Code Switching and Code Mixing in Pakistani Primetime Television Shows

Authors

  • Uswa Aslam University of Management and Technology, Sialkot, Punjab, Pakistan.
  • Maryam Dilawar University of Management and Technology, Sialkot, Punjab, Pakistan.
  • Muhammad Nadeem Anwar University of Management and Technology, Sialkot, Punjab, Pakistan. nadeem.anwar@skt.umt.edu.pk

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70670/sra.v4i1.1927

Abstract

This study investigates code-switching (CS) and code-mixing (CM) in the Pakistani prime-time television (TV) shows. The research seeks to uncover the circumstances and motivations behind these linguistic phenomena, as well as to examine their social, cultural, and communicative functions. The design of this study was qualitative in nature. A purposive sampling technique was used to collect data from YouTube. Three shows selected for the study were: ARY News’ Hoshyarian Eid Special by Haroon Rafiq, Geo News’ Hasna Mana Hai by Tabish Hashmi, and SAMAA News’ Gup Shab with Vasay Chaudhry. The study identified patterns and sociolinguistic impact of code switching and code mixing in Pakistani prime-time TV shows. It identifies that code alternation serves purposes like humor, audience engagement, and identity signaling, with English symbolizing modernity and socioeconomic status, while Urdu remains the dominant language.

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Published

30-03-2026

How to Cite

Uswa Aslam, Maryam Dilawar, & Muhammad Nadeem Anwar. (2026). Code Switching and Code Mixing in Pakistani Primetime Television Shows. Social Science Review Archives, 4(1), 3621–3630. https://doi.org/10.70670/sra.v4i1.1927

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 1 (2026): Social Science Review Archives (January-March)

Section

Articles