LINGUISTIC PLAYFULNESS AND HUMOR: A SOCIOLINGUISTIC ANALYSIS OF CODE-SWITCHING IN THE PAKISTANI DRAMA CHAUDHARY AND SONS

Abstract

This research investigates how Code-switching is used to create humor in Pakistani drama Chaudhary and Sons. The main objective of this study is to investigate linguistic playfulness in dialogues spoken by the dominant characters in the drama. It analyzes sociolinguistic techniques used for alternation between languages to create humor. Dialogues from episodes 1 to 11 have been selected as data for this research. This research highlights that major characters use Code-switching frequently to create humor. All dialogues collected for this study provide rich content to investigate class differences, cultural hybridity and generational differences. A qualitative research approach is applied through Sociolinguistic analysis. Dialogues are transcribed with focusing on Code-switching patterns, used to create humor. Thematic analysis is employed to investigate humor and related practices. The investigation is based on Attardo’s General Theory of Verbal Humor (GTVH), which provides foundation and assistance to this study for examining the linguistic techniques and social settings to generate humor. Findings uncover that humor is created through irony and exaggeration by reflecting generational distinctions. English is inserted for comic effect, and sophistication. English-Urdu hybridity expresses relevance and comedy while Punjabi is used to create an impression of culturally grounded content. These results describe humorous code-switching as a significant sociolinguistic technique for shaping identities and supporting cultural meanings in a multilingual context.