BEYOND BORDERS: A CRITICAL MEDIA DISCOURSE ANALYSIS OF POLITICAL AND MILITARY LEADERS' LANGUAGE ON INDO-PAK RELATIONS

Abstract

 This research adopts Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) as a theoretical framework to examine the discourses of political and military leaders in the context of Indo-Pak interactions. Utilizing the writings of linguists Ruth Wodak, Teun A. van Dijk, and Norman Fairclough, the study reveals the ways in which language, power, and ideology are inter-related. The analysis is guided by Fairclough's Three-Dimensional Model, which highlights the functions of text, discourse practice, and sociopolitical situation. Through an "Us vs. Them" paradigm, Van Dijk's Sociocognitive Approach investigates how cognitive processes shape language use. In particular, it looks at how social identities are constructed. The significance of context and intertextuality in revealing the historical and cultural aspects of discourse is emphasized by Wodak's Discourse-Historical Approach. Through the use of Critical Rhetoric Analysis, the study examines the ways in which military and political leaders create and alter discourses in order to sway public opinion. Pakistani leaders such as General Pervaiz Musharraf, General Ayub Khan, Nawaz Sharif, Fazl Ur Rehman, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, and Benazir Bhutto are among those whose speeches and interviews are examined in this study. The results show that the ideology of democratic and military presidents diverge significantly. Military leaders use pronouns that highlight authority and unity, foregrounding ideas of strength, equality, and resistance against external dangers. Democratic leaders, on the other hand, emphasize shared experiences, cultural heritage, and harmonious cohabitation while utilizing inclusive pronouns that demonstrate a willingness for diplomatic resolutions. By exposing the tactics of positive self-representation and negative other representation, the analysis clarifies the power relationships that exist within Indo-Pak dialogue. Through the application of CDA, this study sheds light on the linguistic tactics used by leaders and reveals the underlying ideologies and power structures that influence language use in geopolitical discourse. The theoretical framework provides a basis for deciphering the intricacies of military and political discourses, hence enhancing comprehension of the sociolinguistic aspects of Indo-Pak relations.