Balochistan Journal of Linguistics

ISSN-No. 2312-5454
(Volume 09)
2021

Department of English Language & Linguistics,

Faculty of Languages and Literature,
Lasbela University (LUAWMS) Uthal, Balochistan,
Pakistan
 Editorial Board Balochistan Journal of Linguistics (BJL)

Patron in Chief
Prof. Dr. Dost Muhammad Baloch, Vice Chancellor, LUAWMS, Uthal

Editor in Chief Editor

Dr. Nasir Abbas Dr. Munir Khan
Associate Professor, Assistant Professor,
Dean, Faculty of Languages and Head, Department of English Language
Literature Teaching

Sub-editor(s)
Mr. Abdul Waheed Shah
Mr. Mairaj Hoth

Publisher: Lasbela University (LUAWMS) Uthal, Balochistan, Pakistan

 Advisory Board Balochistan Journal of Linguistics

International Advisory Board

Professor Dr. Lutz Martin, Malaysia, 43400, UPM, Serdang,

Selangor, Malaysia.
School of Oriental and African Studies,
University of London. Dr. Rodney C. Jubilado,
Associate Professor, Department of
Professor Dr. Nancy C. Kula, English Language, University of
Department of Language and Hawaii,
Linguistics, University of Essex, United
Kingdom. Dr. Afida Mohamad Ali,
Department of Modern English
Dr. Shamala Paramasivam Associate Language, Faculty of Modern
Professor. Languages and Communication,
Department of English, Faculty of University of Putra, Malaysia.
Modern Languages and
Communication, University of Putra Professor Dr. Maya David Khemlani,
Asia-Europe Institute, University of
Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

National Advisory Board

Professor Dr. Nadeem Haider Professor Dr. Muhammad Tariq

Bukhari, Umrani,
Dean Faculty of Arts, University of Director, Institute of English Language
Azad Jammu and Kashmir, & Literature, University of Sindh,
Muzaffarabad. Jamshoro, Sindh, Pakistan.

Professor Dr. Sajida Zaki,

Chairperson Department of Humanities
and Social Sciences, NED University,
Karachi.

Professor Dr. Muhammad Khan

Sanghi, Institute of English Language
& Literature, University of Sindh,
Jamshoro, Sindh, Pakistan.
 Guidelines for Authors
Balochistan Journal of Linguistics is a journal published annually by the Department of
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Balochistan Journal of Linguistics, Volume 09, 2021 Page iv

 Note on Authors

Mr. Muhammad Omer is a Lecturer in English, at Govt. Graduate College Jhelum. He

has more than four years of experience in teaching, research, and practical translation. He
has more than 4 research papers in national HEC recognized journals. His areas of interest
are Literary Studies, Translation Studies, and Practical Translation. He has the expertise
in literary translation. He is the author of two books. As a short story writer, he got his
short stories published with reputable publishers in Pakistan.

Dr. Muhammad Javed Iqbal is a lecturer in Translation Studies at the Centre for
Languages and Translation Studies, University of Gujrat. He has more than eleven years
of experience in teaching, research (HEC approved Ph.D. supervisor), and practical
translation. He has more than 20 research papers in national and international HEC
recognized journals. His areas of interest are Applied Linguistics, Literary Studies,
Translation Studies, and Practical Translation. He has also the expertise in legal
translation.

Dr. Hafiz Muhammad Qasim is a PhD in Linguistics from Bahauddin Zakariya

University, Multan. He is currently working as Assistant Professor at the Department of
Applied Linguistics, GC University Faisalabad. He has fifteen years of experience in
teaching and research. He has many research publications in HEC recognized national
and international journals to his credit. His areas of interest include systemic functional
grammar, syntax, lexicography and teaching of English language & literature.

Ms. Faryal Waseem Khan, is working as a Senior English Lecturer at Army Public
School- (APSACS) Sialkot Pakistan. She also serves the duty as Linguistics and ESL
Trainer, English Coordinator, Students’ counsellor, Wing In-charge, AIS coordinator,
superintendent, CCA Coordinator and Educational Management In-charge. She holds a
MPhil degree in Applied Linguistics (AL), M.A in English (Language and Literature)
from University of Management and Technology Sialkot (UMT). More, she has done
Professional Development of English Teaching course (PDET) from Ball State
University of USA, Course of Core English Language skills, comprehension and writing
for secondary English as well as (English Language Courses) from ELC. Furthermore,
she has been a part of various national and international conferences. She has couple of
publications in nationally and internationally peer reviewed journals. Her field of
expertise is; Phonetics and Phonology, Computational Linguistics, Critical Discourse
Analysis, Sociolinguistics, Corpus linguistics, and Pragmatics and Semantics.

Mr. Muhammad Saqib Zafar, is Ph.D. Scholar at the Department of Linguistics,

Government College University, Faisalabad. He is a university teacher, linguist, trainer,
school education consultant, and academic writer. He has published research papers in
various linguistic domains, and he has also supervised several MPhil theses. He is
especially interested in language testing, corpus linguistics, and essay writing.

Mr. Ameer Ali, is a researcher at University of Sindh, Jamshoro, Sindh, Pakistan. He has
published over 20 research articles and book chapters. He is interested in doing
Balochistan Journal of Linguistics, Volume 09, 2021 Page v
Sociolinguistic studies focusing on Sindh. He is a Solidarity Member of the Foundation
of Endangered Languages.

Professor Dr. Maya Khemlani David, is an Honorary Professor at Asia Europe Institute,
University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. She received the Linguapax Award in
2007 and is an Honorary Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Linguistics, United Kingdom
and an Honorary Member of the Foundation of Endangered Languages. She has published
over 400 book chapters and research articles.

Mr. Zeeshan Haider, is a student of English language and Literature. He belongs to

Sargodha. He has done masters in English language and literature from University of
Sargodha, Sargodha in 2019. Currently, he is working on his MPhil thesis. He is doing
MPhil from the same university.

Dr Munir Gujjar, is Associate Professor at University of Sargodha. He belongs to Toba

Tek Singh. He did his PhD from Punjab University. He is the author of 4 books and 18
research articles. Currently he is serving in the Department of Urdu and Oriental
Languages, UOS.

Ms. Rakhshanda Fawad, is an English Lecturer at University of Central Punjab, Lahore.

