PAKISTANI ENGLISH: A GLIMPSE OF PHONETICS AND PHONOLOGICAL FEATURES

Abstract

Pakistani English is an institutionalised non-native variation of the English language that developed from contacts between English and Pakistani indigenous languages. Although, it is still closely related to the standard variety of British English, it deviates from it in multiple ways as it has developed distinct Pakistani features at all linguistic levels. However, it is best recognized by its phonetics and phonological characteristics, despite the fact that phonological variations are widespread. This study described the phonetics and phonological features of Pakistani English in relation to the standard variety of British English. The analysis is based on the researchers’ observation and intuitive understanding in the context of the findings of existing studies on Pakistani English, with data taken from published Pakistani Anglophone literature. The findings suggest that the Pakistani English’s phonetics and phonological features deviate significantly from those of Received Pronunciation, which is mostly the result of first language interference. However, the researchers recommend a more detailed examination of each and every feature of Pakistani English, such as consonants, vowels, and rhythmic patterns.

Key Words: Pakistani English; Phonetics and phonology of Pakistani English; Non-native varieties of English; Segmental features of Pakistani English; Non-segmental features of Pakistani English.