FOREGROUNDING THROUGH SEMANTIC DEVIATION IN PAKISTANI FICTION IN ENGLISH: A STYLISTIC STUDY OF METAPHORICAL DISCOURSE

Abstract

This study examines how metaphor functions stylistically in Pakistani fiction in English through the concept of foregrounding, particularly semantic deviation.The study argues that semantic deviation acts as an important foregrounding device that intensifies ideological meaning.The research employs a qualitative stylistic textual analysis of metaphorical expressions taken from selected Pakistani novels in English.The study primarily applies Leech’s (1969) theory of foregrounding and semantic deviation, supported by ideas of defamiliarization (Shklovsky), aesthetic function (Mukařovský), conceptual metaphor (Lakoff & Johnson), and ideological stylistics (Simpson).The findings show that different forms of semantic deviation are widely used to foreground themes such as identity, political conflict, and national trauma.The novelty of the study lies in applying the concept of semantic deviation in foregrounding theory to the analysis of metaphor in Pakistani fiction in English.The study contributes to stylistics and postcolonial literary studies by demonstrating that metaphor in Pakistani fiction functions as a key tool for expressing deeper social and ideological meanings.