INDO-PAK STANDOFF 2019: A CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS OF SELECTED TWEETS FROM INTER-SERVICES PUBLIC RELATIONS

Background and Purpose: Social Networking Services (SNS), especially Twitter, have been an increasingly popular communication medium, especially in political transformation. This research analyses the language of tweets by Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) of Pakistan, shared during the recent standoff between India and Pakistan on the issue of the Pulwama Attack in February 2019 and the Revocation of Article 370 by the Indian Government in August 2019.   Methodology: The present research examines the linguistic techniques, and micro and macro approaches used in the discourse of tweets by DG ISPR on the said issues. Selection of vocabulary, tone of the message, and emotion in the discourse are studied through Ideological Square Model under the umbrella of CDA, with the aid of NVivo 12 Plus, to inspect the magnitude of the impact of linguistic memorandums from authoritative institutes.   Findings: This study has revealed that the impeccable choice of vocabulary by ISPR adequately represented the Military of Pakistan, nationally and internationally, and has brought a state of tranquility at the time of standoff between two rival countries. This research argues that the discourse in tweets by DG ISPR represented Pakistan as a peaceful country but determinedly ready to defend its homeland during external enmity.   Contributions: This study contributes a better understanding of the subtle ways in which language plays an essential role in creating political polarisation and constructing or manipulating reality while consolidating power struggle, discrimination, prejudice and inequality in society.   Key Words: Pakistan military, Kashmir, ISPR, tweets, CDA, Ideological Square Mode.   Cite as: Ashraf, R., Hassan Khan, M., Qazalbash, F., & Rahamad, M. S. (2022). Indo-Pak standoff 2019: A critical discourse analysis of selected tweets from inter-services public relations.  Journal of Nusantara Studies, 7(2), 314-335. http://dx.doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol7iss2pp314-335