Analyzing Address Forms in Pakistani Serial: A Gender Based Study

Abstract

Language is sensitized to social variables and ancillary linguistic choices in particular gender. The gender-based ways of using address forms can be found in various aspects such as the use of names or titles etc. This research aims to navigate the similarities and differences that exist between males and females in terms of address. The data consists of some dialogues taken from one Pakistani serial. A mixed-method approach was used for data analysis. First data was analyzed quantitatively then qualitatively. The outcomes of the research reveal that the male gender uses more title address forms while the female gender uses kinship terms most while choosing address terms. But on the other hand, both genders are conscious about context i.e. choices of address form vary according to the context. Overall it is concluded that both genders used a variety of address forms the use of titles as address terms is seen more by males as compared to females. While analyzing female gender choices of address forms it is seen that they use kinship terms more as compared to male. This study will be helpful for students to analyze the choices of address forms based on other social variables and parameters. This study contributes to our understanding of how language, gender, and society intersect in popular culture by shedding light on the sociolinguistic patterns found in Pakistani serials.