Sociolinguistics - Lesson 11 - Code Switching

Summary

This video script delves into the concept of code switching, where individuals alternate between two languages within a single conversation. It distinguishes code switching from borrowing, explaining that the former involves no adaptation of words to the host language's phonology or morphology. The script outlines reasons for code switching, such as individual preference, inclusion or exclusion in conversations, expressing taboo topics, and addressing vocabulary gaps. It also covers types of code switching, including intrasentential (within a sentence) and intersentential (across sentences), and references MacLaury's differentiation between code switching and code mixing.

Takeaways

• 😀 Code switching is the act of moving from one language to another within the same conversation.
• 🔍 Code switching involves the use of two languages without adapting words phonologically or morphologically to the host language.
• 📚 The difference between code switching and borrowing lies in whether the word is adapted to the host language's system.
• 👥 Monolinguals may use borrowed words if they are unaware of the word's existence in another language, which is not considered code switching.
• 🤔 People code switch for various reasons, including individual preference, inclusion or exclusion in conversations, and to express certain concepts or taboos.
• 🤝 Bilinguals might switch languages to include someone in the conversation who speaks a different language.
• 🙅‍♂️ Conversely, code switching can be used to exclude someone from understanding the conversation by switching to a language they do not know.
• 💬 Switching languages can also be a way to express topics that are difficult to articulate in one's mother tongue.
• 📖 Code switching can occur due to a lack of vocabulary in one language on a particular topic, prompting a switch to a more familiar language.
• 🔄 There are two types of code switching: intrasentential, where the switch happens within the same sentence, and inter-sentential, where it occurs across different sentences.
• 📝 MacLaury (1984) distinguishes between code switching and code mixing, with the former happening across sentence boundaries and the latter within a single sentence.

Q & A

What is code switching?

Code switching is the process by which an individual shifts from one language to another within the same conversation, involving the alternative use of two languages or linguistic variations.

How is code switching different from borrowing?

Code switching involves switching between languages without adapting the words phonologically or morphologically to the host language system, whereas borrowing involves the adaptation of words to fit the phonological or morphological structure of the host language.

What is the significance of individual preference in code switching?

Individual preference plays a role in code switching as bilinguals may switch languages because they enjoy it and feel comfortable doing so, indicating a personal choice in language use.

How can code switching be used for inclusion or exclusion in a conversation?

Code switching can be used to include or exclude someone from a conversation by switching to a language that the person either understands or does not understand, thus controlling the flow of information.

What is the role of code switching in expressing taboo issues or concepts?

People may code switch to a different language to express taboo issues or concepts, especially when they find it difficult to articulate these ideas in their mother tongue or the language they are primarily using.

Why might someone code switch due to a lack of knowledge?

A lack of vocabulary or knowledge in a particular language on a specific topic may lead someone to code switch to another language where they have a richer vocabulary or better understanding to express their thoughts more effectively.

What are the two types of code switching mentioned in the script?

The two types of code switching mentioned are intrasentential, which occurs within the same sentence, and inter-sentential, which occurs across sentences.

How does MacLaury (1984) distinguish between code switching and code mixing?

According to MacLaury, code switching refers to language changes that occur across phrase and sentence boundaries (inter-sentential), while code mixing takes place within a sentence (intra-sentential).

Can you provide an example of intrasentential code switching from the script?

An example of intrasentential code switching from the script is 'Varus and bribe him avik, and chocola with crepe on top,' where English and French are mixed within the same sentence.

What is an example of inter-sentential code switching mentioned in the script?

An example of inter-sentential code switching is given as 'I am looking for my father, la vivo have you seen him or her,' where the switch occurs between sentences rather than within the same sentence.

What is the purpose of discussing different reasons for code switching in the script?

Discussing different reasons for code switching helps to understand the various social, psychological, and linguistic motivations behind this phenomenon, providing a more comprehensive view of its usage and implications.

Outlines

00:00

🗣️ Code Switching: Definition and Distinction from Borrowing

This paragraph introduces the concept of code switching, which is the act of alternating between two languages within a single conversation. It emphasizes that code switching does not involve adaptation of words from one language to another, unlike borrowing, where words may be phonologically or morphologically adjusted to fit the host language. The paragraph also highlights the importance of distinguishing between code switching and borrowing based on the presence or absence of adaptation, and touches on the reasons why people might engage in code switching, such as individual preference, inclusion or exclusion in conversations, expressing taboo issues, and lack of vocabulary in one language.

05:01

🔍 Types of Code Switching and Terminology Clarification

The second paragraph delves into the types of code switching, specifically focusing on 'intra-sentential' and 'inter-sentential' switching. Intra-sentential refers to code switching within the same sentence, exemplified by mixing French and English phrases. Inter-sentential code switching occurs across sentences, as demonstrated by switching languages between two separate sentences. The paragraph also clarifies the terminology used by MacLaury (1984) to differentiate between 'mixing' and 'switching', with 'switching' referring to language changes across sentence boundaries and 'mixing' occurring within a sentence. This distinction provides a clear understanding of the nuances in the practice of code switching.

