Semantic and Pronunciation Deviations in the Speaking Practices of the Balti English Speakers at University of Baltistan, Skardu

Abstract

Abstract

The current study aimed at investigating the phonological and semantic variations between Balti English and standard British English. It further pinpoints the specific lexical and semantic features that characterize Balti English and investigates into the reasons behind the semantic and phonological effects. The current study employed qualitative research design to explore, investigate and identify the assumptions on the basis of the research questions. The data was collected through informal conversation, then the conversation between different people was documented and carefully listened over and over to detect the linguistic variation from Standard English. The researcher found that phonological deviations containing ungrammatical abnormalities in the pronunciation of different speakers, and variations in the meaning termed as semantic deviation were in common lingual practices among the Balti English speakers. There were ambiguity in words, sentences and phrases preferred by the Balti English speakers. It has been noticed that the speakers of English in Baltistan have established their own stereotypical English pronunciation due to their native phonological habits and have also follow their own semantic practices due to their native language semantic choices. The researcher recommends Balti English language as a variety of English for its phonological and semantic variations being practiced and understood in communication by the Balti English speakers in Baltistan.