The Role of Language in Constructing National Identity: A Study of Pakistani National Songs

Abstract

Language is one of the pillars that help to form a national identity because it serves as a tool of expression and perpetuates social unity. For a country where there is a plethora of different languages such as in Pakistan, the national songs have played an important role in uniting different ethnic and linguistic communities under one discourse with songs written in Urdu and featuring local dialects. This research examines the linguistic features of the national songs of Pakistani people and evaluates their effectiveness in bringing unity within the nation. By examining the chosen songs from different periods through a qualitative content analysis, the research explores the way in which Urdu is the national language and how the regional languages are subtly incorporated into these cultural pieces. This research relies on theoretical construct on nationalism, identity construction, and sociolinguistics, specifically Benedict Anderson’s theory of ‘imagined communities’. The study evaluates the effects of lyrical language choices in eliciting emotional reactions, stimulating national pride, and constructing collective memories. Through the examination of themes in national songs, such as unity, sacrifice, and national pride; the study discloses how those compositions represent and transform the sociopolitical environment of Pakistan. The results show that despite the sway of Urdu, systematic integration of regional languages augments the cultural inclusiveness and emotional resonance of national songs. Ultimately, national songs have a dual role as they are both an art composition as well as an essential cultural relic necessary in a nation-building exercise. This paper aids our understanding of how language and music work together to create a sense of belonging in a multicultural context.