REDUPLICATION IN PAKISTANI ENGLISH: OPTIMALITY APPROACH

Abstract

This research paper explores the phenomenon of reduplication in Pakistani English through the lens of Optimality Theory (OT). Reduplication, a common linguistic process where a word or part of a word is repeated, serves various semantic and pragmatic functions across languages. In the context of Pakistani English, reduplication manifests uniquely due to the influence of indigenous languages and cultural norms. This study aims to identify the patterns and functions of reduplication in Pakistani English and to analyze them using the constraints and rankings framework of OT. By examining a corpus of spoken and written Pakistani English, the research identifies prevalent reduplicative forms and their communicative purposes. The analysis reveals how speakers navigate conflicting linguistic constraints to produce acceptable and meaningful reduplicative constructions. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the interaction between local linguistic practices and global English norms, highlighting the dynamic nature of language contact and variation. This paper also underscores the relevance of OT in explaining the adaptability and creativity inherent in language use, offering insights into the broader implications for sociolinguistic studies and English language teaching in multilingual settings.