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Item From normativity to resilience: an intersectional analysis of umera ahmed’s man-o- salwa and monica ali’s brick lane(UMT Lahore, 2024) Shafa MateenThe research strives to explore the complex web of gender performances while examining its literary manifestation in patriarchal societies created by Umera Ahmed and Monica Ali in Man O Salwa and Brick Lane respectively. Drawing on normativity and resilience aspects from Judith Butler’s gender performativity theory, the research probes into ramifications of societal norms on the gender performances of female protagonists in aforementioned selected novels. The research probes into the realities behind gender performances to decipher traditional gender roles assigned to women by patriarchal societies and cultural norms. Through an intersectional analysis, the research examines the intersection of gender with other factors of identity such as class, culture, immigrant issues, financial level and relational status to create a diverse form of oppression for female protagonists of chosen works. The research digs deeply into the strenuous struggles portrayed by female protagonists in reshaping their identities while showcasing resilience against socioeconomic challenges and societal patriarchy at the same time. By examining various instances of normativity and performativity failure, the research investigates the tension between cultural norms and female resilience. The study analyzes the multifaceted nature of gender roles and in form of reaction, the coping mechanisms of the female leading characters of aforementioned novels in which they negotiate and take stand against these subjugating gender performances. The research exhibits female protagonists’ tumultuous journey from tradition to transformation against the backdrop of intersection of different identity axis.Item Fluid-gendered patterns and subversion of socio-cultural norms in woolf’s orlando and eugenides’ middlesex through the lens of butler's concept of performativity(UMT Lahore, 2024) Ghamza ArshadThe aim of the research is to explore the text Orlando (Woolf) and Middlesex (Eugenides) through the lens of Butler’s concept of performativity that focuses on gender fluidity and identity formation through the socio-cultural repeated acts. The theory of performativity investigates Butler’s idea that gender norms are constructed and sustained within the society. The theoretical application of performativity on the selected texts explores the challenges related to the conventional understanding of gender by analysing the characters of the selected texts as homosexual and fluid-gendered identities. The research explores the ability of performative acts to both strengthen and subvert the dominant power structures by examining how the protagonists navigate and breach socio-cultural norms, emphasizing the possibility for fundamental cultural change and resistance. The methodology used in the research is qualitative approach that focuses on the thematic analysis. The purpose of the research is to examine the subversion of gender stereotypes in the selected texts. The significance of the research is to investigate the formation of fluid gender identities which are regarded as unnatural entities by conventional wisdom.Item Development of the decolonial self(UMT Lahore, 2024) Nauman AbbasThe purpose of this research is to study the images of death and the conceptual transformation of Muslim self (Khudi) in the poetry of Mir Taqi Mir, Bahadur Shah Zafar and Allama Muhammad Iqbal. Iqbal was a Muslim poet of the Indian subcontinent whose poetry uplifted and inspired the minds of the 20th century. The primary concern of Iqbal was to alter the subaltern position of the Muslim community in the Indian subcontinent. The consequences of this subaltern identity on Muslim selfhood are reflected through the life of Mir and Zafar. The forced exile of these Muslim subjects identifies a colonial binary between the natives and the foreign invaders. The life of Mir, Zafar and Iqbal is a symbolic critique to the disciplining of Muslim selfhood by colonial reformists. The focus on the re-empowering of the self-shows that Muslims were reduced to a subordinate position in the political and social environment of the subcontinent. The reimagination and evolution of the Muslim experience resulted in the concept of Khudi that in turn influenced the decolonization of mind. Thus, the idea of death in Iqbal’s poetry serves to free the Other from colonial ideology and moves beyond that of Mir and Zafar’s. The concept of self will be examined through Jung's theory of psyche which he defines as an interplay between the conscious and the unconscious mind. The study analyzes a selection of Mir, Zafar and Iqbal’s translated verses.Item Reimagining double colonization(UMT Lahore, 2024) Muhammad Salman IshtiaqThis thesis conducts a comparative analysis of power and agency within the context of double colonization, wherein both the colonized