INVESTIGATING THE LINGUISTIC

FEATURES IN THE HEADLINES OF

PAKISTANI ENGLISH NEWSPAPERS
First M.Phil. Seminar Presentation
By Kainat Shaikh
M.Phil. in Applied Linguistics
Supervisor: Dr. Tariq Umrani
Co-supervisor: Dr. Ambreen Shahriar
At Institute of English Language and Literature
UNIVERSITY OF SIND, JAMSHORO
Table of contents
Chapter 1: Introduction ……………………………………………….…….
 1.1 Introduction to the study……………………………………………….…….
 1.1.1 What is Headline? ..............................................................................................
 1.1.2 Functions of Headline ……………………………………………………………....
 1.1.3 Block Language …………………………………………………………………….
 1.1.4 Purpose of Headline ………………………………………………………………...
 1.1.5 Impact on Audience ………………………………………………………………...
 1.2 Area of the study....................................................................................
 1.3 Motivation for the study ……………………………………………………………
 1.3 Significance of the study….…………………………………………………………
Chapter 2: Aims and Methods ………………………………………………..………………
 2.1 Aims of the study……………………………………………………………………..
 2.2 Research Questions …………………………………………………………………..
 2.3 Methods in Headline study……………………………………………………………
 2.4 Conceptual Framework of Methodology………………………………………...
Chapter 3: Literature Review
 3. Linguistic Features in Headlines …………………………………………………...
 3.1 Types of News……………………………………………………………………….
 3.2 Characteristics of Headlines…………………………………………………………
 3.3 Sentential Headlines…………………………………………………………………
 3.3.1 Simple Sentences ……………………………………………………………..
 3.3.2 Compound Sentences…………………………………………………………
 3.4 Non-Sentential Headlines……………………………………………………………
 3.5 Language features …………………………………………………………………...
 3.5.1 The use of loaded words ……………………………………………………...
 3.5.2 The use of noun phrases ……………………………………………………...
 3.5.3 The use of nominalization ……………………………………………………
 3.5.4 Omission of verb …………………..……………………………………………...
 3.5.5 Passive voice in headlines ……………………………………………………
 3.5.6 Substitution of Linguistic Elements …………………………………………..
 3.5.7 The use of to-infinitive…………………………………………………………
 3.5.8 The use of abbreviation/shortening…………………………………………………….

3.5.9 The use of Gimmicks …………………………………………………………
 3.5.9.1 Pun …………………………………………………………………
 3.5.9.2 Intertextuality ………………………………………………………
 3.5.9.3 Metaphor …………………………………………………………...
 3.5.9.4 Alliteration ………………………………………………………....
 3.5.9.5 Rhyme ……………………………………………………………...
 3.5.9.6 Synecdoche …………………………………………………………
 3.5.9.7 Metonymy …………………………………………………………..
 3.5.9.8 Rhetorical questioning ……………………………………………..
 3.6 Tense System in Headlines …………………………………………………………
 3.6.1 Present tense of headlines …………………………………………………....
 3.6.2 Past tense of headlines ……………………………………………………….
 3.6.3 Futurity in headlines …………………………………………………………
 Chapter 4: Data Collection & Data Analysis …………………….…….....….
4.1 Qualitative analysis ……………………………………………
 4.2 Quantitative analysis ………………………………..……….
 Chapter 5: Conclusion …………………………………………………...…
 References……………………………………………………………………
 Appendices……………………………………………………...…………….
1.1 Introduction
 Introduction
Area of Study Discourse Analysis & Stylistics
Discourse analysis is branch of Applied Linguistics, studies of the ways in which language is
used between people, both in written texts and spoken contexts. Van djik defined it as: “[It's]
the study of real language use, by real speakers / writers in real situations”

Stylistics is the branch of Applied Linguistics, it studies of the devices in languages (such as
rhetorical figures and syntactical patterns) that are considered to produce expressive or literary
style. Lamichhane 2017

Motivation of the study

When I was preparing for competitive exam and I had to scan through many newspapers.
During study, I found peculiar features in headlines such as omission of functional words, use
of present tense and infinitives, loaded sensational words, that too in minimum space. It
prompt me to dive into subject matter and I came across research works which studied these
features. Furthermore, the corpus I have used for my research is from 2013 to 2019, during this
period, there is no significant research work done on headlines in Pakistani context, hence it
developed my interest to fill this huge research gap by studying newspaper headlines.
 Significance of research work
There are some researches in the field of language used in newspaper but there is not
any research carried out in the analysis of linguistic features of newspaper headlines
in terms of lexical, rhetorical and syntactic features.
This research work is expected to be useful to the prospective researchers who want
to undertake researches on mass media in future and the students of Linguistics who
want to research in the areas of discourse analysis, critical discourse analysis, and
stylistics. Similarly, language teachers might be benefitted as this study supports them
to use newspaper headlines as authentic materials in the classroom. This study may
be useful for the prospective students of mass communication and journalism,
journalists, editors and other people who are directly or indirectly involved in
mass media. Last but not least, this study can be useful for sociologists, media
analysts, anthropologists, criminologists and psychologists to access the impact of
use of headline language to influence masses.
2.1 Aims of the study

 To extract and interpret the language features used by headlines.

