Code-Mixing and Hybridization in Pakistan: Linguistic, Socio-Cultural and Attitudinal Perspectives

Code-mixing and language hybridization are interesting phenomena in bilingual societies that gain significance in the backdrop of globalization. In Pakistan too, they are a familiar feature of the current linguistic scenario that is clearly reflected in the media as well. This work aims at the study of language hybridization and code-mixing of English in Urdu in Pakistan. To analyze linguistic, socio-cultural and attitudinal dimensions of code mixing, the research quantitatively and qualitatively analyzes the code-mixed linguistic patterns used by the speakers in TV programmes i.e. talk shows and discussion panels. Data is sorted under three broad categories: Insertion, Hybridization and Synthesis. Various lexical/structural categories are further devised to study the processes employed, to examine the frequency of occurrence, and to investigate linguistic and social constraints involved. With the help of this linguistic data the socio-cultural and attitudinal implications of code-mixing and language hybridization are also explored. The study would help in understanding the phenomenon of code-mixing and language hybridization in Pakistan.