and segments of colonizer experience various forms of oppression, as depicted in Aimé A Tempest and Toni Morrison's Desdemona. The study draws on a combined theoretical framework rooted in the works of Toni Morrison and Michel Foucault, with Foucault's assertion that “Power is everywhere” and “comes from everywhere” serving as a guiding premise (93). Against the backdrop of systemic power exploitation and the suppression of agency, Morrison's ideas provide a lens through which the structural injustices inherent in the colonial experience can be critically examined and deconstructed. The comparative analysis of A Tempest and Desdemona facilitates a nuanced exploration of how two distinct literary voices, one rooted in the Caribbean and the other in African-American contexts, engage with and reinterpret colonial narratives. The research elucidates how characters and narratives within these works challenge conventional power structures, reimagine gender roles, and ultimately work to subvert the oppressive forces inherent in double colonization. This study investigates how these literary works illuminate the intricate dynamics of power and agency, ultimately shedding light on the complex experience of double colonization through the Foucauldian discourse analysis of these works.Item Exploring transformative violence(UMT Lahore, 2024) Mubashir AyazIn this thesis, Fatima Bhutto's The Shadow of the Crescent Moon is chosen for a thematic analysis of its progression from radical (destructive) violence to strategic (constructive) awareness of violence. It starts out by exploring Frantz Fanon's complex concept of violence located in his work The Wretched of the Earth. Fanon's conviction that using force to achieve liberation is necessary emphasizes the critical role that radical activities play in the colonial institutions' destruction. Fanon emphasizes that in order to decolonize, violent strategies are essential. This thesis looks for radical activities that play crucial role in the fate of the characters in Bhutto’s novel The Shadow of the Crescent Moon. Later Fanon also opts for more nuanced and strategic approaches to violence in order to destroy the cycle of violence and counter violence by understanding the complexities of power. Therefore, this thesis aims to integrate the concept of violence given by Fanon, into a reading framework; firstly, by analyzing Bhutto's text to trace the instances of radical violence. Secondly, it will track the progression of violence and see whether violence in her novel transforms and offers a reconstructive awareness to the characters or becomes extreme as the only means of freedom to them. Lastly, this thesis will make a thematically parallel comparison of the progression of violence between Bhutto’s novel and Fanon’s The Wretched of the Earth.Item Thresholds in gordimer's short stories(UMT Lahore, 2024) Asma SarwarThis study examines postcolonial perspectives on thresholds especially concentrating on liminal spaces, as well as their projection in Nadine Gordimer's selected short stories. Postcolonial philosophers such as Homi K. Bhabha and Gayatri Spivak recognize that the colonized were not passive or homogeneous victims of colonialism, but rather active and heterogeneous actors involved in various modes of resistance, negotiation, and adaptation. On the one hand the concept of hybridity proposed by Bhabha generates a third space of enunciation in which new meanings and possibilities can develop. On the other hand, the word "threshold" conjures up ideas of entering and exiting, routes, crossings, and transformation. It denotes the turning point where decisions must be taken to proceed. While liminality defines the liminal space where cultural transition occurs, Turner's concept of liminality, characterized by ambiguity and uncertainty, helps understand how it shapes personality, emphasizes agency, and connects thought and experience. This literary case study argues that hybridized female protagonists in Gordimer's collections of short stories "A Chip of Glass Ruby" and "A Town and Country Lovers" although positioned in their symbolic thresholds and liminal spaces, in the end, are unable to cross their thresholds and complete their transformation. The thesis investigates their struggle in the liminal spaces and traces the reasons and causes behind their failure to cross these spaces.Item Victorian female sexuality and gender based layered narratives:(UMT Lahore, 2024) Ishvah KhanThis research explores the construction of female sexuality in the literary adaptations Emma (2020) directed by Autumn de Wilde and Persuasion (2022) directed by Carrie Cracknell through a postfeminist lens. The research is based on Iris Marion Young’s theory of oppression examining the feminine body comportment and mobility. The movement and ability of females to perform household and outdoor chores is restricted by the male gender. The restriction on the sexuality of a woman develops a fragile and dependent self. The female characters of Emma (1815) and Persuasion (1817) reveal the oppressive structures that confine feminine activities under the definition of morality and grace. The categorization of female qualities develops a gendered discourse that encourages a binary classification of sex as male and female. The division between sex is further strengthened by the association of female sexuality with material objects. The material objects re-enforce and encourage objectification and confinement of female sexuality. The literary adaptations highlight the negative social implications of material objects on the portrayal of female characters. The thesis uses Roland Barthes theory of narratology in order to examine literary components of the adaptations.Item Commodification, reification, and power dynamics(UMT Lahore, 2024) Javeria BatoolThis thesis embarks on a comprehensive inquiry of Six of Crows duology an epic saga by Leigh Bardugo. It meticulously adopts a post-Marxist lens to deconstruct the exploitation of the characters through commodification, reification, and power dynamics, predominant in the capitalist society. Hermann theorizes commodification as the phenomenon of market value dominating the practical value. Lukács contends that the commodification of interpersonal interactions leads to the reification of consciousness. According to Michel Foucault, the concept of power dynamics in relational contexts is an exertion of influence upon the actions that are currently in motion, those that may potentially manifest in the present, and those that may arise in the future. Within the Six of Crows duology, the characters engage in self commodification and endure maltreatment emblematic of the solidified social order, accentuating the nuanced power dynamics inherent in the narrative. The thesis reveals that characters such as Inej and Grisha are contested commodities and, thus, exploited, alienated, and objectified. Kaz Brekker’s reified consciousness contributes to his objectified view of relationships. The capitalist power dynamics propose that the acts of resistance by Inej and Kaz alike can disrupt present power structures fostering transformative change within the oppressive system. This inquiry validates the relevance of post-Marxist thought and develops a deeper understanding of the socio-political dimensions entrenched in modern fantasy literature.Item A study of linguistic diversity and lexical attrition in punjabi language in okara district(UMT Lahore, 2024) Bilal YasinThis research thesis delves into the intricate dynamics of linguistic diversity and lexical attrition, focusing on insights derived from a quantitative questionnaire administered to 150 participants and open ended questionnaire administered to 20 participants. Employing IBM SPSS Statistics software for quantitative analysis and thematic analysis for qualitative exploration, the study sheds light on various aspects of language attitudes, proficiency levels, and preferences among individuals, particularly within the Okara community. Findings reveal valuable insights into the balance of gender representation, language proficiency levels, and favored languages among participants. However, limitations such as sample size constraints, geographic scope, and potential biases are identified, warranting caution in interpreting the findings. To address these limitations, recommendations for future researchers are provided, emphasizing the importance of expanding sample sizes, diversifying geographic scopes, employing mixed-methods approaches, using objective proficiency measures, considering cross-cultural variability, mitigating response biases, validating findings, acknowledging temporal contexts, and embracing open science practices. By integrating these recommendations into future research endeavors, scholars can further elucidate the complexities of linguistic diversity and lexical attrition, contributing to a deeper understanding of language dynamics in diverse sociocultural contexts.Item Deployment of memes in pakistani online esl classes(UMT Lahore, 2024) INAYAT HUSSAINThis research investigates the effectiveness of memes as an innovative tool for teaching English in ESL (English as a Second Language) in Pakistani online ESL classes, aiming to heighten student engagement and make learning more accessible. The study used qualitative and quantitative methodology and action research design to gather data and analyze. The study incorporated 10 popular memes into lesson plans—four focusing on vocabulary, four on complex grammar concepts, and two to spark conversations. Lessons were delivered in two formats: one that integrated memes and another without, providing a comparative basis to measure the impact of this approach. The techniques of data collection tests and a survey, students completed pre- and post-tests, and later participated in a survey to share their views on the use of memes in their learning experience. The study involved 62 BS English third year students from UMT Lahore, who engaged in both the tests