Abstract

Using Optimality Theory (OT) as a lens, this research investigates the syntactification process in Pakistani English. In order to distinguish Pakistani English from other varieties of English, the study attempts to determine the limitations and ranking processes that impact the syntactic structures that are exclusive to Pakistani English. We find particular grammatical patterns that are common in Pakistani English by examining a sample of spoken texts. Our research shows that a hierarchy of limitations that take into account the sociocultural background of Pakistan as well as the effect of the local language dictate some syntactic decisions. The research demonstrates how these limitations work together to create grammatically correct phrases, emphasizing the differences between Pakistani English and Standard British English. Our knowledge of linguistic diversity and evolution as well as the implications of these results for English instruction in Pakistan are discussed. This research adds to the subject of World Englishes by offering a thorough optimality-theoretic analysis of a little-explored English dialect.