EXPLORING THE LINGUISTIC DIMENSIONS OF PEPA LAW IN PAKISTAN: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT DISCOURSE

Abstract

The analysis of linguistic dimensions in legal framework holds significant importance but has relatively received little attention.  There are some studies which acknowledge the importance of language in the socio-economic contexts but the influence of language within legal texts such as Pakistan Environmental Protection Act (PEPA) are not specifically addressed. This research aims to fill this gap by analyzing the PEPA law using the Fairclough’s three-dimensional model. The research intends to explore the role of language towards promoting environmental sustainability. This research study follows the qualitative analysis to analyze the PEPA law using Fairclough’s model of Critical Discourse Analysis. Official document of PEPA was used for the analysis and a three-layer examination was performed comprising of textual analysis, processing analysis and social analysis. This research uncovers the underlying structures and ideologies so that they can be better understood for the interpretation of these environmental laws. The findings highlight the discursive strategies and linguistic structures that influence the success of the PEPA law. It also studies the power relations existing between different stakeholders involved in promoting environmental sustainability. By using the CDA, the study shows what improvements can be made to strengthen the communication and coordination between the actors which are responsible for the environmental protection in Pakistan.