DIGITAL BILINGUALISM: ANGLICISM IN PAKISTANI SOCIAL MEDIA DISCOURSE

Abstract

The study examines the effects of Anglicism on Pakistani language and cultural aspects, the challenges brought on by overuse of English in regional online forums, and the language's future in Pakistan.  Resonating with the mixed method design, the research employed survey method to collect quantitative data from the respondents, and textual data from social media platforms (e.g. Facebook, Instagram, X) for qualitative analysis. The findings reveal that Anglicism has overshadowed online communication of Pakistani social media users for diverse reasons. Some believe it saves their time in interaction. Some showcase their intelligence by using Anglophonic expression in L1. However, participants have also highlighted the disadvantages of Anglicism: they believe that it dissociates them from their own culture and language community, thereby debilitating their cultural identity. Also, overuse of Anglicism becomes a challenge after a certain age. This study indicates that language goes beyond just words. It impacts emotions, minds and groups in society. How we use language today will mold the culture we will have tomorrow. Blending them influences how communication happens in Pakistan. In fact, local languages help maintain the traditions of a culture. Though avoidance of Anglicism may be an impractical desire, efforts may be made to retain linguacultural identity of the indigenous languages.