The Role Of Urdu-English Code-Switching In Mitigating Disagreement: A Content Analysis Of Pakistani Political Talk Shows

Abstract

Code-switching between Urdu and English has emerged as a usual aspect of media discourse in Pakistan most notably in political talk shows. This research examines how such bilingual language use fulfills particular discourse functions with a focus on disagreement mitigation. The present study uses a qualitative content analysis method within an applied linguistic framework. Data were gathered from two political talk shows namely Jirga (Geo News) and 11th Hour (ARY News). The shows[1] were transcribed and coded manually with MAXQDA software under the guidance of Translanguaging Theory and Markedness Model. It was noted through the in-depth thematic coding that speakers switch Urdu to English deliberately. Urdu was frequently used to convey emotional connection and cultural affiliation whereas English was employed to convey authority and credibility. The analysis showed that disagreement was mitigated with polite contradiction and euphemism. These results underscore the context-sensitive and strategic use of bilingual language choices in political speech. The research provides important implications for applied linguists and discourse analysts particularly those with an interest in bilingual communication media language and the interplay between language and power in public discourse.