and the survey. The data were analyzed using SPSS application and content analysis. The findings of the study strongly indicate that using memes in lessons significantly boosts engagement, enhances vocabulary retention, and aids in the comprehension of complex grammar. The study findings further reveal that students show great interest in meme based classes and newness for them. This research thus highlights the transformative potential of memes as a creative teaching strategy, demonstrating their ability to make language learning more interactive, relatable, and impactful. The success of this approach suggests that memes could be a valuable addition to modern ESL teaching methodologies, bringing language learning into closer alignment with students’ everyday digital experiences. Therefore, I recommend effectively using this unique approach in the teaching-learning process to enhance the teacher educators’ professional practice.Item Branding through political posts on twitter:(UMT Lahore, 2024) Aqsa MajeedThe present study is conducted to understand the narrative constructed through digital media by the political parties. The study is qualitative and based on Daiute's (2014) theory of narrative analysis of interactive digital discourse and Fairclough's (1989) model of critical discourse analysis. The study is based on the Twitter sphere, and the political postings by PTI and PML are analyzed under the selected framework. 5, 5 posts are selected from both parties as the sample of the study posted on pre- and post-regime perspectives on April 10, 2022, in Pakistan. The study is intended to find the construction of a narrative and the core analysis of pre- and post-regime political postings used in the narrative. The study reveals that political parties use narrative and subsidized strategies to gain public favor. PMLN idealizes their past ruling time, while PTI compares progress with international scenarios. Both parties use discursive strategies to justify their actions, focusing on their positive performance and comparing their policies to those in power. Both parties construct their character as positive and close to the public, emphasizing empathy and concern for the general population. These strategies aim to gain moral support and justify their conduct in front of the public. The current study is descriptive, and it focusses on issues that are relevant to the general public right now. The study gives us the ability to comprehend the narratives of political parties, both when they are in power and when they are not. This study contributes to a better understanding of digital discourse by providing insight into its plotting, constructions, purpose of narratives, and character mapping, all of which are ways in which political parties portray themselves in front of people in specific situations.Item The aesthetics of spatiality in postmodern fiction: a comparative study of paul auster's new york trilogy and don delillo's white noise(UMT Lahore, 2024) Asrar HassanThis research aims to explore the aesthetics of constructing, narrating, and representing postmodern space in fiction by conducting a comparative analysis of Paul Auster’s New York Trilogy and Don DeLillo’s White Noise from the theoretical lens of diverse postmodern spatial and aesthetic theories. Distinct spatial-linguistic aspects of interdisciplinary theories, such as Barthes’ ‘Death of the Author, and signifier-signified relationship’, Baudrilard’s ‘Simulation and Simulacra’, Deleuze’s ‘Rhizomatic Metaphor’, Jameson’s ‘Cultural Logic of Late Capitalism’, Koolhaas’ ‘Junkspace’ etc., are synthesized to develop an illustrative model for reading and describing aesthetics of postmodern spatiality. By comparing and contrasting Auster’s metafictional space of urban labyrinthine with DeLillo’s hyperreal space of simulation, this research endeavors to demystify and simplify the complexities associated with mapping and interpreting postmodern space.Item Investigating post-humanistic approach to power in mohammad hanif’s red birds(UMT Lahore, 2024) Manahil AimenThis research attempts to conduct a post-humanistic analysis of Mohammad Hanif’s Red Birds (2018) in terms of how power is exercised in the concentration camps, engendering a state of exception that snatches humans of the third world from their basic human rights. Delving upon the contrastive positionalities of East and West, Braidotti’s post-human condition aims at human advancement in the age of trans-humanism and technological mediation within the realm of Red Birds. Interrogating the inhumanity fostered by characters of the civilized West in the unnamed desert area, this study explores the transposition of humans in the age of post-Anthropocene, subsuming Anthropomorphism as a potent threat to the standard ideal of mankind. Incorporating globalization and advanced capitalism in facilitating death technologies, posthumanism unveils its barbarous and savage aspects of wiping populations, forced disappearances, and snatching away the resources