She has done her masters from COMSATS University, Islamabad, Lahore Campus. Her
research interests are in the areas of English Language Teaching & Learning (MA Thesis
“CLT for IELTS Preparation”, Multimodality in Teaching, learning and Feedback
“Effectiveness of Electronic Feedback on Writing Accuracy of Undergraduate Students
of COMSATS”. Recent publication is “Critical Analysis of Online Feedback Channels
on Writing Skill at Undergraduate Level” Presented in International Research
Conferences in Punjab University & AIOU Islamabad.

Ms. Noreen Akhtar, is English Language Lecturer at University of Central Punjab. She
has done her MPhil in English from Kinnaird College. She is an aspirant academician and
is dedicated to her commitments. Her area of interests is Phonology, speaking, and
writing.

Ms. Asma Iqbal, is working as a lecturer in National Textile University Faisalabad. Her
1st book was published in 2018 on "Pakistani Englishes: Syntactic Variations" by
"ROUTLEDGE". Her multiple articles were published in various National and
international journals on Discourse, semiotics, and Syntax.

Ms. Farah Iqbal, completed her MPhil in English Literature from Government College
University, Faisalabad. Her master’s thesis was on Post colonial feminist analysis. Her
research article on attributive words has recently published in HEC recognized research
journal. She has attended several national and international research conferences.

Mr. Muhammad Naveed Arshad, working as a lecturer in Punjab Group of Colleges.

His major research interests includes Semiotics, Discourse and Sociolinguistics. He is
also serving as a language specialist in different academies.

Balochistan Journal of Linguistics, Volume 09, 2021 Page vi

Dr. Marghoob Ahmad, is a Ph.D. scholar in Department of English Linguistics, The
Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan, professionally, he is working as an Assistant
Registrar, Lahore High Court, Lahore, Bahawalpur Bench and is on study leave. His
Ph.D. dissertation is almost completed and going to be officially submitted in the next
month which is titled “Effect of Global Englishes Paradigm on Language Brief of
Pakistani ESL Learners”

Dr. Riaz Hussain, is an Assistant Professor/Incharge Department of English Linguistics,

The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan. He supervises all academic and
administrative activities of the Department of English Linguistics. He also has the honour
of doing Ph.D. under kind supervision of Dr. Mamuna Ghani. His contribution in this
paper is very important because he has read between the lines the manuscript and
suggested to set methodology section properly by adding suitable model for a stylistic
lexical analysis.

Dr. Mamuna Ghani, is currently serving as Director, Executive Training Center (ETC)
The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan. She has also served as Chairperson
Department of English, Islamia University Bahawalpur and got retired as Dean Faculty
of Arts. She is the supervisor of Mr. Marghoob Ahmad who is doing Ph.D. linguistics
under her kind supervision. She did her Ph.D. in Linguistics from the UK and after her
return to Pakistan joined IUB, Pakistan. She has served the Department of English,
Islamia University, Bahawalpur for years and produced approximately forty PhDs in
Linguistics in her splendid career.

Dr. Syed Alamdar Nabi, is working as Assistant Professor at Emerson University

Multan. He has been teaching at Graduation, Masters and M.Phil. level for more than two
decades. His specialization in research is in ELTR and Linguistics. He has completed his
Doctorate from the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Muzafarabad. He has
published many research articles in different journals. He is affiliated with many
universities as a visiting faculty and supervising research scholars in his domain.

Ms. Lubna Yasir, is working as a Lecturer at University of Education Lahore(Multan

Campus). She has been teaching at Graduation and Masters levels for 15 years. Her
specialization in research is English for Specific Purposes. She has her M.Phil. in
Linguistics from NCBA&E Multan, her Masters in English is from B.Z.University
Multan. She has received many awards for excellent performance in education. She has
published many articles in different Journals.

Dr Arshad Saleem, is a Social Scientist, author, Critics, policy maker, Strategic Planner,
advisor, columnist, a true leader who has established & govern several public and private
sector higher education institutions including Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University, Board
of secondary and intermediate education SBA, PITE, SZABIST etc.

Balochistan Journal of Linguistics, Volume 09, 2021 Page vii

Mr. Hassan Bukhtiar, parallel to his academic career, is currently working with Punjab
Police's department of communication as Field Communication Officer. He did also work
with many institutes as a visiting Lecturer in the department of English. In 2020, he has
completed MPHIL in Applied Linguistics from the University of Management and
Technology, Sialkot. Furthermore, he has been a part of various national and international
conferences. The author has couple of publications in nationally and internationally peer
reviewed journals. His field of expertise is: Computational Linguistics, Critical Discourse
Analysis, Applied Linguistics, Sociolinguistics, Corpus linguistics, SPSS, Syntax, and
Semantics.

Balochistan Journal of Linguistics, Volume 09, 2021 Page viii

 Contents

A CORPUS ANALYSIS OF MODALITY IN COVID-19 BASED EDITORIALS

OF PAKISTANI ENGLISH NEWSPAPERS 1

FARYAL WASEEM KHAN1 , MUHAMMAD SAQIB ZAFAR2 , HASSAN BUKHTIAR3 1

Balochistan Journal of Linguistics, Volume 09, 2021 Page ix

 A Corpus Analysis of Modality in Covid-19 Based Editorials of
Pakistani English Newspapers
Faryal Waseem Khan1 , Muhammad Saqib Zafar2 , Hassan Bukhtiar3

Abstract

"Modality" is one of the "golden oldies" among the fundamental concepts in language
semantics. It is a well-known grammatical idea that is put into practice. To begin, the
research examines the various sorts of modalities employed by writers of editorials based
on COVID-19 in Pakistani English newspapers. The second part of the study investigates
the editors' modality functions. Finally, the impact of the COVID-19 issue on the
modality/language employed by editorial writers in Pakistani English newspapers is
investigated. To continue, the information was gathered from two Pakistani newspapers,
"The Express Tribune" and "Daily Times." It contains 87 COVID-19-based editorials
from January to May 2020 (37 from "The Express Tribune" and 50 from "Daily Times").
The AntConc 3.4.4 version was used for analysis, and the functional approach was used
to analyze modality (Halliday, 2004). The findings found that the editors of the "Daily
Times" utilized a high degree of modals (must, should) to strictly instruct the public about
COVID-19 precautions/safety measures. The COVID-19 issue is discovered to vary in
terms of its utilization in the language, which is the key concern of the current study. In
comparison, both the "Daily News" and "The Tribune Express" newspapers successfully
maintained the balance by employing median models (will, would). As a result, the editors
of "The Tribune Express" newspaper played a constructive role in disseminating
information to readers by employing polite/low-degree modal verbs (could, may, might).

