests. To find out the differences and similarities in the request patterns and their respective cultures the researcher has developed Discourse Completion Test (DCT) and Self-Rating Questionnaire (SRQ) as instruments for his work. The data obtained from instruments is analyzed by using the coding scheme of Cross-Cultural Speech Act Realization Project (CCSARP) by (Shushana Blum-Kalka, Juliane House & Gabriele Kasper, 1989: 275). It is evident from the results & findings of this study that in spite of the fact that there is great difference in the execution of request statements from the people of both cultural groups (EL1s & P-ESLs) yet they are identical in their pragmatic perception or sensitivity of politeness in the speech act of request. Moreover the stereotypes of less polite or unfriendly attitude of Punjabi ESLs in cross-cultural communication more especially in the speech act of request is originated by the socio-cultural conventions of English society, lack of pragmatic competence of English language of Punjabi ESLs and excellence of Linguistic competence of Native English Language speakers.Item The use of speech acts and their communicative functions in memoranda of an academic organisation(UMT Lahore, 2010) SAHAR ASLAMThe present research highlights the importance and significance of memoranda by analyzing its communicative function. It aims at finding the frequency of various kinds of speech acts in memoranda selected from three different sources. This research applies Driven and Verspoor (2004) Cognitive typology of speech acts that is quite contemporary and comprehensive. This research investigates the differences in use of speech acts in relation to the category of memos as well as the types of communication i.e. bottom up, top down and horizontal. The researcher selected 43 memos from business communication books and 132 memos for COMSATS institute Management Science Department. The researcher classified memos of various types and analysed the communicative function of memos through speech acts classification and examined the effect of the role of status. The research is significant as it applies speech act theory for the analysis of text used in academic organization. It would contribute the analysis of text in Pakistani context. Qualitative analysis of the data depicts the significance of memoranda in an academic organization. By analyzing the communicative functions of memoranda, it substantiates the importance of memoranda to pass information, to direct, to offer, to invite, to give warning, and to give recommendations.Item An analysis of L1 Interference Errors and its implementation in ESL Pedagogy at Secondary Level(UMT Lahore, 2010) ZAHOOR AHMEDThe primary purpose of this study was to enhance the realization and importance of Error Analysis, especially Interference Errors in the vast field of Applied Linguistics. The study was aimed at showing the significance of Error Analysis in English language teaching scenario in Pakistan. For this purpose, the vast area of Error Analysis was narrowed down and focused only on L1 Interference Errors in ESL pedagogy at Secondary level. Therefore, after brief introduction and back ground of Error Analysis the study was focused mainly on Interference Errors i.e. L1 interference errors. This research was designed in a case study format. For this purpose, the researcher was involved in practical teaching situation at Secondary level. Classroom tests, homework and assignments were monitored by the researcher to collect the requisite data of students’ errors due to L1 interference. Where classroom assignments and home work done by the students provided enough data to be processed and analyzed. The researcher also observed the teaching methodologies of English language teachers, while sitting in different classrooms, where English language teaching – learning process was in progress regularly. Actually, the scope of the study was limited only to the students of Aligarh Public School and College (Residential) Manga, Lahore. Yet the study can be helpful to the teachers of English language anywhere else in Pakistan. Therefore, the research findings and conclusion / suggestions can be generalized for ESL pedagogy at secondary level after generalizing the study in other parts of our homeland.