"VOICING VICTORY: A CONCEPTUAL METAPHORICAL STUDY OF MOTIVATION AND SUCCESS IN PAKISTANI SOUNDTRACKS"

Abstract

This study investigates the use of conceptual metaphors to represent motivation, struggle, and success in Pakistani original soundtracks (OSTs), applying the framework of Conceptual Metaphor Theory (CMT) by Lakoff and Johnson (1980). The research aimed to uncover how abstract emotional experiences are framed through metaphorical language in OST lyrics and how these constructions reflect cultural narratives. A qualitative content analysis was conducted on twelve popular OSTs from Urdu television dramas, with lyrics transcribed, translated, and coded for dominant metaphorical patterns. Findings revealed recurring metaphors such as “Success is a Journey,” “Motivation is Fire,” and “Struggle is War,” often structured around spiritual, poetic, and social themes. These metaphors serve not only as expressive devices but also as cognitive tools shaping public understanding of aspiration and resilience. The study contributes to both metaphor research and ESL pedagogy, recommending OSTs as valuable resources for language learners and scholars exploring emotion, media, and culture through linguistic analysis.