 To examine the tense system & sentence structure exercised in the
headlines.
 To determine the frequency of using these linguistic features in
headlines.
2.2 Research questions

This research study is oriented to answer the following questions:

 What sentence structures and tense system are employed in the
newspaper headlines?
 What language features are used in the newspaper headlines?
 How frequently the linguistic features are used in the newspaper
headlines?
2.3 Research Methodology
 The research methodology used in this research work is sequential
exploratory design as qualitative holding dominant status. The
research is done on different levels with various types of the
analyses. From 160 headlines, 40 headlines are analyzed
qualitatively. After qualitative data is obtained, all 160 headlines in
corpus are analyzed quantitatively with the help of simple
percentage to state that how frequently these linguistic features are
employed in the headlines of different newspaper.
 The graphic representation of research methodology and the
breakup of the methodology is given on next slides.
 SEQUENTIAL EXPLORATORY RESEARCH DESIGN –
QUALTITATIVE DOMINANT STATUS
A Matrix of Mixed Methods Design (Johnson and
Onwuegbuzie, 2004, p. 22)

• Data Analysis

QUALTITATIVE
2.4 Conceptual Framework of the research methodology

 The first research analysis in conceptual Framework of the research is designed by the
help of two research works: Muhammad El-Nasri (2017) Investigating the characteristics
of newspapers headlines to pinpoint the grammatical features v/s conventional grammar
(2017) and Práková (2009), the grammar of Language headlines. The research analysis is
initiated by identifying the sentence structure whether it follows sentential structure or
non-sentential structure.
 As language features are extracted, the stylistic analysis of use of gimmicks is carried
which are generously used in the language headlines for the sake of brevity, economy of
effort and grasping attention. This framework is designed from the stylistic features of
newspaper headlines, a case of English dailies by Lamichane (2017)
 From the study of Hameed, T., (2008). Tense in News Headlines, the final part of
conceptual framework is completed, in which the tense system of the headlines is
analysed to establish the finding that present tense is used for the purpose of immediacy
and vibrancy to attract the readers.
 Research works which helped in formulating the conceptual framework
Author: MANISHA LAMICHHANE Author: EVA PRÁšKOVÁ

Work: THE STYLISTIC FEATURES OF Work: GRAMMAR IN NEWSPAPER HEADLINES

NEWSPAPER HEADLINES (2009)
A CASE OF ENGLISH DAILIES (2017)
Place of Publishing and Context: UNIVERSITY OF
Place of Publishing and Context: TRIBHUVAN PARDUBICE, PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC
UNIVERSITY,
KATHMANDU, NEPAL
Author: MOHAMMED ZAKARIA MOHAMMED Author: TAHSEEN HAMEED
EL-NASRI
Work: TENSE IN NEWS HEADLINES (2008)
Work: INVESTIGATING THE
CHARACTERISTICS OF NEWSPAPERS
HEADLINES TO PINPOINT THE Place of Publishing and Context: DIYALA
GRAMMATICAL FEATURES UNIVERSITY, BAGHDAD, IRAQ
V/S
CONVENTIONAL GRAMMAR (2017)

Place of Publishing and Context: SUDAN

UNIVERSITY, KHARTOUM, SUDAN
 2.3 Conceptual Framework of the research methodology

Headlines

Sentential Headlines Non-Sentential Headlines

Simple Compound

Language Features

Use of Use of Use of Substitution Use of

Omission Use of Omission Passive
loaded noun gimmicks of linguistic nominal
of words tabloids of verbs voice
words phrases elements ization

Rhetorical Questioning
Pun
Alliteration
Rhyme
Synecdoche
Metonym
Intertextuality
Metaphor

Tense System in headlines

The Present Tense
 Simple
 Progressive The Past tense
 Past Simple
The Future Tense
3. Literature Review
The newspaper has two major functions which are tend to be maintained: (Bieber and Conrad, 2009)
Relevance and Novelty along with capturing interest of their readers.

The register used in newspaper headlines is a separate language is (McNair, 2009; Bitiniene, 2007)
qualified by negative and positive connotations which creates the impact
of the paper. Moreover, emotionally tagged language, metaphors,
impersonal words, phrases and idioms, euphemisms, phraseological
constituents, brief sentences, present tense, active voice and for
presentation of past, passive voice is employed.

