Urduization as Translanguaging: Identity Construction in Dur-e-Aziz Amna’s English Narratives

Komal Ishtiaq

doi:10.5281/zenodo.17996157

Authors

Komal Ishtiaq Department of English, National University of Modern Languages, Karachi, Pakistan Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17996157

Abstract

This study examines the presence of Urduized vocabulary in the autobiographical writings of contemporary author Dur-e-Aziz Amna. English has undergone significant evolution within Pakistan's multilingual environment and continues to develop, particularly in terms of how it is interpreted and adapted. Both literary and non-literary writers are contributing to the process of decoding Pakistani English. Likewise, modern authors, whether based in Pakistan or abroad, are actively engaging with this linguistic transformation. To explore this phenomenon, the study analyzes fifteen autobiographical texts along with interviews of the author. Employing a qualitative approach, the research relies on document analysis. The lexical items observed include borrowings, affixations, compound forms, language blends, and other creative innovations. Amna’s use of diverse vocabulary serves multiple purposes, such as reinforcing cultural connections, preserving authenticity, and creating intertextual layers. The findings highlight how contemporary diasporic authors enrich the evolving lexicon of Pakistani English, suggesting broader implications for understanding identity construction, language innovation, and the expanding boundaries of World Englishes.

Keywords:

Autobiographical pieces, Desi-ism, Lexical variation, Urduized terms

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