PARTICIPANT CONSENT FORM
Research Title: Exploring Perceptions About Linguistic Tactics in Street Begging: A Discourse
Analysis Study of Karachi
Researchers: Fatima Saad Osmani, Romaisa Uzman, Syeda Zainab Usman, Ayesha
Purpose of the Study:
This study aims to explore how students of BS English Linguistics perceive the linguistic tactics
used by street beggars in Karachi, and how these tactics shape emotional and cognitive
responses. The research seeks to understand the role of language in influencing public attitudes
toward begging.
Participation Details:
You are invited to take part in an interview that will consist of a few open-ended questions about
your thoughts and reactions to the language used by beggars. With your consent, the interview
will be audio-recorded for accuracy and later transcribed for analysis.
Confidentiality and Consent:
● Participation in this study is voluntary. You may withdraw at any point without any
penalty.
● Your responses will be kept confidential and used only for academic and research
purposes, including reports, theses, and presentations.
● Any identifying information will be removed to ensure your anonymity.
● All recordings and transcripts will be securely stored and accessible only to the
researcher and supervisor.
Consent Declaration:
I have read and understood the information above. I voluntarily agree to participate in this study
and consent to my interview being recorded and used for academic and research purposes.
Participant’s Name: ____________________________
Signature: ____________________________
Date: ____________________________
Researcher’s Signature: ____________________________
Date: ____________________________
RQ1:
How do students of BS English in Karachi think and feel when they hear the language
used by street beggars?
1. What comes to your mind when a beggar approaches you and starts speaking?
2. How do you usually feel while listening to the words or tone used by beggars, and how
do you feel afterward?
3. Do you ever question the truth or sincerity of the stories or phrases beggars use when
asking for help?
4. Have you ever experienced mixed feelings such as sympathy, doubt, or irritation while
deciding whether to give money or not?
5. How do your personal beliefs, values, or social views influence the way you interpret
what beggars say or how you respond to them?
RQ2:
How do emotional, religious, and identity-based appeals affect the effectiveness of
begging discourse among students of BS English in Karachi?
Interview Questions:
1. What types of appeals used by beggars do you notice most often, and which ones feel
more convincing or meaningful to you?
2. Have you ever decided to give help because of the way a beggar phrased their request?
What specific words or expressions influenced your decision?
3. When you hear religious phrases such as “Allah will reward you,” do they make you feel
more persuaded than other kinds of requests? Why or why not?
4. Does the way a beggar presents themselves, for example as a mother, child, or elderly
person, affect your willingness to help?
5. Can you recall a particular situation where the way a beggar spoke directly influenced
your decision to give or not to give? What about their language or tone made a
difference?
RQ3:
How do tone, politeness strategies, and choice of words used by beggars influence how
students of BS English in Karachi perceive begging appeals?
1. How does the way a beggar speaks, for example softly, firmly, or pleadingly, affect your
response or feelings?
2. How do you react when beggars use polite language compared to when they make
direct or demanding requests?
3. Are there particular words or phrases used by beggars that capture your attention or
emotions more strongly?
4. Can you recall a situation where the way a beggar spoke influenced your reaction more
than the actual message or story itself?
5. In your opinion, does politeness or tone make a begging request seem more genuine or
persuasive? Why or why not?