A STUDY OF CODE-SWITCHING IN TARIQ RAHMAN’S “DEAF, DARK, WALLS” THROUGH FOREGROUNDING

Abstract

This study aims to explore and analyze the hidden meanings that are suggested by the stylistic choices that are used as code-switching in the short story “Deaf, Dark, Walls” by Tariq Rahman. This research is conducted qualitatively. The code-switched words implied various societal issues and themes, particularly in the context of Pakistan. The study concluded that the code-switched words in the short story “Deaf, Dark, Walls” by Tariq Rahman suggested different meanings that depicted Pakistani society and its various aspects, such as giving priority to money, invocation to God, unity, protection, human aggressive nature, stubbornness, interference in the affairs of other people, going against the traditions, and father as the responsible person of the house. Moreover, other levels of the theory of foregrounding are recommended to be applied to the short story of Tariq Rahman's “Deaf, Dark, Walls.”