“CROSSING LANGUAGE BOUNDARIES: CODE-SWITCHING TRENDS IN URDU NEWSPAPER EDITORIALS”

Abstract

The current study explores the phenomenon of code-switching within the editorials of the two Urdu newspapers, focusing on the period from July 1 to July 15, 2024. Utilizing a qualitative descriptive methodology, the research had analyzed the types of code-switching, and occurrence of core loan words particularly between Urdu and English. The findings reveal that intra-sentential code-switching is the most prevalent form in editorials in comparison to other types. The study highlights the linguistic choices made by writers and editors, shedding light on the complex interplay between language, culture, and communication in a multilingual context. the research contributes to a deeper understanding of language dynamics in Pakistani media. The implications of these findings extend to discussions on language policy, media representation, and the cultural factors influencing language use in journalistic discourse.