Modal Auxiliaries in Pakistani English Newspapers: Social and Pedagogical Perspectives

This study aims at analyzing the nativisation of certain modal verbs in Pakistani English newspapers. The modal verbs convey social meanings apart from their grammatical functions. In many cases the choice between will/would and can/could is not in accordance with the norms of Standard British English. Modal auxiliaries are considered very problematic for non-native learners and speakers. This study examines the use of modal-auxiliaries-verbs in Pakistani written English with special focus on their social and pedagogical perspectives. The data for the study have been taken from English newspapers. The frequency list has been generated by using the software AntConc 3.5.7. The findings of the study can be used to teach the auxiliaries to the students of English particularly in the appropriate social contexts.