Lexico-semantic variations in a Pakistani English Newspaper Corpus

Pakistani English is recognized as a distinct linguistic variant, yet it remains comparatively understudied in relation to other English variations. This study delves into the linguistic variations evident in Pakistani English as manifested in newspaper discourse, with a specific emphasis on the impact of cultural and social norms. The investigation explores the incorporation of indigenous and innovative forms of New English, tailored to facilitate everyday tasks and capture attention. The theoretical framework, situated within the socio-cultural context of Pakistan, draws on, Schneider Dynamic Model, Moag's model of New Englishes and Kachru's Model of Nativisation and Acculturation, particularly in reference to the Kachru’s Outer Circle Model and its role in institutionalizing Second Varieties of English. The examination of lexical items reveals that Pakistani English draws from its source, Standard British English, exemplified by terms such as "Shadi hall" and "Jihadi outfits." These lexical categories manifest in coinages, borrowings, idiomatic collocations, and semantic shifts. The study compiles a purposive corpus of 6 million words from the websites of three major Pakistani English Newspapers, namely, DAWN, The Nation, and The News. Utilizing the corpus software tool Antconc 3.5.8w, the analysis identifies key terms and discerns the nuances of linguistic stances. The study's findings underscore the emergence of a New English variety within Pakistani English Newspapers, featuring adapted lexemes contextualized within the local sociolinguistic milieu. A significant revelation is the infusion of Islamic, historical, and social cultural elements into New English lexemes, showcasing a blending of Arabic, Urdu, Punjabi, and English vocabulary. The lexico-semantic variations presented in the study are deemed suitable for the linguistic and cultural landscape of Pakistan, warranting inclusion in Pakistani English books and dictionaries. Moreover, the study contributes to the expansion of societal educational and communicational practices while upholding endonormative standards