A CORPUS-BASED SOCIOLINGUISTIC STUDY OF GENDERED LANGUAGE IN PAKISTANI JOURNALISM: THE FEMALE PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

This study investigates gender-based lexical choices in Pakistani News Discourse (2023–2025) through Corpus-Based Sociolinguistic Studies. Newspapers in Pakistan provide linguistic spaces where gender-based identities are generated, expressed, reinforced, and challenged. A purpose-built corpus of editorials and feature articles written by female journalists is used as the foundation to uncover the reflection and reproduction of gendered language patterns which demonstrate sociocultural power relations. Both quantitative and qualitative analysis of corpus is done for keyword and collocational patterns, recurrent lexical preferences and expressions that shape gendered representation. The patterns of gendered language in the writings of female journalists have been explored through methodological framework of Corpus Assisted Sociolinguistic Studies. The corpus analysis revealed that female journalists in Pakistani English newspapers prominently use gender-related lexical items, modal verbs, and collocational patterns to construct and assert their gendered identity. Key thematic domains included gender, education, politics, media, and culture, highlighting both advocacy and empowerment. Their language reflects agency, solidarity, and social awareness, while challenging traditional gender norms and stereotypes.