of people. The spaces of concentration camps serve as zones of indistinction having essential indiscernibility of law and fact. Through the multiple narratives of characters, diversified responses owing to copious ways of dying explicate the exercise of sovereign power in this unlocalizable zone of indistinction. The primary argument of this study entails Western anthropocentricity to be the main reason of prevalent dissonance, perpetuated through instating power. Spotting diverse ways of exerting unjust intervention in the land of others, the study concludes by expecting technological advancement in the better refinement of the posthuman condition, and by entailing the need to adopt a sympathetic and affectionate manner in the subjective process of becoming by resorting towards new political forms for bare life.Item A reconsideration of anima, animus and fluidity of gender roles redefined through philip roth’s the dying animal(UMT Lahore, 2024) Samaia AmjadThis study addresses the archetypes of anima and animus and their implicated manifestation in Philip Roth’s novella The Dying Animal. As elucidated by Carl Jung, anima and animus are inherent in every individual, significantly shaping human behavior. The research meticulously examines the manifestation of anima in David Kapesh, the primary protagonist, and animus in Consuela Castillo, the secondary protagonist. It seeks to explore the extent to which these archetypes influence the dynamics of their relationship. Philip Roth’s deliberate utilization of anima and animus archetypes is scrutinized, unraveling their strategic role in navigating the intricate complexities of gender identities within the narrative. The study highlights the subversion of traditional gender roles embodied by David Kapesh and Consuela Castillo, shedding light on how these deviations contribute to character development within the novella. Through an in-depth analysis of character interactions and the representation of gender constructs, this research aims to deepen our understanding of gender dynamics in literature, offering implications for gender studies and literary analysis. The Dying Animal serves as an ideal text for exploring the fluidity of gender roles and the manifestation of anima and animus archetypes. This research employs Carl Jung’s Theory of Archetypes to investigate these archetypes within the context of the research questions.Item From negative to positive existentialism in paulo coelho’s selected novels(UMT Lahore, 2024) Hajra MueenThis research examines the works of Paulo Coelho, with a particular focus on his four novels: Veronika Decides to Die, Eleven Minutes, Brida, and The Winner Stands Alone. The primary objective of the study is to explore the existential themes inherent in Coelho’s writings, with a particular emphasis on the theme of freedom of choice. Employing a qualitative research approach, the study aims to analyze thematic coherence within the primary texts. The theoretical framework of the research is grounded in Jean-Paul Sartre’s existential philosophy, complemented by Simon De Beauvoir’s feminist existentialism and Victor Frankl’s Logotherapy. These philosophical underpinnings are employed systematically to navigate the optimistic tendencies of existential philosophy as manifested in the selected novels. Drawing insights from the respective journeys of the characters Veronika, Maria, Brida, and Igor, the findings of this research propose that the pursuit of purpose and meaning in life necessitates navigating through existential challenges such as absurdity, self-doubt, redirection, freedom of choice, and decision-making. These thematic elements, when examined through the lens of existential philosophy, contribute to tipping the delicate balance of life towards perseverance and purpose. While existential philosophy often conveys a sense of quietism and pessimism; this research aims to demonstrate the optimistic tendencies of individuals to take control of their lives and understand the consequences of their decisions, drawing insights from Coelho’s protagonists.Item Female bildungsroman(UMT Lahore, 2024) Minahil LuqmanThis study undertakes a rigorous examination of principal characters of To Kill a Mockingbird’s Scout and where the crawdads sing Kya’s development from their youthful innocence to self-discovery and independence, through the critical lens of Female Bildungsroman. Labovitz's paradigm-shifting insights redefine the female Bildungsroman as a mythic quest, transcending societal expectations on a journey toward self-discovery and independence. In To Kill a Mockingbird, Scout Finch's odyssey through the racially charged landscape of Northern American society becomes a microcosm of societal complexities, challenging normative ideals and fostering emotional resilience. Concurrently, Felski's perspectives navigate the gendered struggles faced by female protagonists. In Where the Crawdads Sing, Kya Clark's narrative unfolds against a backdrop of isolation and societal neglect, emphasizing