Code-Switching and Humor in Pakistani Comedy: A Sociolinguistic Perspective

Authors

  • Babar Riaz PhD Scholar at Department of English, University of Gujrat, Hafiz Hayat Campus, Gujrat, Pakistan.
  • Musarat Yasmin Associate Professor at Department of English, University of Gujrat, Hafiz Hayat Campus, Gujrat, Pakistan
  • Wania Gul PhD Scholar at Department of English, University of Sargodha, Pakistan

Abstract

There are many Pakistani shows that use different ways for the construction of humor. Then there are few shows who use the phenomenon of code switching as a strategy for the construction of humor. The aim of this research is to look at how code switching in these Pakistani shows contributes to humor while reflecting the sociolinguistics dynamic of the society. In order to find out that how humor is created through code switching. The data is collected from 15 programs of 3 different Pakistani comedy TV shows, i.e. Khabarnak, Mazakraat and Hasbehaal from Youtube. Each program is of 30 minutes respectively. General theory of verbal humor is utilized by the research as a theoretical framework. The findings of the research show that Pakistani comedy show use code switching in order to enhance humor, deliver satire and class distinction. Furthermore, this study underscores the broader implications of code-switching in reflecting and shaping societal norms, attitudes and identities, thereby enriching the discourse on language practices in the domain of popular culture.

Keywords: Humor, Code Switching, Comedy Shows, GTVH, Jab Lines, Punch lines

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Published

2025-06-29

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 2 (2025): Liberal Journal of Language & Literature Review

Section

Articles