A Stylistic Exploration of ‘MeToo Harassment Narratives’ by Pakistani Women Journalists

Abstract

The present study delves into the stylistic analysis of #MeToo harassment narratives of Pakistani female journalists. The analysis employs Leech and Short’s (1981) stylistic framework to analyse lexical categories, grammatical structures, figures of speech and cohesive devices in order to explore how the language reveals the personal and emotional experiences of the narrators. The narrators use simple language that is, however, evaluative. Systemic critiques are amplified by figures of speech. Sentence complexity and the use of cohesive devices are further underscored. This study illustrates how linguistic patterns and stylistic choices may turn personal testimonies into compelling tools of advocacy and help enlarge discourses on gender equality and systemic reform in the media industry.