Exploring Linguistic Identities of Pakistani University Students

Abstract: The study “Exploring Linguistic Identities of Pakistani University Students” investigated the types of linguistic identities prevalent amongst Pakistani university students and how they perceive their new linguistic identities. Five types of linguistic identities were explored in this study, historic, educational, social, cultural, and political linguistic identities. The research delved into gaps in language and its inherent relationship with identity in the Pakistani Higher education context, in a backdrop of English as a second language and the underlying postcolonial mindset of the people and how it contributes to the formation and students’ perception of new linguistic identities. The study developed and used a self-reporting questionnaire by following a quantitative research approach. The responses were collected against a 5-point Likert scale (1=Strongly Disagree to 5=Strongly Agree). The study sample consisted of 400 undergraduate students enrolled in different disciplines in various faculties of four public sector universities. A descriptive analysis of the data was done and percentages and mean scores were tabulated. The findings highlighted the significant impact language has on university students’ self-perception and understanding of their environment. English language proficiency is frequently considered a prerequisite for academic achievement and potential employment opportunities in the globalized world. English acquires a symbolic meaning that goes beyond simple communication and becomes a sign of social mobility and future economic success holding promise for a better life. On the contrary, low English competence might cause sentiments of marginalization and isolation in academic and social settings. Keywords: Linguistic, Identities, Proficiency, Sentiments, Linguistic