A Pragmatic Analysis of the Lexical Choices Used in Divorce Scenes of Pakistani TV Dramas

Abstract

This study explores the pragmatic implications of lexical choices in divorce-related dialogues in Pakistani TV dramas, analyzing their adherence to Grice’s Cooperative Principles. Dialogues from five popular TV dramas aired between 2020 and 2024 were examined using a qualitative research. The analysis focused on violations of conversational maxims, particularly those of quality and manner, to uncover the implicatures that reinforce patriarchal ideologies. The findings reveal that these dramas often depict divorce as a tool for control and humiliation, with lexical choices perpetuating negative stereotypes of women as subservient and disposable. Dialogues frequently flout maxims to create implied meanings that normalise male dominance and diminish female agency, positioning women as passive recipients of societal control. This language underscores hierarchical family structures, with men exerting authority and women bearing the blame for marital discord. By highlighting the media's significant role in shaping societal attitudes, this study underscores the urgent need for responsible portrayals of sensitive topics like divorce. It advocates for balanced narratives that challenge regressive gender roles and promote gender equality. This research contributes to the discourse on language, media, and gender, emphasizing the power of lexical choices in shaping cultural norms and public perceptions.