Verbal Dynamics of Sports: A Corpus Based Analysis of Metadiscourse Markers in Pakistani Cricket Commentary

Abstract

Metadiscourse is a language strategy that convey the idea that communication is not only about sharing information, but it also entails the attitudes, personalities, and notions of the people. As metadiscourse is an essential linguistic feature, the purpose of this research is to explore metadiscourse markers in cricket commentary by Pakistani commentators. The main objectives of this study are to identify the types of metadiscourse markers used by Pakistani commentators and to analyse their occurrences and how these indicators were used. This research employed Hyland’s (2005) metadiscourse model as its theoretical framework to comprehensively study the use of these markers. The mixed-methods approach has been engaged in this research, utilising convenience sampling to select a representative sample of cricket matches commentary by Pakistani commentators. The findings revealed that Pakistani cricket commentators used a total of 2,954 metadiscourse markers, with interactional markers having the highest frequency (2,243), contributing more than interactive markers (711). The most common were engagement indicators (984) and frame markers (500), highlighting their importance in enhancing coherence, clarity, and audience participation in real-time commentary. The study highlights how these indicators enhance viewers' understanding and involvement, improving their comprehension of sports broadcasts and a sport that holds considerable cultural value in Pakistan.