A A Critical Discourse Analysis of Pakistani Masses’ Talks about Corona Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The present study is an attempt to critically analyse the discourse of Pakistani masses’ talks about corona covid-19 pandemic. The common masses’ talks were selected from different sections of the Pakistani society. The participants included religious scholars, professional experts, and common citizens. The study analysed the talks in the light of socio-cognitive approach of Van Dijk (2009).The study finds out that the discourse about covid-19 pandemic is inherently linked to different mental states and social groups’ ideological identification. The analysis shows that on the whole, the citizens of Pakistan have mixed feelings and beliefs about the pandemic. Some consider it a conspiracy against Islam and defy the restrictions imposed over religious gatherings. Some believe that viruses can cause illness but not death as is in the hands of God alone. The repentance to God as a preventive measure and to pass the test in this world was considered important. The experts especially emphasized the social distancing and other precautionary measures to restrict the spread of the covid-19. Some positive aspects of the pandemic identified were to think over our points of view and to reconsiders the principles believed by us previously. Most of the talks used the speech acts for persuasion for different ends. Most of the identities have cognitive model behind them.