her resilience and quest for intellectual growth. The convergence of Labovitz's and Felski's frameworks not only enhances our comprehension of female coming- of-age narratives but also establishes them as pivotal and irreplaceable additions to the tapestry of literary excellence. Both novels emerge as poignant reflections on the intricacies of human existence, urging readers to contemplate the threads woven into the fabric of societal complexities. This research, grounded in primary texts and anchored in philosophical underpinnings, establishes a scholarly exploration of female Bildungsroman narratives. These narratives, far from being confined to the realm of storytelling, serve as mirrors reflecting societal norms, injustices, and triumphs. By challenging established literary paradigms and delving into the profound significance of these novels, the study contributes to the broader fields of literature, cultural studies, and feminist discourse. This scholarly exploration serves as a transcendent sojourn into the intricate dimensions of human existence, societal expectations, and the transformative alchemy of literature. Through the discerning lenses of Labovitz and Felski, we not only navigate the rich landscapes of literary narratives but embark on a profound pilgrimage through the topography of our own souls unearthing x resonances, fountains of inspiration, and a profound illumination of the intricacies defining the human condition.Item Linguistic realization of rhetorical strategies in zulfikar ali bhutto and imran khan's political speeches(UMT Lahore, 2024) MUHAMMAD REHANThis research explores the rhetorical strategies and linguistic patterns employed by two of Pakistan's most influential political figures, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Imran Khan, in their speeches. Through a qualitative analysis of their oratory, this study aims to uncover how these leaders strategically frame their messages to resonate with diverse audiences and mobilize support across different socio-political contexts. The research draws on speech analysis and provides a multi faceted understanding of the effectiveness of their rhetorical techniques. Three key themes are identified and analyzed: national identity and sovereignty, emotional appeals and metaphorical language, and strategic audience targeting. Bhutto’s speeches are noted for their historical references and nationalist rhetoric, often framing Pakistan’s struggles within a broader narrative of self-determination and sovereignty. Khan, on the other hand, leverages emotional language and fear appeals, particularly in the context of the Kashmir issue, to galvanize both domestic and international support. The findings reveal that while both leaders employ similar rhetorical strategies, their approaches are tailored to their respective historical and political contexts, influencing how their messages are perceived and acted upon by their audiences. This research contributes to the understanding of political communication in South Asia, highlighting the enduring impact of rhetorical strategies in shaping public opinion and political outcomes. The study also underscores the importance of culturally and contextually appropriate messaging in political discourse.Item Investigating the impact of gamification on teaching english vocabulary to undergraduate students in lahore(UMT Lahore, 2024) Noor Ul AinThis thesis examines how gamification affects English vocabulary training for undergraduate students in Lahore. Gamification, or the integration of gaming elements into non-gaming environments, has gained popularity as a practical method to boost student engagement and motivation in a range of educational contexts. By offering opportunities for active engagement and immersion, gamification produces an exciting and engaging learning environment when applied to the study of languages. An experimental group that was exposed to gamification was compared to a control group that received instruction via traditional methods in the study's mixed method, including quasi-experimental design. The objectives of this study are to evaluate students' performance in vocabulary acquisition as well as to ascertain the impact of gamification on vocabulary learning, retention, and overall language proficiency. The Dual Code Learning Theory is also used in the study, along with taking cultural considerations into account, to further explain how gamification impacts language learning outcomes. Teachers’ feedback, results from the pre- and post-tests, and demographic information were all employed in the data collection procedure. Both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were used to analyze the data. The results demonstrate that the experimental group demonstrated higher levels of vocabulary development when compared to the control group. The gamified approach also enhanced vocabulary learning and retention, enhancing the students' overall language proficiency. The study's theoretical conclusions