A COMPARATIVE CORPUS-BASED AND MULTIMODAL ANALYSIS OF PAKISTANI AND INDIAN MILITARY BRIEFINGS IN THE 2025 CONFLICT

Abstract

This research examines the linguistic, rhetorical, and multimodal methods utilized by Indian and Pakistani soldiers in their operational briefings during the 2025 battle. This study employs a qualitative corpus-based methodology, enhanced by Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) and Multimodal Discourse Analysis (MDA), to examine official military briefings, press releases, and audiovisual materials, revealing how each faction constructed national identity, rationalized military actions, and influenced public opinion. The findings indicate that Pakistan employed emotive appeals, assertive language, Islamic religious rhetoric, and a victim narrative to justify its actions and foster unity. Conversely, India exhibited superior technological advancement, responsibility, and legality through the utilization of technical terminology, a composed demeanor, and Hindu cultural symbols. Maps, satellite imagery, films, uniforms, and body language were among the various media employed by both forces to reinforce their assertions, persuade the audience, and enhance the credibility of their narratives. Both parties exhibited significant negative external representation, affirmative self-representation, and terrorism as a central ideological framework, notwithstanding considerable differences. The study's findings indicate that these communication strategies were crucial for sustaining public support during the conflict, shaping public opinion, and constructing national identity.