A COGNITIVE-PRAGMATIC ANALYSIS OF THE EROSION OF MERITOCRACY IN PAKISTANI MEDIA COVERAGE OF SPSC- CCE-2024

Abstract

This article reports the findings of a study that analysed the cognitive and pragmatic attributes of the concept of “The Erosion of Meritocracy” as shown in Pakistani media discourse.  The authors assert that media discourse analysis should include extralinguistic features, including cognitive and pragmatic concerns.  This study employed cognitive linguistics techniques to examine the language utilized by media and journalists, concurrently addressing the pragmatics of the conceptualization process.  The authors have examined corruption associated with media texts and evaluated their cognitive and pragmatic attributes.  The media functions as a conduit for disseminating information and material to the public.  The term “media” includes several communication channels, each possessing distinct value and impact on individuals’ lives.  Media has become profoundly embedded in the consciousness and emotions of individuals in contemporary society.  The study examines the linguistic tactics utilized to represent the notion of “The Erosion of Meritocracy” in Pakistani media discourse.  The authors analyse the linguistic techniques used to illustrate cognitive frameworks related to the notion of “The Erosion of Meritocracy.”  The research material comprised media texts published on the websites of Pakistani mass media outlets, including Daily Dawn and The Express Tribune.  The research included discourse analysis, semiotic analysis, and lexical definition methods.  The study’s findings reveal that the Pakistani media have addressed concerns of favouritism, nepotism, and the erosion of meritocracy.  Moreover, the Pakistani media use language techniques to articulate cognitive frameworks of situations.