EXPLORING LINGUISTIC LANDSCAPE OF LAHORE: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF REGIONAL LANGUAGE USAGE IN ANARKALI AND DEFENCE AREAS OF LAHORE

Abstract

The paper presents a comparative analysis of two socioeconomically diverse regions in Lahore: Anarkali Bazaar, a middle-class commercial trading area, and Defence (DHA), a premium urban locality. The study relies on the use of languages, script, and visual representation in open signs to explain how the open signs express the difference in social and cultural and class disparities within a single city. A total of one hundred and forty images of the community signs were initially photographed in both places, out of which ten images (five from each area) were selected to undergo a detailed analysis. This paper dwells upon the linguistic and visual features of signage, comparing the use of the language, the nature of script, and the design materials that give an expression of identity and meaning. The results demonstrate that there is a huge difference between the two locations. English is predominantly used in DHA as the language of prestige, which is a symbol of high social status, professionalism, and global perspective. The layout of signage in this region is usually sparse in its visual designs, color palette and designs are aesthetically elegant. Conversely, Anarkali Bazaar is very culturally and locally oriented, as the major communicative language used there is Urdu. The color schemes of the signage used in this market are bright and rich, the visual layouts are thick, and the use of multilingual features reflects the traditional and locally based practices of communication. Moreover, the practical use of English is also different in the two regions. English is used as a primary communicative and aesthetic language in DHA and serves as a trendy shop and brand name most of the time in Anarkali, but not as a daily means of communication. Generally, the research points to the linguistic and visual stratification of the urban areas in Lahore, which portrays how the language in the public signs marks social class, the cultural identity of the people, and globalization in urban areas.