Keywords: COVID-19, Corpus, Modal verbs, Editorials, Pakistani English newspapers

1
Senior English Lecturer at Army Public School - (APSACS), Head Marala Sialkot Pakistan
Email:[email protected]
2
PhD Scholar, Government College University, Faisalabad
Email:[email protected]
3
Field Communication Officer, Communication Department, Punjab Police, Pakistan
Email:[email protected]
Balochistan Journal of Linguistics, Volume 09, 2021 Page 1
1 Introduction

Corpus linguistics is a scientific approach that examines how people communicate. The
language, which is collected and examined in the corpora. This paper uses a corpus
linguistic analysis where we have collected Pakistani English newspaper genre that is
based on editorial especially about the COVID-19 to find out the variations occur in
modal verbs due to pandemic issue.
Newspaper is the perfect way to convey a beneficial and disfavored prejudice among the
people. English is a foreign language, and in Pakistan, many highly educated individuals
read an English newspaper, so English newspapers are called “elite newspapers”. Thus,
the majority of decision-makers rely on the English Press to understand better about the
various issues through reading editorials that represent the meaning of a newspaper and
represent its policy (Hayat & Juliana, 2016).
Newspaper editorials are of great significance for the genre of newspapers. A newspaper
suggests that on every issue raised to the media, there is indeed only one fair perspective.
(Alavi, Poor-Ebrahim, Ghiasianm, & Gilani, 2016), indicated that the editorial
newspaper not only provides principles and convictions but also uses textual techniques,
i.e. Auxiliary models are this study's key concern. According to (Orta, 2010), people
judge the universe in which they live, communicate their values, interests, feelings and
prove or disprove with other humans through social experiences.
COVID-19 is considered to be a killer disease in now a day. This disease is spreading
throughout the world. There is a dangerous situation of entire universe and a kind of awful
or horrific fear that is spreading all over. There is only one news in every television, talk
shows, families, and friends everywhere, even in the entire world and that is pandemic.
Simpson (1993), gave the concept about modality that it is "angle of perception," "angel
of saying," viewpoint or authorial value that defines the nature of writing form that makes
the tale that it is specific "feel" and "colour."
Modality is the real nature of a logician's notion or proposition. Modality takes care of
the state of affairs. Modal verbs "refer to the meaning aspect that induces the phrase to be
about the non-factual, that is, the alternative possibility of how something could be"
(Fasold & Connor-Linton, 2014).
Bonyadi (2011) explored the modality of "relativizing the validity of the meanings of
statements to a collection of possible terms". In other terms, modality helps learners of
the language to describe, “what would be what is, what may be, what should be and what
will be”.
Palmer (2001)describes, "how the interpretation of the clause is entitled to represent the
opinion of the speaker on the probability of the proposition it communicates" and
"Modality is a kind of mood that the models help to build together with the main verb to
alter the role of communication." Modality deals with introducing the philosophies of the
author.
Martin (2005), helps the interlocutor to say something without conveying a view to it. He
defines that “modality is the perception of the writer, a way of say about something, the
way of visualization the things and the author's purpose ascertaining the story's style with
its specific look and colour (Simpson, 1993)

Balochistan Journal of Linguistics, Volume 09, 2021 Page 2

Our study tries to present the effect of the COVID-19 in editorials of “Daily Times” and
“The Tribune Express”, given the importance of modality in the activity of collective
truth.
Considering the importance of modality in shaping the views of readers, the current study
focuses on the influence of COVID-19 in the editorials of selected Pakistani newspapers,
i.e., “Daily Times” and The “Tribune
Express”.

1.2 Objectives:

Objectives of the study are:

• To evaluate the different types of modality used by the writers of editorials
based on COVID-19 in Pakistani English Newspapers
• To investigate the functions of modality used by the writer’s editorials based on
COVID-19 in Pakistani English Newspapers
• To examine the impact of COVID-19 issue on modality used by the writers of
editorials in Pakistani English Newspapers

1.3 Research Questions:

• Which modal verbs are used by the editorial’s writers based on COVID-19 in
Pakistani English Newspapers?
• Which degree of function of modal verbs are used by the editorial’s writers
based on COVID-19 in Pakistani English Newspapers?
• Does the issue of COVID-19 leave an impact on modal verbs used by the writers
of editorials of Pakistani English newspaper?

2 Literature Review

Taking into account the importance of modality, number of researches have been done
to focus its utility and role in written text.(Sadia & Ghani, 2019) carried out a corpus-
based research study based on modality in editorials. They compared two Pakistani
English Newspapers named as “Dawn” and “The News International” dated from Jan-1-
2015 to Jan-31-2015. More, they took 30 editorials; 15 editorials each and tokens were
20,000; 10,000 words each. By applying AntConc 3.4.4.w version, they did quantitative
research. In said newspapers, they realized modality utilizing modal auxiliary verbs. The
results of this study was that the editorial writers of Dawn used more credible information
to readers as compare to the editors of “The News International”.

Ahmad, Mahmood, Mahmood, & Siddique (2019) investigated “Modal Verbs as editors’
stance markers: an analysis of Pakistani English Newspapers Editorials”. For quantitative
research, they analyzed only one newspaper named as “The News” dated from April-
March 2016. They took 250 editorials consisted of 103860 tokens. Microsoft Excel was
used for retrieving the data of previous research. To examine and compiling the data, they
used AntConc 3.4.4.w version. The analysis aimed to examine whether or not the

Balochistan Journal of Linguistics, Volume 09, 2021 Page 3

editorials published in the said newspapers are influenced by the personal or institutional
attitude. Research founded that the prediction models (will) be the most commonly used
in Pakistani English newspaper editorials, which means that prediction is a characteristic
feature of those editorials and that Pakistani editors provide apt information by using their
realistic and judgemental style.