Headlines are written with two kinds of sentences – Sentential headlines (Quirk, 1991, p149)
and non-sentential headlines. Sentential headlines are headlines that
contain the regular structure which is subject and verb. In addition, there
are two main types of sentence – simple and compound sentences. On the Crystal (2003)
other hand, non-sentential are verb less headlines.
In terms of tense, newspapers are a special kind of writing. Shun (1995:60)
The past tense in news headlines occasionally will be used to signal an
event that occurred more than two days ago. Reah (2009)
The present tense is used conventionally to refer either to events which
occurred in the past, or to present events. Quirk et al(1985:213
In news headlines the infinitive is used to express future events or plans.
Linguistic features, according to Saxena 2004 and Rolnicki 2007, are specific within the headlines are following.

Clear and Specific terms are the basic requirement of headlines.

Omission of articles is employed only if the sense doesn’t become ambiguous.
Widely acknowledged abbreviated style is used
Active finite verbs are used in present tense since they give weight to the headlines.
Auxiliary verbs are often omitted.
Present tense is widely employed due to immediacy aspect even for the past and future events.
Attributions of statements and comments given by the notable people are included in headlines.

Non-verb sentences are frequently preferred over verb containing sentences

Generous use of figurative speech to achieve literary effect.

To + infinitives are used instead of will + verb for future tenses

Punctuations are usually avoided, rarely quotation marks are used to emphasis
any term, semi-colon or colon are used for cause and effect situational headlines or direct speech and comma is used to connect
two clauses of information in one space of headline.

Question headlines are substituted for direct statements as queries refer to some sort of ambiguity or uncertainty.

Numbers are written in mathematical numerals due to economy of space.

Linguistic features
Sentential structure • Sentential headlines
Prášková (2009) • Non-sentential headlines

• The use of loaded words

Language features • The use of noun phrases
Lamichhane (2017)
• The use of nominalization
• Omission of verb
• Passive voice in headlines
• Substitution of Linguistic Elements
• The use of gimmicks (stylistic devices)

Tense System
Hameed (2008)
• Past tense
• Present tense
• Futurity
4. Data Collection & Data Analysis:
 The corpus contains 160 English Newspaper headlines will be selected from the four
most circulating dailies of Pakistan. Around forty headlines have been selected from
each newspaper which are Dawn, The Nation, The News and Daily Times
respectively. The headlines were selected randomly. The corpus selected for my
research work is from the years 2013 to 2019 as during this period no significant
research is done on the headlines of English newspapers in Pakistani context.
 This research work will also trace out the linguistic features which are: language
features, tense system and sentential structure of the headlines with the expository
analysis.
 Once the expository analysis is sorted out, then the collective analysis of corpus is
carried out in the absolute numbers and percentage of various scopes are traced out by
the quantitative tables. the findings are quantified with the help of tables and exacting
the percentage of these linguistic features employed.
 Furthermore, the length of all the headlines i.e. the quantity of the words in each
headline is also calculated with simple percentage method.
Sample Data Analysis - QUALITATIVE
Balochistan Bleeding (Daily Times)

 This headline possesses two words, it is purely block language comprises only single noun phrase with

remarkable use of personification and alliteration. Brevity is deployed at its cracking peak. By giving

Balochistan, a quality of human, writer has depicted the situation of the province. Here bleeding simply refers

to the demise of the province, it is not getting improved by the time but getting worse as so many conflicts

are setting it to the decline.

 Use of loaded words: Bleeding (negative connotation)

 Omission of functional morphemes: is (copula verb)

 Use of Noun phrase = Balochistan (head) Bleeding (post-modifier)

 Use of Gimmicks: Personification = Balochistan Bleeding

 Use of Gimmicks: Alliteration: Balochistan Bleeding

Study finds feeling short makes people prone to paranoia (Daily Times)

 This headline is a type of soft news, it is an informative science and society related news story. It

is holding the ground in terms of tense system and sentential statements. Moreover, this statement

is perfectly fit in grammar terms. The structure is sentential. However writer has cared less about

length of the headline in order to produce alliteration and rhythmic effect by using gimmicks.

 Use of vivid present

 Use of loaded words: paranoia

 Use of gimmicks: Alliteration = People prone to paranoia, finds feeling,

 Use of Gimmicks: Rhyme = Prone to Paranoia

 Use of short words = It is only headline where short words are acquiring space since writer has

broken down major term inferiority complex into feeling short.

Old hat, dead rabbits (The News)

 This headline is making use of literary device allusion by referring to the magic trick shown in the circus by

magicians, the black hat and white rabbits. White live rabbits emerging from the black new magic hat. This

headline is the satire to the policies of prime minister who has launched the schemes of loans and incentives.

They are more detrimental to nation than being beneficial. The writer’s views are critical. Old hat refers to

our PM while dead rabbits are his policies. Headline is non-sentential, simply making use of noun phrases.

