Analyzing the Impact of English Dominance on Urdu Language Pedagogy in Pakistani Universities

Abstract

The research aims to investigate the absence of Urdu linguistic identity in Pakistani universities at BS level. For this study the research objectives were; to investigate the causes behind the losing identity of the Urdu language and identify the key elements contributing to this phenomenon, to examine the underlying causes of societal confusion, to investigate the impact of English language interruption into Urdu, to determine the language preference in educational settings among individuals, to assess whether there is a difference in the use of Urdu and English languages between private and public institutions. Pakistan is a country with a rich linguistic heritage where Urdu serves as the national language. English, recognized for its global significance, has increasingly become a preferred medium of instruction in higher education. This trend raises concerns about the potential sidelining of Urdu, not just as a language of instruction but also in terms of its cultural significance and identity within Pakistan. The study used a quantitative research method. The research design was employed cross-sectional study. The findings of this research demonstrate that language plays a significant role in expressing an individual's personal or social identity, serving as a distinct characteristic for identifying individuals. Furthermore, it has been investigated that the English language is exerting an influence on Pakistani languages. Upon acquiring proficiency in the English language, an individual's view of their own ability, conversational style, and value systems may experience certain alterations. The English Language has given rise to the problem of code-mixing in the everyday communication of the public in Pakistan due to the strong emphasis placed on social status and the need to present oneself as educated.