confirm that utilizing games (i.e., Scrabble, Word Bingo, Word Jumble, Vocabulary Charades and Vocabulary Memory) to learn a foreign language is effective and are consistent with active learning theories. It also emphasizes the importance of developing gamified learning settings that are accepting of diverse cultures as well as the requirement for motivation and involvement in language learning. The research suggests practically integrating gamification with language education methodologies in order to produce distinctive and fascinating learning vii experiences. The thesis concludes with recommendations for the direction that the field of gamification might take going forward, particularly in terms of researching its long-term impacts, contrasting and comparing various gamification techniques, and examining its effectiveness across a spectrum of language skill levels. The study also recommends incorporating multimodal learning, accounting for cultural aspects, and looking into gamification for specific vocabulary domains and other language skills. The results of this study will be very instructive for language learning educators and policymakers who are looking for fresh approaches to enhance their students' vocabulary acquisition and language skills at the undergraduate level.Item A gender based studyof lexical choices on facebook through social identity theory(UMT Lahore, 2025) Aeman HidayatThis study aims to scrutinize gender based linguistic choice on social media through social identity theory. The data are collected through mixed method approach that is qualitative and quantitative. Qualitative method, including ‘content analysis’ (Posts and comments from the profiles of Facebook were selected) and for quantitative method SPSS used (To find trends and correlations between gender, identity performance, and social media use, statistical analysis will be carried out). The sample population comprises young and old people (i-e. 25-55 years). The source of data collection is Facebook posts, comments and profiles i.e., 400. Using Social Identity Theory, the current research aims to provide insight into how individuals create and display their gender identities on the internet. This study intends to reveal the complex ways in which gender influences linguistic behavior online by a thorough investigation of linguistic aspects such as word choice, tone, and discourse patterns. Through the application of Social Identity Theory, the study aims to clarify how people deliberately match language in the online environment to social identities and gender norms. The findings have shown that women's communication values relationships with others, expresses emotions, and shows concern for the well-being of others. Men and women prefer to communicate more separately and task-oriented, and that women tend to speak more interpersonally. The results of this study shed insight on how social identity shapes linguistic patterns on social media platforms like Facebook, which advances our understanding of the relationship between gender, language, and digital communication. Moreover, it offers insightful viewpoints on how social identity shapes online communication, which improves our understanding of the complex dynamics that exist within online communities.Item Intergenerational trauma in elif shafak’s honor and the bastard of istanbul(UMT Lahore, 2025) Iqra SaleemThis dissertation aims to investigate the pathways that lead to the cyclic patterns of trauma across generations through a detailed analysis of Elif Shafak’s works The Bastard of Istanbul (2006) and Honor (2012). Using John Bowlby’s Attachment Theory - a developmental psychology approach, this study explores the deep-rooted connection between primary attachment relationships and intergenerational transmission of trauma. The selected works present intricately woven plots based on multigenerational accounts of complex characters that are exposed to varying forms and degrees of trauma induced by abuse, neglect, loss and separation such as child abuse, domestic violence, incest, rape, matricide and genocide. This study is particularly focused on the insecure attachment relationships between Shafak’s characters that play an integral role in the replication of the patterns of trauma from one generation to another. Based on the rationale provided by the Attachment Theory, this research enunciates that the remnants of a trauma experienced by a character are carried forward into the next generation through a triangular interplay between insecure attachment relationships, childhood trauma and maladaptive behaviours. These three highly interdependent variables, if remain uninterrupted, are observed to collectively create a highly effective channel for the continuation of the cycle of intergenerational trauma. The study adopts a dyadic approach towards Shafak’s characters to shed light on the negative implications of trauma in the context of insecure primary attachment relationships, particularly within parent-child dyads.