Political satire Through Graphic Language: Semiological Discourse Analysis of Pakistani English Print Media

Abstract

There are various forms of communication and caricatures are one of the important genres in this regard. It is obvious that throughout the history human beings have been using the technique of multi-modality to communicate their message to other human beings. The concept of using word-picture conjunction has ever been very instrumental in making the communication more persuasive. The present study critically analyses caricatures of Pakistani English newspaper (DAWN daily). The data for the study have been collected from the selected newspaper from November 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023. The present employs an integrated research approach to analyse the data. The rationale behind using the integrated research method is that the data comprise three modes. These modes include words, pictures and remarks of focus group participants. For linguistic and semiotic analyses Hodge and Kress (2010), research model has been operationalsed. Whereas, in order to validate the findings of semiotic analysis the researchers have used Kruger’s (2002) model of Focus Group data analysis. The findings of the study reveal that print media discourses mirror socio-political scenario of any other/ context they belong to. The issues heighted through the caricatures of the selected newspaper for the mentioned time include national and international politics, games and terrorism / militancy in Pakistani society. It reveals that caricatures have dual function. They provide critique of a particular scenario. Language in graphic form is regarded as two-edged weapon.