Investigating Semantic Differences in Lexical Borrowing in Pakistani English

Abstract

The present study aimed to explore the semantic shift in lexical borrowing in Pakistani English from Standard British English and indigenous languages of Pakistan such as Urdu, Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashto Balochi, etc. The study was qualitative and exploratory. For exploration, the data was collected from several Pakistani English newspapers, magazines, fiction, books, studies in the field, and general conversations. The findings of the study revealed that there were more instances of lexical borrowing in Pakistani English from Standard British English where a shift in meanings and grammatical category was noticed. In comparison to this, there were fewer instances of borrowing from indigenous languages such as Urdu and Punjabi where a difference in meaning and grammatical categories was observed. In addition to this, the findings suggested that no significant instances of lexical borrowing from other indigenous languages such as Sindhi, Pashto, or Balochi had been found. Based on its results and findings, the present study suggests further exploration of Pakistani English and the impact of indigenous languages on its growth and development. Further, the study recommends the standardization of Pakistani English as it has been proved through several studies that it has the capability of providing its norms and features which are unique from native varieties, and considers Pakistani English a distinct variety.