Ethnolinguistic Ideologies in Newspaper Editorials: A Critical Discourse Analysis

Abstract

This paper aims to explore the ethnolinguistic identities and ideologies presented in Saraiki newspaper editorials. For this purpose, we have collected data from a major Saraiki daily being published from Multan, Pakistan. The study has followed the qualitative method of research, and Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) has been used to analyze data. The editorials published from January to December 2013 were selected for the text analysis. The findings of the study reveal that the editorials of Saraiki newspapers particularly portray the ideologies of Saraiki ethnic group, and they try to emphasize the political and historical role of Saraiki community in different matters. Furthermore, Saraiki newspaper editorials repeatedly describe Saraiki community as the victim of discriminatory policies in Pakistan. It is important to note that in most of the editorials the word Saraiki has been frequently used as an adjective to keep Saraiki readers conscious of their Saraiki identity. These editorials also emphasize the importance of Saraiki language to preserve Saraiki culture and Saraiki identity. So, this study concludes that Saraiki newspaper editorials are actively creating and representing certain ethnolinguistic identities of Saraiki community.