The Role of Honorifics in the Urdu Translation of Shakespeare’s Othello

Abstract

This study explores the elements of honorifics in the Urdu translation of Shakespeare’s play Othello, which was translated by Anayatullah Dehlvi. Honorifics are the linguistic elements that are used to show reverence, respect, and politeness. It is mostly related to social status and social hierarchies. This research aims to identify the elements of honorifics in Othello and the factors that affect their language choice, their impact on linguistic interaction, social interaction, dominance, and hierarchies in conversations. The work is framed within Levinson’s theory of politeness, which highlights the usage of honorifics in the play. In the paradigm of qualitative research, descriptive method is used to analyse the data following purposive sampling technique. The research concludes the intricate ways in which honorifics shape the language, social dynamics, and all the power structures that are depicted in the narrative of Othello