TENDENCY OF LANGUAGE SHIFT IN PAKISTANI STUDENTS

Abstract

This study explores the tendency of Language shift in Pakistani college going students. Regardless of the fact that Urdu, being the national language of Pakistan, the students have a tendency to use as many English words in their conversation as possible. There is a recurring code switching in their daily conversation. It is observed that they do not consider improving Urdu vocabulary rather English lexical items. Even they think that English code switching strengthens their conversation. The researchers in this Qualitative study have probed a tendency of language shift among the students due to code switching. 45 students of HSSC level belonging to three colleges in Lahore participated in this study. The constructive qualitative research paradigm is applied in the study. A semi-structured interview has been used to collect data. The analysis of data shows a rapid use of code switching among the participants which may cause a language shift in the near future in Pakistan. The study provides suggestions to make the present situation better.