Abstract

This sociolinguistic study strives to bring to light the linguistic changes that seem to have occurred over a few decades in the Punjabi lexicon in Pakistan. The researchers have adopted two research strategies for underlining the assumed changes. This study has tried to get insight into the diminishing features of Punjabi lexicon by juxtaposing the current Punjabi lexicon with the lexicon used in the old Punjabi movies and songs. This has involved gleaning lexical items which are no longer used in the current public discourses from the old and famous Punjabi movies (Heer & MirzaSahiba) and their songs. To further substantiate the findings of the study, the researchers got a questionnaire filled by 110 educated Punjabi speakers who aged 40-50. In the questionnaire, the respondents were asked about their opinion regarding the perceived changes in Punjabi lexicon of public discourses that have occurred over the past few decades. The findings of the study reveal that there have occurred noticeable changes due to social, educational, industrial and technological advancement, and particularly the spread of electronic media in the Punjabi community in Pakistan.

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