Does ‘literariness’ or ‘literary’ reside inside or outside language? These words are derived from the root word ‘literature’. Nevertheless, neither term is clearly defined, and both remain conceptually elusive even in dictionaries. For instance, although the word ‘anew’ does not radically change its meaning, there has been a gradual shift in its grammar and orthography. […]
Rethinking English Language Education
Every year, Pakistani universities produce thousands of graduates in engineering, business, medicine, computer science, agriculture, law, and social sciences. Many of them possess sound disciplinary knowledge, but employers often point out their inadequate communication skills, despite having degrees from renowned universities. They struggle to present ideas persuasively, participate in professional discussions confidently, write convincing reports, […]
Higher Education for the New World Order
The Guardian’s well-known quote states that “Democracy dies in darkness.” One may argue that democracy also suffers when higher education fails to keep pace with a rapidly changing world. Instead of critically debating the implications of politically and ideologically motivated wars, the shifting geopolitical landscape, climate change, and the emergence of Artificial Intelligence, many educators, […]
Art of Mediation
In an increasingly polarised world, diplomacy is often celebrated when it succeeds and forgotten when it fails. Headlines are often dominated by wars, military strikes, and political confrontations, while the quieter work of mediation receives little attention. However, history demonstrates that some of the most significant achievements in international relations have been catalysed by diplomatic […]
Is HEC Running Ahead of Its Goals?
The first author is a Professor of English at Riphah International University, Lahore, and a lead guest editor at Emerald and Springer Publishing. The second author is an Assistant Professor of English at Government Graduate College for Women, Samanabad, Lahore. The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan defines itself as “an independent, autonomous, and constitutionally […]
Cambridge Paper Leak Gate
Cambridge International Education (CIE) is a prestigious education system in the world. CIE claims that its assessments give students focus, motivation, and a challenge to better prepare them for higher studies and eventually professional life. However, CIE’s paper leaks almost every year for over a decade in many countries, including Pakistan has become a norm. […]
The Language of Diplomacy
Diplomacy, not war, is the only viable path forward. Yet, applying excessive pressure on one side risks undoing what has already been accomplished. Nevertheless, it is encouraging that both sides seem genuinely committed to pursuing an agreement with good intent. The central question remains: how do they reach an agreement, particularly in an environment marked […]
The Grammar of Power and Peace
Our analysis of President Trump’s text and talk shows that, although distinct in tone, it draws on an already established grammar of power. We assume that while many world leaders perceive him as unlike his Democratic or Republican predecessors, our data shows that about 60% of his communicative strategies align with earlier wartime presidencies. In […]
Reclaiming Humanity in the Era of AI
Walk into any university in Pakistan, and you will see students producing assignments, presentations, and theses that look so impressively neat and complete. However, beneath this lies a troubling question: how much real learning has taken place? The polished surface of academic work increasingly conceals a deeper epistemic compromise. Students claim they use AI to […]
The Gamification of War
The ongoing war between Iran and the US-Israel alliance has produced a barrage of memes, emojis, and videos that construct reality across digital spaces. It is important to note that in the construction of reality, meanings are shaped by ideology and power structures. The gamification of war is a powerful strategy used to construct imagined […]