Unveiling Pakistani English: A Linguistic and Cultural Odyssey of Features, Evolution, and Distinctiveness

Abstract

Pakistani English, recognized as a unique non-native, emerging, and indigenous variety of English, has evolved into an independent norm-dependent, and institutionalized language form. Diverging from Standard British English, it exhibits distinctive features in morphology, syntax, lexis, grammar, and phonology, shaped by socio-cultural, religious, and regional influences, contributing to its singular linguistic and cultural identity. Utilized across various domains, including education, commerce, and science and technology, Pakistani English plays a pivotal role within the Pakistani context. This comprehensive study sheds light on Pakistani English, encompassing its historical development, and conducting an in-depth exploration of its linguistic characteristics, namely lexical, morphological, syntactic, and phonological features. Additionally, it meticulously delineates the distinctions between Pakistani English and Standard British English. The research adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative analysis of linguistic data with ethnographic insights, providing a holistic understanding of Pakistani English's intricate interplay between language and culture. The study underscores the significance of these findings in advancing the fields of linguistic and cultural studies, offering valuable insights into the complex dynamics of language evolution and its profound impact on cultural identity and communication in the contemporary world.