AN ANALYSIS OF URDU-ENGLISH MARKED CODE SWITCHING IN PAKISTANI TV TALK SHOWS

Abstract

This thesis critically analyzed the forms and functions of code switching in Pakistani TV talk shows under the assumptions of Scotton’s Markedness model (1993). The study primarily examines Pakistani TV talk shows that use code-switched language. The study is qualitative and purposive in nature and implies the description of code switching based on data that contained instances of code switching. The data were analysed using the Markedness Model, which classifies code switching into four types: marked, unmarked, sequential, and exploratory. Eight TV talk shows, ranging from December 2020, are taken from the internet, transcribed and then analysed. The findings of the study revealed that Urdu-English code switching is not just a fashion in TV talk shows or a symbol of superiority, but a conscious act by anchors to achieve specific purposes: confirmation, solidarity, emphasis, being social, humour, clarity, reprimand, expression of emotions, and to emphasise.