ANALYSIS OF DEIXIS IN THE SPEECHES OF PAKISTANI POLITICIANS AT UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Abstract

Deixis plays a crucial role in political discourse, particularly in speeches delivered at international forums like the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). This study investigates the types of deixis employed in the speeches of Pakistani politicians— Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, Imran Khan, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, and Shahid Khaqan Abbasi—at UNGA and examines their contextual functions. By adopting a qualitative research approach, the study categorizes deixis into person, spatial, temporal, discourse, and social deixis, as outlined in Levinson’s (1983) framework. The analysis explores how these deictic expressions serve rhetorical, persuasive, and ideological functions in the selected speeches, shaping the audience’s perception of Pakistan’s political stance and global positioning. Additionally, the study investigates how deixis contributes to the construction of national identity, diplomatic relations, and power dynamics within international discourse.

The findings reveal that deixis is strategically employed to establish solidarity, emphasize political commitments, and frame key global issues in alignment with Pakistan’s interests. The study also highlights how shifts in deictic expressions reflect changes in political narratives, leadership styles, and diplomatic priorities over time. By examining the pragmatic implications of deixis, this research provides a nuanced understanding of how language influences international diplomacy and political persuasion. The study’s findings contribute to the broader field of pragmatics and discourse analysis, offering valuable insights for scholars of political communication and linguistic pragmatics. This research underscores the significance of deictic expressions in shaping global perceptions and advancing diplomatic agendas through language.