FOREGROUNDING THROUGH SEMANTIC DEVIATION IN PAKISTANIFICTION IN ENGLISH: A STYLISTIC STUDY OF METAPHORICAL DISCOURSE

Abstract

This study examines how metaphor functions stylistically in Pakistani fiction in English through the concept of
foregrounding, particularly semantic deviation.The study argues that semantic deviation acts as an important
foregrounding device that intensifies ideological meaning.The research employs a qualitative stylistic textual
analysis of metaphorical expressions taken from selected Pakistani novels in English.The study primarily applies
Leech’s (1969) theory of foregrounding and semantic deviation, supported by ideas of defamiliarization
(Shklovsky), aesthetic function (Mukařovský), conceptual metaphor (Lakoff & Johnson), and ideological stylistics
(Simpson).The findings show that different forms of semantic deviation are widely used to foreground themes such
as identity, political conflict, and national trauma.The novelty of the study lies in applying the concept of semantic
deviation in foregrounding theory to the analysis of metaphor in Pakistani fiction in English.The study contributes
to stylistics and postcolonial literary studies by demonstrating that metaphor in Pakistani fiction functions as a
key tool for expressing deeper social and ideological meanings.