Multilingualism and Gender Roles: A Sociolinguistics Study in Bilingual Pakistani Households

Abstract

This research investigates how multilingualism intersects with gender roles in bilingual households in Pakistan. Grounded in sociolinguistic and gender theories, the study explores how men and women use language differently in domestic settings, particularly through patterns of code-switching and discourse. The findings suggest that language use within families is deeply tied to social roles, men's speech often reflects authority and engagement in public domains, whereas women’s language emphasizes politeness, caregiving, and the preservation of cultural traditions. Data were collected quantitatively from 70 participants across 15 families in Vehari, Punjab. The analysis reveals that language is not a neutral means of communication, but a powerful tool shaped by social hierarchies and gendered expectations. Women were found to switch between languages more frequently and rely on mother tongues in informal, intimate settings, while men primarily used Urdu or English, particularly in formal and public interactions. These patterns highlight how language can sustain or challenge traditional gender norms. By focusing on everyday language practices within homes, this study addresses a significant gap in sociolinguistic research and offers insight into how gender and language interact in culturally specific, multilingual environments.