Mapping Segmental Variations in Pakistani English: A Sociophonetic Study

Authors

  • Hafiz Ahmad Bilal Higher Education Department Punjab
  • Rabia Faiz Department of English University of Sargodha
  • Ijaz Asghar Department of Linguistics and Language Studies University of Sargodha
  • Shahid Abbas Department of English University of Sargodha

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17576/3L-2025-3102-14

Abstract

English serves as a de facto official language, coexisting with indigenous languages like Urdu, Punjabi, and Pushto, and this linguistic environment has led to unique phonetic adaptations in Pakistani English. The study specifically explores pronunciation patterns influenced by these indigenous languages, focusing on phoneme borrowing, sound assimilation, retroflex articulations, and the substitution of interdental sounds with dental ones. The objective of this study is to examine the segmental phonological characteristics of Pakistani English, a distinctive non-native English variety shaped by the multilingual landscape of the country. The data, collected from BS English students at the University of Sargodha, grouped into three, based on their native languages, i.e., Urdu, Punjabi, and Pushto, highlights phonetic tendencies particular to each language background, reflecting both linguistic and socio-cultural factors. Findings indicate how Pakistani English incorporates local language traits, establishing a unique identity in the backdrop of World Englishes. The study, using a descriptive-analytical approach, not only contributes to the understanding of the phonology of Pakistani English but also suggests implications for English language teaching in Pakistan and calls for further research into South Asian Englishes. Keywords: Pakistani English; phoneme borrowing; phonological landscape; phonetic adaptations

Author Biographies

Hafiz Ahmad Bilal, Higher Education Department Punjab

Hafiz Ahmad Bilal is a distinguished scholar and Professor of English, currently serving in the Higher Education Department, Pakistan. His academic interests lie primarily in Acoustic Phonetics, World Englishes, and Critical Discourse Analysis.He has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and has presented his research at several prestigious global forums, including IAWE 2011 (Melbourne), UPALS 2013 (Malaysia), ASFLA 2014 (Sydney), and IAWE 2025 (Germany). His expertise has earned him a place on the reviewers' panel of the Cogent Journals (published by Taylor & Francis), and he has served on the scientific committees of major academic conferences such as ASCILITE 2024 (Australia) and ICLL (Austria).Renowned for his methodological precision and his scholarly engagement with the linguistic identity of Pakistani English, Professor Bilal continues to inspire students and researchers alike through his academic leadership, research contributions, and international presence.

Rabia Faiz, Department of English University of Sargodha

Ms. Rabia Faiz is an accomplished scholar and Assistant Professor in the Department of English at the University of Sargodha, Punjab, Pakistan. Ms. Faiz's academic interests encompass both Linguistics and Literature, with a particular focus on postcolonial theory, discourse analysis, and language teaching. She has contributed significantly to these fields through her research, with numerous publications in reputable academic journals. Notably, her work includes studies on the linguistic landscape in Pakistan, the integration of AI tools like ChatGPT in EFL learning, and analyses of gender identity in multilingual contexts .Beyond her research, Ms. Faiz is actively involved in academic conferences, both as a participant and an organizer. She has represented the University of Sargodha at several national and international academic forums, including her nomination for a short course in China. She has played a pivotal role in organizing international conference at University of Sargodha, as a focal person demonstrating her commitment to fostering academic discourse and collaboration. 

Ijaz Asghar, Department of Linguistics and Language Studies University of Sargodha

Prof. Dr. Ijaz Asghar is a seasoned academic and Professor of English at the University of Sargodha, Pakistan. He currently serves as the Chairperson of the Department of Linguistics and Language Studies and holds the position of Director of External Linkages at the university.His research interests encompass applied linguistics, text analysis, and language teaching. He has contributed to the academic community through various publications, including studies on genre analysis, multimodal discourse, and the integration of AI tools like ChatGPT in language education.In his role as Director of External Linkages, Dr. Asghar has been instrumental in fostering international collaborations, during his visits to China and New Zealand. His efforts have significantly enhanced the university's global academic partnerships.

Shahid Abbas, Department of English University of Sargodha

Dr. Shahid Abbas is an Associate Professor in the Department of English at the University of Sargodha, Pakistan. He earned his Ph.D. from the International Islamic University, Islamabad. His academic interests encompass modern drama, pragmatics, discourse analysis, and the interplay between postmodernism and Islam .Dr. Abbas has contributed to the field through various research publications. His commitment to academic excellence is further demonstrated by his participation in the International Research Support Initiative Program (IRSIP) at the University of Colorado at Boulder, USA . 

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Published

2025-06-25

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Vol. 31 No. 2 (2025): June 2025

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