Siddique, Mahmood, & Qasim (2019) conducted a study to examine “Metadiscourse in

Pakistani English Editorials”. The research goal was to check the use attitude markers as
a metadiscourse and later to establish an attitude marker classification system as well as
to classify the propositional material in the Pakistani English Editorials. For a mixed
approach, the data included one thousand editorials (250 from each of the four
newspapers (Dawn News, The Nation, The Frontier and The Express Tribune) with
473,382 tokens taken from the month March and April 2016. Microsoft Excel and
AntConc 3.4.4 used for analysis. They found that the editors of "The Frontier" had used
more indicators of attitude than other editors. The use of personal pronouns is
propositional. It was brought into interpersonal metadiscourse. Moreover, the extensive
use of attitude indicators helps the writers to interact more easily with their readers and
the editorialists personally direct the authors with authors or audiences.

Ahmad, M., Mahmood, M. A., Mahmood, M. I., & Siddique, A. R. (2019) conducted
another study based on “The use of Modal Verbs as Stance Markers in Pakistani English
Editorials”. The study's objective was to investigate how modality comes into practice in
Pakistani Newspaper, and how editorialists can use modal verbs to control mind and
manipulate opinions. To support a new research, 1000 editorials were taken from the
aforementioned newspapers respectively 250 each dated; March-April 2017 and total
tokens were 4, 73,382. For quantitative research, Microsoft Excel was used for retrieving
the data of previous research and AntConc 3.4.4.w version to examine and compiling the
data. Results showed that the use of modal adverbs appears to be minimal and the use of
predictive expressions appears to be strong in the editorials written by Pakistani
editorialists for "The News." The uses of generic phrases are less used, and Pakistani
editors seem unnecessary to use predictive expressions of The Dawn’s editorials. The use
of modal adverbs appears to be minimal whereas Pakistani editorials of "The Frontier"
the uses prediction expressions which appears maximum. Moreover, in “The Express
Tribune” the generic phrases are less frequently used than the prediction expression.
Therefore, he asserted that Pakistani editors are primarily concerned with covering 'what
can happen, what should happen,' and 'what will happen.'

Batool, Majeed, & Zahra (2019) wrote an article on “Hedges and Boosters in Pakistani
Opinion Articles". They inspected how Pakistani writers express their stance while
writing use these features, and what conventions are being followed in the background. It
will also teach you how to express your voice when an inexperienced writer writes an
opinion post. Five leading Pakistani English newspapers have been selected as "The
Dawn," "The Pakistan Observer," "The Express Tribune," "The News" and "The Daily
Times" for conducting a mixed-method study. Fifty opinion articles with a total of 47927
tokens were chosen, published in November 2018.METAPAK Software was used. The
Pakistani writers used 457 boosters and 480 hedges. Results showed that Pakistani writers

Balochistan Journal of Linguistics, Volume 09, 2021 Page 4

used hedges to display commitment and reserved nature. Also, use boosters to
demonstrate their attitude and personal conviction about something. It used to display
how confident they are about their words and statements. This showed that a writer can
lower his tone either by using less convincing marker hedge, or by using booster, he can
raise and assert his point.

Bano, Mubeen, & Arshad (2019) conducted a corpus-based analysis on “Manifestation

of Modal Verbs in Pakistani English Newspaper Editorials”. By using mixed method for
analysis, a corpus has been compiled which comprises 25 editorial of the month March
2019 from Pakistan’s wide read English newspapers – Dawn, The Nation and The News.
The length of corpora is 61514 words. For analysis, AntConc 3.4.4 is used. The paper
focused on which modal verbs are used more and less frequently by editorial writers.
Furthermore, how editorial writers use modal auxiliaries to form and reshape the opinions
of readers on particular issues. Results showed that modal verbs of possibilities ( should,
can, could) are used more commonly than modal verbs of need (should and must), and
prediction (will and would). Alternatively, requirement auxiliaries (should and must) are
used less often in a newspaper's editorials. Yet by evaluating it is implied that “The
Nation” is more occupied compared to “The News” and “Dawn” and explains what to do.

Alavi et al. (2016) conducted a study that is about mood and modality like the explicit
comment grammar. People used it to express their scale of commitment to the reality and
its proposition. Modality seems to be something in this context, which presents a writer's
ideological intention. Consequently, modality allows the editorial writers' ample space to
present their values and solutions to the text. From the epistemic type of modality,
(Papafragou, 2006) sees truth – conditionality. She found that the epistemic modality does
not apply on truth-conditional sentences; (Halliday, 2004) claims that modality is external
to the substance of every proposition and therefore builds up the attitude of the speakers.
That means, of course, the modality expresses any speaker or writer's opinion, and that
there is no total commitment to the statement's truth.

Stressing the Helsinki Corpus, (Gotti, 2003) proposed that SHALL-forms is less used in
scientific texts whereas shall is commonly used in speech-based prose. (J. Smith, 2003)
focused on the diachronic shift and use of need and found that need is most frequently
used in literature and mass media, that is important for development of mass media
coverage. These research studies have found that modality may echo common features of
development a particular genre.

Most media centres in Pakistan play a significant role in building public opinion, in policy
and military leadership decision-making (Hayat & Juliana, 2016). The media has the
power to ensure that the knowable public are motivated by a change in understanding. By
propagating his philosophy to the public, the media has the power to change the world.
The media claims are therefore important (A. C. H. Smith, Immirzi, & Blackwell, 1975).
Emphasis is put on all critical media functions, which tailor features such as media
education, entertainment, and violence(Hayat & Juliana, 2016).The journal is generally
considered the most responsible and credible media outlet.

Balochistan Journal of Linguistics, Volume 09, 2021 Page 5

Mahmood, Batool, Shah, & Parveen (2013) performed a comparative analysis on stylistic
in Pakistani and British fictions about the use of modal verbs. A corpus of Pakistani and
British literature had been compiled for this purpose. It is composed of a million words.
CLAWS tags set to C7 and POS tagging were used for research. The work is the concept
expressed by using modal verbs, and also focuses on stylistic interpretations. The
observations include that the BEF shows the characteristics of pessimism and gloom. It
depicts the depression elements because of a lack of a strong family relationship and
isolation. On the other hand, there is a class division and growing deterioration of morale
is observed in PEF.

With the help of above-mentioned literature, we come to know about the papers that are
similar to our present paper. However, there are still gap. These papers are limited in
different aspects like newspapers from where they get data, months, years, research
methodologies, objectives and tools. Our study differs from them in different ways. We
observed the data specially related to COVID-19 in editorials of Pakistani English
Newspapers. Another aspect is that, we collected data from Jan to April 2020. Further
elements are discussed in detail in research methodology.

