Face of Negotiation theory:A Critical Analysis of Hijab (Veil) Among Muslim Women In Pakistan

Abstract

The practice of hijab (veiling) among Muslim women has triggered a great deal of scholarly exploration and debate. This research puts forward empirical evidence to clarify the perception of people about appearance and veil in Pakistani context and highlights the conflicting meanings and purposes of veil among people belonging to different strata of society. With the increasing popularity of veil among Muslim women not only motivated religious scholars to get into this matter holistically but also prompted sociolinguists to explore the reality. Informed by face negotiation theory and social semiotics, this study unveils the ideological implications of wearing hijab. To dissect the reality, the research has been carried out at two levels. First, it examines the perspective of observers through questionnaire and second, it investigates the ideology of women who do/don’t wear hijab through short interviews. Specifically hijab is assumed to draw a line among different strata of Pakistan on one hand while on other, in strict sense it creates a gap between exclusion and inclusion of women in Islamic/Muslim community