Myths, Communication, and Performance: A Cultural Discourse Analysis of Pakistani Diplomatic Cypher

Abstract

The present study aims to analyze the modes of communication as the categories of cultural discourse analysis, which are loaded with self-constructed stories, ways of communication, and demanding performances. The present study is qualitatively conducted to understand cultural discourse as the mode of communication between Pakistan and the United States. The diplomatic Cypher was sent from the Pakistani Foreign Office in the US, which consisted of the discussion between the Pakistani Ambassador, Asad Majeed Khan, and the US representative, Donald Lu. As the diplomatic Cypher consists of the language of diplomacy, so the Cypher is loaded with different myths and communication modes. The study has adopted the cultural discourse analysis model of Donal Carbaugh (2007), which consists of the five modes of communication as the categories of cultural discourse analysis. The study found that the US believes in its myths and construction of values and direction, so it requires particular performances by its aided and allied countries. The descriptive mode describes the reservations of the US against the Pakistani PM ‘s actions of visiting Russia during the Russia-Ukraine war. The interpretative mode represents that the US cannot accept Pakistan’s neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine war. At the same time, the interpretative mode of Pakistani officials says that Pakistan is free in foreign policy. The comparative mode describes that Pakistan requires similar importance as India is given by the US while the US stance has a soft corner for India regarding its strategic significance against China. The critical mode is that if Pakistan follows the US directions (remove Imran Khan from the chair of Prime Minister), it will be advantageous for Pakistan. At the same time, Pakistan would not favour its stance compared to India, as India has more significance due because of China.

Key Terms: Myths, Communication, Performance, Cultural Discourse Analysis