3 Methodology

3.1 Theoretical Framework:

This study is based on;

Table 1:

Function of model Verbs Modality/Modal Verbs

Prediction Will, Would
Obligation Must, Should, Can
Possibility/ Ability Could, May, Might
(Sadia & Ghani, 2019)

Theory of (Halliday, 2004), used a conceptual approach was used to interpret modal
verbs in the data that not only interprets the modal verbs but also describes the
relationship between the modal verbs. Such as between epistemic and deontic modality
and gives 1) high, 2) intermediate and 3) low classification.

3.1.1 Types of Modal Verbs:

(Jakobson‘s Theory/Palmer, 1974) modal differ according to the communicative

function they perform. Based on this, the following are three types of modal verbs,
based on communicative purpose given in the table below.

Balochistan Journal of Linguistics, Volume 09, 2021 Page 6

Table 2:

Epistemic When using a modal verb to express the opinion of the speaker
Modality about a sentence. Eg: Might be real. To express an opinion on
whether it is valid or not, to agree that there is a chance but not to
be sure. It is used in the sense of impossible, unlikely, possible,
probable and certain
Deontic When a modal verb is used to influence a situation, e.g. by
Modality requiring, etc. When you have done you should go. (Providing
leave to track the situation). It is used, forbidden, appropriate and
mandatory in the form of recommendation.

Dynamic It neither influences the situation of speaker nor states the

Modality speaker’s perspective, So, e.g. He can understand French
perfectly. (describing a realistic situation). It shows the ability,
violation and willingness of an individual to take an action.

(Sánchez, 2009)

3.1.2 Functions of Modality:

There are various kinds of functions of modality that distinguish different kind of levels
like high, low, median .These named as “values” that is in following table:
Table 3. Three values of modality: Halliday (1994, p. 362)

High value Has to, Must, Ought to, Need to, Is to, Should,

Median value Will, Would, Shall

Low value Could, Might, May, Can,

(Sadia & Ghani, 2019)

3.1.2.1 Prediction:

It works as another type of modal and that is, modal auxiliary. That allows us to guess
about upcoming occurrences of an event, situations. It is essentially used as assumptions
that are not fixed. (McEnery & Kifle, 2002) , informed that prediction modal has a median
value of modality which inform the editorial writer to use a mid-way to delineate the main
theme.

3.1.2.2 Obligation:

Should is the preterit form of shall which use to inform about the act of the speaker. For
example, if a person say “you should go” it means he have right to obligate which he
expressed by using obligation kind of modal verbs. It shows obligation, desirability and
expresses the situation, which makes less- straightforward and formal requests.

Balochistan Journal of Linguistics, Volume 09, 2021 Page 7

3.1.2.3 Possibility / Ability:

Leech (1969) deal with the sense of probability and capability that is more different as
compare to permission. Modal "can" informs clear probability. Auxiliary modal “may”
answer the sense of possibility, it also suggests proof of somebody's past skill, which
demonstrates the scale of possibility. Whereas present and future times, modal auxiliary
"can" is often used for possibility, and the situation in which possible action happened.
"Could" tells us about the doubt of the mediator. Which shows to what extent the
proposition of truth will be possible. It also informs us about the possibilities, which in
the past imply possibility or probability. Might is the "can" past type which applies to
certain things that have already happened in the past. In other words, modality describes
how a speaker makes the world around him perceptible.

3.2 Design:

Quantitative approach has been taken as a research design to examine modality in

COVID-19 based editorials of Pakistani English Newspapers

3.3 Sample:

The sample for the current research was selected through purposive sampling under its
sub-type critical case sampling technique because it is critically concerned with the
specific issue that is COVID-19. For sample, the data collected from Pakistan’s
recognized, wide read and on the top ranking not only in Pakistan in fact all over the
world English Newspapers – “The Express Tribune” and “Daily times”. The corpus
selected for this study comprises of 87 COVID-19 based editorials (37 from “The Express
Tribune” and 50 from “Daily times”) dated; Jan-May 2020.

Balochistan Journal of Linguistics, Volume 09, 2021 Page 8

The length of the corpus is given below:

3.3.1.1 Corpus Details:

Table 4:

Newspapers Editorials Tokens Word Months/Year/Date

Types
“The Express 2+5+10+10+10 26,136 4848 1-Jan-2020 to 31-Jan-
Tribune” =37 2020
1-Feb-2020 to 29-Feb-
2020
1-March-2020 to 31-
March-2020
1-April-2020 to 30-
April-2020
1-May-2020 to 10-May-
2020
“Daily times” 10+10+10+10+10 50,576 7,164 1-Jan-2020 to 31-Jan-
=50 2020
1-Feb-2020 to 29-Feb-
2020
1-March-2020 to 31-
March-2020
1-April-2020 to 30-
April-2020
1-May-2020 to 10-May-
2020
Total 87 76,712 12,012

3.4 Research Tool:

AntConc 3.4.4 version has been used inside text for the study of linguistic features.
Concordance method has been employed to address the quantitative analysis questions.
Concordance tool helps to provide the frequency of tested linguistic properties and to
learn about all the cumulative range of words used in a corpus main verbs, auxiliary verbs
list, and includes expressions such as must, should, will, would, may, might, can, could
etc.

Data Analysis

4.1 Data Procurement:

Editorials were retrieved from internet sites of the respective newspapers:

1)www.tribune.com.pk/author/editorials/COVID-19/corona+virus/corona/pandemic

2)www.dailytimes.com.pk/author/editorials/COVID-19/corona+virus/corona/pandemic

Firstly, the corpus is compiled then converted into text file, software “AntConc” 3.4.4w
version (concordance tool) is used to find out modal verbs from the editorials.
Balochistan Journal of Linguistics, Volume 09, 2021 Page 9
"AntConc" offers many functions for analysing linguistic features of text. Researchers
examine the various features of text with the help of these functions.

Key word list displays total number of terms in a corpus, and the Concordance tools
illustrate the frequency of the piece being examined in respect to its meaning. The
concordance tool is the most appropriate tools in the present study because it enlists the
searched words with some context on right and some left side that help to understand the
contextual understanding of a searched word. Secondly, the concordance plot
demonstrates the use of each modal verb in its accurate context. Thirdly, with the help of
word list, researchers took frequency of individual modal by using the tool preferences
and adding specific words in a word list for ease. Therefore, in this way it is quite simple
to count how many times in all these newspapers a modal verbs play different functions
as probability, duty, prediction, and ability. Via descriptive statistics, the responses were
further analysed.

