Maimoona's Notes

My usual hike on the Pipeline Track is a quiet affair. A time for solitude, for walking and thinking under a soothing sun. But on this particular autumn afternoon, the path had transformed. It hummed with a contagious energy. As I began my walk, the familiar hussle-bussle of a local marketplace seemed to have relocated to the forest trail. My eyes scanned the crowd. Students in their school uniforms, their laughter echoing through the trees. Friends of all ages, their chatter weaving into a vibrant soundtrack. Foreign visitors with their security teams, offered a friendly wave as they passed. And there, on his usual spot, sat the dungagali Baba, a constant amidst the changing tides of humanity. A group of girls, perhaps in eighth grade, caught my attention. Their cheerful singing filled the air. Seeing them so delighted by their trip, so alive in their shared experience, was a sight to behold. For a moment, my own preference for quiet gave way to a deeper curiosity. I wanted to witness...

Healthy development of a child requires more than just a balanced diet; it includes how they grow up — their daily routine. Researchers have explored what a child needs to be healthy and competent in future endeavors. The World Health Organization has provided a comprehensive guide to help children, parents, teachers, and caregivers. Balance is Important For the proper development of children, it is vital to be physically active and limit sitting. It has many benefits, such as preventing heart-related issues in later years, like obesity, sleeping issues, and anxiety issues. Kids need to have the following three ingredients for a balanced life: limited sitting or screen time, be physically active, and get sufficient sleep.  Limit Screen Time! Parents need to monitor their kids' screentime. They need to limit it at least according to their age, as binge-watching affects kids’ overall health. According to a report by the WHO in 2019, infants under 12 months should not be allowed to us...

The morning light filtered through the small gap in the curtains, painting the walls of my top-floor room in a soft, ethereal gold. It was a Saturday, and the world outside my window in Dunga Gali was waking up in the crisp, clean air of the Galiyat hills. The quiet hum of the mountains was a perfect counterpoint to the distant rumble of a car on the winding road below. I stretched, my body unclenching from the night's rest, feeling as though I had woken up inside a forgotten postcard. Breakfast was a simple, yet perfect ritual: a bowl of grilled chicken salad dotted with boiled eggs. The flavors were fresh and clean, a wholesome start that felt right for the day I had planned. Afterwards, I got dressed, choosing my clothes with the careful consideration of someone preparing for an adventure. An olive shirt, a pair of black tights for comfort and warmth, and finally, a bright red cardigan that felt like a burst of defiance against the earthy tones of the landscape. It was a small a...

Scene: A Bouquet in the Breeze The midday sun bathed the garden in a golden glow, a welcome warmth after the morning prayers. A gentle wind, a playful spirit, danced through the air, rustling the leaves and carrying the faint scent of blooming flowers. I sat on a weathered wooden bench, my bare feet enjoying the cool earth beneath, my white shoes resting haphazardly beside them. My yellow dupatta, a splash of sunshine against the dark wood, lay folded on the bench handle, a silent testament to the recent Ramadan prayers. My gaze, however, was fixed on him. Dressed entirely in black, a stark contrast to the vibrant hues of the garden, he moved with a quiet grace. His hands, clasped behind his back, held his wrists, a gesture of thoughtful composure. Then, he broke the pose, his hands reaching out to pluck a bright yellow flower with an emerald stem. A butterfly, a fleeting stroke of orange and black, flitted horizontally across his path, a silent observer. He moved again, his black shoe...

Module 1: Foundations of Linguistics What is Linguistics? Linguistics is the scientific study of language , analyzing its structure, meaning, and use. It examines how language functions as a system and how humans acquire, process, and use language in different contexts. Linguistics is not about prescriptive grammar rules but rather about understanding how languages naturally evolve and function. Basic Concept: Defining Linguistics Linguistics investigates several key aspects of language: - Phonetics and Phonology – Sounds and sound patterns. - Morphology – The structure of words. - Syntax – The structure of sentences. - Semantics – Meaning in language. - Pragmatics – Language use in context. Theory Connection: Structuralism and Langue & Parole Swiss linguist Ferdinand de Saussure introduced the concepts of langue (the structured system of language) and parole (individual speech acts). His structuralist approach laid the foundation for modern linguistic studies. History of Linguisti...