Forms of Address in Pakistani English: A Sociolinguistic Analysis of Variation, Usage and Pragmatic Functions

Abstract

This study investigates patterns, frequency rates and pragmatic functions of address terms in the Pakistani English (PakE) i.e. a non-native variety of English. The research follows a corpus-based approach to investigate address terms used in formal and informal contexts and institutional settings through its own self-compiled PakE texts database. It applies AntConc software to reveal prevalent address terms before conducting a semantic analysis and comparing their utilization patterns against British and American English language patterns. Sociolinguistic interviews extend the research findings with cultural appropriateness analysis and pragmatic motivation data. The users of PakE incorporate address forms derived from both indigenous cultural traditions and colonial influences, thereby reflecting the multilingualism and hierarchical social structures characteristic of Pakistani society. This study develops World Englishes and pragmatics knowledge bases while generating practical learning benefits for Pakistani English language teaching practices.