Results

5.1 Findings:

5.2 Rank-wise ratings of Model Verbs:

5.2.1 Daily Times:

Figure:1

After placing the data in the "word list" tool of AntConc software, we become aware of
the rank and frequency of Model Verbs used in an established corpus of the "Daily Times"
Pakistani English Newspaper. If we see the above picture, it is mentioned that the will is
on the first rank in the entire corpus. It means that it is the most frequently used word by
“Daily News” editorial authors. More, can is on rank second, should is on rank third, may
is on rank fourth, would is on rank fifth, could is on rank sixth, must is on rank seventh
and might is on rank eighth. Using frequency-wise ranking of model verbs, we know
about the usage of most frequently used terms, median frequently used terms and less
frequently used words that make our findings clearer.
Balochistan Journal of Linguistics, Volume 09, 2021 Page 10
5.2.2 The Tribune Express:

Figure:2

If we see another corpus study produced by researchers based on the English Pakistani
Newspaper's COVID-19 related editorials in "The Tribune Express", the result
demonstrates that will is on the first rank and can is on the second rank as in "Daily
Times." This indicates the same rating of will and can incidence in both newspapers but
a significant disparity occurs in the next. Would become on third as well as could, in this
newspaper is on fourth level. Further, there seems to be variation again in the rating of
should, must and might. Should remain on the sixth, must is on the seventh whilst might
is on the eight rank in the frequency-wise occurrence of modal verbs in Tribune Express'
whole corpus. It means that there is a significant difference between the uses of model
verbs between both newspapers.

5.3 Functional analysis of modal verbs:

Modality in the “Daily Times” and “The Tribune Express” COVID-19 based editorials
section was conveyed by various textual techniques, like modal auxiliaries and modal
verbs whereas, in this study the use of modality through modal auxiliary is central. The
findings from the concordance method were classified as per the functions performed by
modal verbs.

Table 5:

Function of Modal Verbs Occurrences/frequency Occurrences/frequency

Modal In “Daily Times” In “The Tribune Express”
Verbs
Prediction Will ,Would 301 161

Obligation Must, Should

Can 237 95
Possibility/ Could, May
Ability Might 114 92
Total 652 348

Balochistan Journal of Linguistics, Volume 09, 2021 Page 11

5.3.1 Modal Expression in “Daily Times”:

Results show that the use of modal verbs by editors of widespread Pakistani English
newspapers “Daily Times” in their editorials. If we see the above table no 5, then it is
clear from the frequency of newspapers that verb of predication is used 301 times in
which will is used 256 times and would is used 45 times. More, model of obligation is
used 237 times in which must is used 35 times, should is used 97 times whereas can is
used 105 times. Furthermore, modal verbs of possibility/ability is used 114 times in
which could is used 43 times, may is used 48 times whilst might is used 23 times. The
possibility/ability expression is less used whereas the use of predication expressions
seems to be maximum in the COVID-19 based editorials of English Pakistani newspaper
“Daily Times”.

5.3.2 Modal Expression in “The Tribune Express”:

Results show that the use of modal verbs by editors of widespread Pakistani English
newspapers “The Tribune Express” in their editorials. If we see the above table no 2, then
it is clear from the frequency of newspapers that verb of predication is used 161 times in
which will is used 120 times and would is used 41 times. More, model of obligation is
used 95 times in which must is used 22 times, should is used 26 times whereas can is used
47 times. Furthermore, modal verbs of possibility/ability is used 92 times in
which could is used 34 times, may is used 47 times whilst might is used 11 times.
However, the use of possibility/ability expression is less used whereas the use of
predication expressions seems to be maximum in the COVID-19 based editorials of
English Pakistani newspaper “Daily Times”.

5.4 Cumulative Percentage:

Pie chart 1:

Modal Verbs in "Daily Times"

Possibility/Ability,
17%
Predication, 46%
Predication
Obligation, 36% Obligation
Possibility/Ability

Balochistan Journal of Linguistics, Volume 09, 2021 Page 12

Modal Verbs in "Daily Times"

Pie chart 2: Modal Verbs in "The Tribune Express"

Modal Verbs in "The Tribune Express"

Possibility/Ability,
26% Predication, 46%
Predication
Obligation
Obligation, 27%
Possibility/Ability

5.5 Comparison of “Daily Times” and “The Tribune Express”:

After calculating the cumulative percentage of both newspapers we come towards the
outcome. Results discovered that editorial’s writers of both “Daily Times” and “The
Tribune Express” used model auxiliaries of predication to the maximum and almost same
use of will, would (46.16% “Daily Times” and 46.26% “The Tribune Express”). This
shows that editors of both newspapers understand the dimensions in the use of will, would
and they mark the accurate use of the actual function of model verbs. By doing this, they
try to construct their readers' mind-set to assume and/or predict events that brings the
reader's perspective to uncertainty. More, writers of both newspapers give expressing the
inevitable situation of the country because of COVID-19 problem as well as advise the
readers about how to cop up in this crucial condition.

While comparing the auxiliary model of obligation (must, should, can), a noteworthy
difference seems in both newspapers. Editors of “Daily News” emphasizes more on
obligation as compared to “The Tribune Express” (36.34% in “Daily News” and 27.29%
in “The Tribune Express”) which shows that editors of “Daily News” stresses on “what
can be done” “what must be done” and “what should be done”.
More, if we analyse the auxiliary modal of possibility/ability (could, may, might), again
remarkable differences seems in both newspapers. Editors of “The Tribune Express”
emphasizes more on possibility/ability as compared to “Daily News” ( 17.48% in “Daily
News” and 26.43% in “The Tribune Express”) which shows that editors of “The Tribune
Express” stresses on “what could be done” “what may be done” and “what might be
done”.