Its best example of block language, language lacking grammar.

 Use of tabloid: Old & dead

 Use of Gimmicks:

 Metaphor = Old hat = PM, Dead rabbits = polices

 Antithesis = Old hat, dead rabbits (of) New hat, Alive Rabbits

 Allusion = Magic tricks

 Use of noun phrases = old (pre-modifier) hat (noun), dead (pre-modifier) rabbits(noun)
SAMPLE DATA ANALYSIS -
QUANTITATIVE
1. Length of Headlines
The number of words The number of headlines Per cent

2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
2. Sentence Structure Classification

Sentence – Structure Classification Per cent

Sentential Structure (verb-containing)

Non-sentential structure (verb-less)

3. Tense System in Headlines

The type of tense The number of headlines Per cent

Present Simple
Present Progressive
Past tense
Futurity
 4. Language Features in the Headlines

Language Features The number of headlines Per cent

Hard news
Soft news
Ellipsis / Omission
To infinitives
Noun Phrases
Gimmicks
Tabloids
Abbreviations/shortening
Passive voice
Loaded words
 Use of gimmicks The number of headlines Per cent

Pun
Intertextuality
Metaphor
Alliteration
Rhyme
Synecdoche
Metonymy
Rhetorical questioning
5. Conclusion
 The findings will suggest that the how frequently language features
are employed in the headlines. Moreover, the findings will also
show the percentage in which sentential and non-sentential
structures are employed. The findings will also comment upon the
similarities and differences between standard grammar and grammar
used in headline language and to what extent these linguistic
features are taking place in the headlines respectively. Furthermore,
it will be established that despite the use of linguistic features which
often cause ambiguity yet the discourse of headlines is used as
means of literature and knowledge massively by masses.
References
 Lamichhane (2017). The Stylistic Features Of Newspaper Headlines. A Case Of English Dailies. Tribhuvan
University, Kathmandu, Nepal
 Hameed, T., (2008). Tense In News Headlines. Diyala University/College of Education
 Renata M. (2015) Newspaper Style: Stylistic Features of the Headlines. Siauliai University
 Moe, Sanders (2014) A Brief Study on the Language of Newspaper Headlines Used in
“The New Light of Myanmar”. Hinthada University Research Journal.
 Crystal, D. (2010). The Cambridge encyclopedia of the English language. Cambridge, U.K.: Cambridge
University Press.
 Hakobian, L., and Krunkyan, K. (2009). Newspaper Headlines. A Handbook. Yerevan ―Anania Shirakatsi‖
University of International Relations.
 Prá.ková, Eva (2009) Grammar in Newspaper Headlines. University of Pardubice

Arnold. McCarthy, M. (1998) Spoken Language & Applied Linguistics. Cambridge: CUP.

Yoneoka, Judy. (2000).Newspaper English .n.p. :n.p.

Reah, D. (1998).The Language of Newspapers. London and New York: Routledge.

Fowler, R. (1991) Language in the News. Discourse and Ideology in the Press. London and New York:

Routledge.

Van Dijk, T.A (1986).'News Schemata'. In CR Cooper & S Greenbaum (Eds).Studying writing: Linguistic

Approaches. London: SAGE.155-185.

Dijk, T. A., (1985). Discourse and Communication: New Approaches to the Analysis of Mass Media

Discourse and Communication. Berlin, NewYork: Walter de Gruyter.

Halliday, M. A. K. (1985) An Introduction to Functional Grammar. London: Edward

Swan, Michael (1984).Practical English Usage. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Quirk, R., S. Greenbaum, G. Leech, J. Svartvik (1985) A Comprehensive Grammar of the English Language.

London and New York: Longman.

Mardh, I. (1981). Headlinese: On the grammar of English front page headlines. Malmo: CWK Gleerup.

Shiffrin, D. (1981) ‘Tense variation in narrative.’ Language, 57 (1): 45- 62.

Citation
 http://www.dawn.com/
 http://www.thenews.com.pk/
 http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/
 http://www.nation.com.pk/
 http://cito-web.yspu.org/link1/metod/met153/node19.html
 http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/stevecoll/2008/12/headline-news.html
 http://www.eoiburgos.es/Gabriel/headlines.htm
 http://malcolmsenglishpages.com/situations/newspaper-headline-english/
 http://www.usingenglish.com/articles/how-to-teach-use-language-newspaper-headlines.html
 http://stackroulette.com/english/7257/why-do-newspaper-headlines-use-strange-syntax-rules
 http://www.columbia.edu/itc/journalism/isaacs/client_edit/Headlines.html
 http://ezinearticles.com/?Influence-of-Newspapers&id=2032369
 http://wildernenglish.wordpress.com/tag/unit-1-analysing-headlines/
 http://dx.doi.org/10.1515/9783110852141
Thank you for your time.
Questions Please?