A LINGUISTIC ANALYSIS OF COHESIVE DEVICES IN HIGHER LEVEL ENGLISH TEXTBOOKS OF KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA

Abstract

The current study examines the lexical and grammatical cohesion employed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Higher-level English textbooks. The linkages and connections that exist between words and sentences within a text are referred to as lexical cohesiveness. Repetitions, synonyms, antonyms, hyponyms, and meronyms are examples of cohesive devices that are used to establish coherence and unity in written or spoken speech. Grammatical cohesion is the use of linguistic devices and structures to provide a text consistency and unity. Pronouns, conjunctions, repetitions, ellipses, and referencing are some of the linguistic elements that contribute to grammatical cohesiveness. Using a mixed method research approach, the current study examines the coherence patterns in the chosen English textbooks of Higher Secondary Schools of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Higher Level English textbooks used in public schools throughout Khyber Pakhtunkhwa make up the research sample. To ensure that the results are representative and broadly applicable, six chapters from higher-level English textbooks are chosen at random using a sampling technique. In addition, the study used an extensive corpus linguistics approach to examine lexical coherence. The frequency, distribution, and diversity of lexical items are examined using statistical techniques. After textual analysis of the units coherent devices are extracted. Furthermore, specific examples of lexical cohesiveness are qualitatively analyzed to see how well they preserve coherence and aid in comprehension. The results of this study shed light on the prevalent pattern of lexical and grammatical coherence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa higher-level English textbooks. The study highlights areas that might need improvement in terms of coherence and clarity, illuminating the advantages and disadvantages of higher-level English textbooks. Curriculum designers, textbook writers, and educators can use the research findings as a foundation to improve the caliber of teaching resources and make sure they successfully support learning and comprehension for students at higher levels.