INVESTIGATING THE URDU LANGUAGE ATTRITION BY ESL LEARNERS IN PAKISTAN: A SOCIOLINGUISTIC STUDY

Abstract

The current study aims to examine the linguistic preferences for English language and behavior of the two generations to ascertain the extent of language shift. For this purpose, a mixed method approach was followed and data was collected through a questionnaire which was given to 120 participants i.e. 60 females, 30 representing from each generation, and 60 males, representing Gen Y and Gen Z living in two cities of the Punjab i.e. Khushab and Sargodha. Additionally, in-depth interviews from 20 participants the adult generation were conducted and observation of casual conversations were employed to analyze social and psychological factors accountable for the attrition. The study focused on what factors contribute to Urdu language attrition among ESL learners in Pakistan? And differences found in the rate of Urdu language attrition between Gen Y and Gen Z of ESL leaners in Pakistan. In order to investigate these questions, the study used the theory of The Sociolinguistics of Globalization (Blommaert, 2010).  The findings and the results of the study will be beneficial in providing insights into how and why Urdu language is lost among ESL learners.  Overall, the study will play a crucial role in revitalizing and sustaining the Urdu language in changing the linguistic landscape.