Balochistan Journal of Linguistics, Volume 09, 2021 Page 13

The cause for concentrating on these functions is that these modal verbs give rise the
readers to certain situations that help them to clarify their viewpoint. Besides, the editors
of “The Tribune Express” showed less interest in using auxiliary modals of obligation
whereas the editors of “Daily News” showed less interest in using auxiliary modals of
possibility/ability. Therefore, we can say that “The Tribune Express” playing its vital role
in conveying information by highlighting the possibility of the consequences of COVID-
19 problem that affects everyone in this world. On the other hand, “Daily News” playing
its vital role in the conveyance of information to its readers by giving suggestions about
how to live in the uncertain condition of COVID-19, to indicate what is probable for
stopping that killer disease and by expressing necessity about what are the things that
people must do to fight with this dreadful disease COVID-19.
5.6 Examples from “Daily News” and “The Tribune Express”:

5.6.1 Examples of Prediction:

1. “Pakistan’s government will not be able to recover from the shortage of these things
on its own.”
(Daily
Times: 1/9/2020)
2. “In case someone is identified as the virus-carrier, they will be kept in isolation rooms
designated by the CAA till they are shifted to a hospital.” (The Tribune Express:
1/25/2020)

3. “Saudi Arabia announced that mosques would no longer be opened for customary five
daily prayers or Friday congregations, following the death of at least 171 coronavirus
patients.”
(Daily
Times: 3/21/2020)
4. “Conversely, if the people do not display the correct spirit and cooperation to
implement the preventive measures and the virus continues to spread, the government
will have to order a total lockdown, which would definitely harm the economy, industry,
businesses and labour class due to the major loss of the economic activity.”
(The Tribune Express: 3/24/2020)

In the above-mentioned excerpts, the authors of these editorials not only presented the
details but also gave their own perspective of events using those modal auxiliaries. In
example (1) the editor of “Daily Times”, use strong possibility that Pakistani Government
have not enough assets to recover losses that occur because of horrible disease COVID-
19. Example (2) from “The Tribune Express” also expresses the strong intention (sort of
order) about those who are the suspect cases of COVID-19 will be in the isolation. In
example (3), the writer gives directions to stop COVID-19. Mosques would close in Saudi
Arabia because of 171 coronavirus patient’s death. More, in e.g. (4), indicating the
consequences of COVID-19 situation that if people do not cooperate in this bad time,
then Government will give order for complete lockdown would definitely harm the
economy, industries and businesses.

Balochistan Journal of Linguistics, Volume 09, 2021 Page 14

5.6.2 Examples of Obligation:

1: “Who’s out of homes must wear masks — it should become a part of everyday attire;
sanitisation and personal hygiene must be a requirement; social distancing should be a
way of life at home and work.” (Daily Times: 3/21/2020)
2: “The world must still await the effect of extreme heat on the virus in a very large,
poor and congested population.” (The Tribune Express: 4/3/2020)
3: “He commented. “The health department should immediately set up a medical camp
and conduct check-ups of all those who met
him.” (Daily Times: 1/22/2020)
4: “It suggests anyone with respiratory illness should seek medical attention and share
travel history with their health care provider.” (The Tribune Express: 2/4/2020)
5: “However, what is known are the commonalities of their pneumonia-like symptoms
in the infected individuals; cold, difficulty breathing and in severe cases kidney
failure can also occur” (Daily Times: 2/1/2020)
6: “Pakistan can deal with the foreseeable shortage of crucial commodities.”
(TheTribuneExpress:1/25/2020)
If we see an example of 1 and 2, we see that both give responsibility but writers of “Daily
Times” used a high degree of modals as compare to “The Tribune Express”. In e.g. (1),
the writer insists about personal hygiene, wear masks and sanitisation is obligatory
whereas in e.g. (2), the writer expressing an opinion about the world must wait for
extreme heat to end the coronavirus (seems mild intensity). More, e.g. (3) displays strong
obligation about immediately set up of a medical camp whereas e.g. (4) demonstrations
suggestions that respiratory illness seek medical attention. Moreover, can in e.g. (5) show
the typically happening of kidney failure because of coronavirus whilst e.g. (6) express
the probability that Pakistan can deal with the shortage of commodities.

5.6.3 Examples of Possibility:

1: “If your children have any interest in reading, you could suggest those books, read
along with them, and discuss and share your insights.” (DailyTimes:3/20/2020)
2: “In 15-20% cases, the patients develop symptoms – and in some cases
it could become dangerous,” (TheTribuneExpress:4/21/2020)
3: “The present attack of COVID-19 is only a faint reminder of what may be in store for
humanity in future.” (Daily Times: 4/9/2020)
4: 2Countries like Pakistan may never have data available to count deaths of despair but
many people, mostly poor, will die of despair without knowing about
(The Tribune Express: 5/10/2020)
5: “With everything that is happening about the coronavirus, it might be hard for us to
make decisions” (Daily Times: 3/17/2020)
6: “One wrong step and the wrath of what might befall next may be enough to sweep all
under. Beware.” (The Tribune Express: 5/3/2020)
Example (1) give suggestion about utilizing yourself in this lockdown condition by
reading books but e.g. (2), indicates a strong inclination about the dangerousness of
COVID-19. More, e.g. (3) give a slight possibility of destructions in future because of
terrific disease, COVID-19 while e.g.(4) express the strong possibility that Pakistan has
Balochistan Journal of Linguistics, Volume 09, 2021 Page 15
no data available to count deaths. Furthermore, in e.g. (5) might shows probability that it
is hard to make decisions about the coronavirus whereas e.g. (6) express about the strong
possibility of threatening condition due to frightful disease, COVID-19.

5.7 Discussion:

The first question of present research was, which modal verbs are used by the editorial’s
writers based on COVID-19 in Pakistani English Newspapers? Through analysis, it is
clear that the editors of both English Pakistani Newspapers “Daily News” and “The
Tribune Express” frequently use the auxiliary models of “predication”(will, would) on an
almost equal level (46% each). If we see the infrequent use of modality, then we come to
these results that editor of “Daily News” use frequently of the auxiliary
model.“Obligation” (must, should, can) 36% whereas “The Tribune Express” use the
auxiliary model of “obligation” infrequently 27%. Conversely, model verbs of
“possibility” (could, may, might) is frequently used by “The Tribune Express”26% but
infrequently used in “Daily News”17%.

The second question was; which degree of function of modal verbs are used by the
editorial’s writers based on COVID-19 in Pakistani English Newspapers? (Qun, 2010),
proposed that various forms of modal verbs performed different degrees of politeness in
communication process. Low-value modal verbs show politeness whereas high-value
model verbs show impoliteness in communication. That means the use of high (impolite)
and low-degree (polite) templates, shows that the writer will be able to approach their
writings objectively with the tilt of the writer in favour or against the case. Therefore,
they use the intermediate value models intentionally to encrypt any negative perception
between them.

