LANGUAGE OF LEGITIMIZATION IN ANALYSIS OF POLITICAL SONGS (PPP AND PTI PARTIES)

Abstract

This study investigates the discursive strategies employed in political songs by Pakistan’s two leading political parties, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), to legitimize their political ideologies and critique their opponents. Specifically, the research examines the linguistic realizations of these legitimization strategies in selected political songs. Using Halliday's (2014) Transitivity Model and Reyes' (2011) framework of legitimization strategies, the study situates its analysis within the domain of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA). The findings reveal that both PTI and PPP employ strategies of emotion, hypothetical future, rationality, voice of expertise, and altruism to establish their political narratives. However, the linguistic realizations of these strategies differ, reflecting each party's unique ideological stance, PTI concentrates on populist themes like anti-corruption, while PPP highlights historical legacy and social welfare. This research highlights the essential role of language in shaping political discourse and legitimizing ideological positions