Exploring Pragmatic Markers in The Reluctant Fundamentalist: A Corpus Based Analysis of Mohsin Hamid's Narrative Techniques

Abstract

In the present research, pragmatic markers are examined in the context of Mohsin Hamid's
novel, The Reluctant Fundamentalist, focusing on the narrative sequence and character
identity construction. The linguistic and cultural roles of pragmatic markers, such as hedges
and discourse markers, in the text are studied. Using a qualitative method supported by a
corpus, the study classifies markers according to Fraser's typology. It places their use in the
context of Bhabha's notion of the "third space" and hybridity. The corpus analysis shows that
words like "and," "however," and "think" enhance the story by expressing the protagonist's
emotional problems, cultural hybridity, and diasporic identity. Hedges stress reflection and
ambiguity, whereas discourse markers offer coherence and indicate changes. This study
shows that pragmatic markers are language tools that promote cohesiveness and serve as a
vehicle for expressing cultural and emotional dimensions, offering insights into the
complexities of diasporic literature. Furthermore, the findings advance corpus linguistics by
showing how systematic corpus-based research may uncover trends in diasporic literature.