It is clear from the results and above-mentioned examples that editors of both newspapers
“Daily News” and “The Tribune Express” use median value of modality to maintain
balance also avoid negative opinions between readers and editors. Moreover, editors of
“Daily News” use a high degree of function of modality (must, should) as compared to
“The Tribune Express”. It means that “Daily News” shows impoliteness to its readers.
Reasons may be that to save the life of people the writers put more emphasizes on safety
measures.

Conversely, editors of “The Tribune Express” use the low degree of function of modality
(could, may, might) more than “Daily News” shows the politeness in communication. It
means that “The Tribune Express” try to avoid harsh words and strong intensity that is
why they use euphemism to maintain the newspaper’s status.

Third question was; does the COVID-19 issue leave an impact on models used by the
writers of editorials of Pakistani English newspapers? Previous researches like( Sadia &
Ghani, (2019); Ahmad, Mahmood, Mahmood, & Siddique (2019); Siddique, Mahmood,
& Qasim (2019); Batool, Majeed, & Zahra (2019); Bano, Mubeen, & Arshad (2019),

Balochistan Journal of Linguistics, Volume 09, 2021 Page 16

shows that writers of editorials of Pakistani News Papers use the median degree of
function of modality and use predication will to balance. They focused on 'what can
happen, what should happen,' and 'what will happen.' The present study differs from
previous studies. Current study shows that COVID-19 issue leaves an impact on models
used by the writers of editorials of Pakistani English newspapers. This problem changes
the living styles of society. A phobia of destruction, ending of humanity, of life, even the
whole universe, threatening and awful condition impend on us. Changes in the living style
also leave an impact or change the use of language. Results show that editors of “Daily
News” use a high degree of function of modality (must, should). Reasons are that, the
editors want to warn about the terrific disease. By giving instructions strictly to wash the
hands, wear masks, medicated gloves while going outside and use sanitizers too. Also,
give order to isolate those who are affected by COVID-19 to cop-up with the critical
condition of the country as well as to maintain health that is why they restrict strictly by
using high-value model verbs.

5.8 Conclusion:

In a nutshell, we can say that the “way of living change the way of language”. By facing
the problem of COVID-19, everyone’s mind is disturbed, that mishmash our thinking too.
In the news, on every social application, everywhere we see only one topic on the top,
COVID-19. Discussion about death rate, safety precautions, new policies, problems of
shortage of food that everyone is facing seems to be the main headline. There is an
alarming situation in the whole world. By changing in lifestyle due to COVID-19, we see
the variations in the use of language too. Therefore, findings of our research study likely
inform us that, both newspapers “Daily News” and “The Tribune Express” successfully
maintain the balance by using median models (will, would). “The Tribune Express”
newspaper play their role positively in spreading information among the readers by using
polite/low degree of modal verbs (could, may, might). Whereas by using high level degree
of modals (must, should) used by “Daily News” give the answer to our research that
variations occur because of COVID-19 disease. Researchers suggest to avoid these types
of words that create fear, terror and leaves bad impact on everyone’s mind because people
can die from fear more than natural death.

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Balochistan Journal of Linguistics, Volume 09, 2021 Page 18

Appendices

Table A2: Types of modality:

Epistemic When using a modal verb to express the opinion of the speaker
Modality about a sentence. Eg: Might be real. To express an opinion on
whether it is valid or not, to agree that there is a chance but not to
be sure. It is used in the sense of impossible, unlikely, possible,
probable and certain
Deontic When a modal verb is used to influence a situation, e.g. by
Modality requiring, etc. When you've done you should go. (Providing
leave to track the situation). It is used, forbidden, appropriate and
mandatory in the form of recommendation.
Dynamic Dynamic modality does not express the viewpoint of the speaker,
Modality nor does the speaker influence the situation. So, e.g. He can
understand French perfectly.(describing a realistic situation). It
shows the ability, violation and willingness of a individual to
take an action.

Table A3: Function of Modality:

High value Must, Is to, Should, Need to, Has to, Ought to

Median value Will, Would, Shall

Low value May, Might, Can, Could

Table A1 Model:

Function of model Verbs Modality/Modal Verbs

Prediction Will, Would
Obligation Must, Should, Can
Possibility/ Ability Could, May, Might

Balochistan Journal of Linguistics, Volume 09, 2021 Page 19

 Corpus Details Table A4:

Name of No. of Editorials Word Word Months/Year/Date

Newspaper Tokens Types
“The Express 2+5+10+10+10 26,136 4848 1-Jan-2020 to 31-Jan-
Tribune” =37 2020
1-Feb-2020 to 29-Feb-
2020
1-March-2020 to 31-
March-2020
1-April-2020 to 30-
April-2020
1-May -2020 to 10-
May-2020
“Daily times” 10+10+10+10+10 50,576 7,164 1-Jan-2020 to 31-Jan-
=50 2020
1-Feb-2020 to 29-Feb-
2020
1-March-2020 to 31-
March-2020
1-April-2020 to 30-
April-2020
1-May -2020 to 10-May
-2020
Total 87 76,712 12,012

Table A 5:

Function of Modal Verbs Occurrences/frequency Occurrences/frequency

Modal In “Daily Times” In “The Tribune
Verbs Express”
Prediction Will ,Would 301 161

Obligation Must, Should

Can 237 95
Possibility/ Could, May
Ability Might 114 92
Total 652 348

Balochistan Journal of Linguistics, Volume 09, 2021 Page 20

 Modal Verbs in "Daily Times"

Possibility/Ability,
17%
Predication, 46%
Predication
Obligation, 36% Obligation
Possibility/Ability

Pie chart A1: Modal Verbs in "Daily Times"

Modal Verbs in "The Tribune Express"

Possibility/Ability,
26% Predication, 46%
Predication
Obligation
Obligation, 27%
Possibility/Ability

Pie chart A2: Modal Verbs in "The Tribune Express"

Balochistan Journal of Linguistics, Volume 09, 2021 Page 21

Figure A 5.2.1 “Daily Times”:

Figure A 5.2.2.“The Tribune Express”:

Citation for this paper:

Khan, F. W., Zafar, M. S., & Bukhtiar, H. (2021). A corpus analysis of modality
in Covid-19 based editorials of Pakistani English Newspapers. Balochistan
Journal of Linguistics, 09, 17–38.

Balochistan Journal of Linguistics, Volume 09, 2021 Page 22