Keywords

💡Code Switching

Code switching is the act of alternating between two or more languages in the same conversation. It is a key concept in the video, illustrating the fluidity with which bilingual individuals can move between languages. The script provides the example of switching from one language to another without adapting the pronunciation or structure of the words, which is a direct demonstration of code switching.

💡Linguistic Variation

Linguistic variation refers to the differences in language use within the same conversation or discourse. In the context of the video, it is closely related to code switching, as it highlights the diversity in language expression that can occur even within a single interaction. The script mentions linguistic variation to emphasize the range of language choices available to bilingual speakers.

💡Borrowing

Borrowing in linguistics is the process of incorporating words from one language into another, often adapting them to fit the phonological or morphological structure of the host language. The video script distinguishes borrowing from code switching by pointing out that borrowed words are adapted to the language they are used in, unlike in code switching where the language is used as is.

💡Adaptation

Adaptation in the script refers to the modification of a word to fit the phonological or morphological rules of the language it is being used in. It is a critical factor in determining whether a word is considered borrowed or part of a code switch. The video explains that without adaptation, the use of a word from another language is an instance of code switching.

💡Monolaying

Monolaying is the use of a word from another language by a monolingual speaker, unaware of its existence in other languages. The video script explains that this is not considered code switching because it involves only one language. It is an important distinction because it highlights the difference between bilingual and monolingual language use.

💡Inclusion/Exclusion

Inclusion and exclusion are social functions of code switching. The video script describes how bilinguals may switch languages to include someone who speaks the same language in a conversation or to exclude someone who does not. This use of language is a strategic social tool that can shape the dynamics of a conversation.

💡Taboo Issues

Taboo issues refer to sensitive or culturally restricted topics that may be uncomfortable to discuss in one's native language. The video script mentions that people might switch to another language when discussing such topics, as a way to navigate cultural or personal discomfort.

💡Lack of Knowledge

Lack of knowledge is presented in the script as a reason for code switching. It occurs when a speaker does not have the vocabulary in one language to express a certain concept or topic and thus switches to a language where they are more proficient. This demonstrates the practical aspect of code switching in communication.

💡Intra Sentential

Intra sentential code switching is when a bilingual speaker switches languages within the same sentence. The video script provides an example of this with a mixed sentence in French and English, illustrating how code switching can occur seamlessly at the sentence level.

💡Inter Sentential

Inter sentential code switching involves switching languages between sentences rather than within a single sentence. The video script contrasts this with intra sentential switching, using an example where a switch occurs at the beginning of a new sentence, highlighting the structural difference in code switching patterns.

💡Code Mixing

Code mixing, as discussed in the video script, is a term used by MacLaury (1984) to describe the phenomenon of switching languages within a sentence. It is considered a form of code switching, but the script distinguishes it by its occurrence within the boundaries of a single sentence, as opposed to across sentences.

Highlights

Code switching is defined as the process of shifting from one language to another within the same conversation.

Code switching involves the alternative use of two languages without adaptation to the host language's phonological or morphological system.

The difference between code switching and borrowing lies in the adaptation of words to the host language system.

Monolaying refers to the use of words by monolinguals, which are borrowed if they are not adapted to the host language.

Individual preference is one reason bilinguals may code switch, as they enjoy and feel comfortable with the practice.

Code switching can be used for inclusion or exclusion in conversations, to either include or exclude someone based on language proficiency.

People may code switch to express certain concepts or topics, especially when discussing taboo issues.

Lack of knowledge in a particular language can lead to code switching to find more expressive terms or vocabulary.

Intra-sentential code switching occurs when bilinguals switch languages within the same sentence.

Inter-sentential code switching happens when language switches occur across sentences, not within the same sentence.

MacLaury (1984) distinguishes between code switching and code mixing based on whether the switch occurs within or across sentences.

According to MacLaury, code switching is defined as language changes across phrase and sentence boundaries.

Code mixing, as defined by MacLaury, takes place within a sentence, contrasting with code switching.

The transcript provides a comprehensive overview of code switching, including its definition, differences from borrowing, reasons for its use, and types.

The lecture touches on the social and linguistic implications of code switching, such as its role in identity expression and conversation dynamics.

The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding code switching in the context of bilingualism and multilingual societies.

Transcripts

hello dear student welcome to

another uh maybe last video in social

linguistics

uh today we will be talking about code

switching code switching is a process by

which an individual

shifts from one language to another

within the same

conversation so in other words code

switching involves an alternative use of

two languages

or linguistic variation within the same

trances or conversations so you just

switch from one language to another

unlike borrowing codes machine does not

involve the adaptation of words so when

you switch from one language to another

you pronounce or produce another

language

as it is in its in this language so we

don't adapt it

uh today to the other language so there

is no adaptation

phonological or morphologically

so the difference between code switching

and borrowing

so the first is the adaptation if a word

is

adapted phonologically or

morphologically or both of course

with the host language system then it is

a borrowed

this borrowed the word it's a borrowed

word if not

then it is a code switch

go switching so there is if

the adaptation is has to do with

borrowing

okay this is something that you need to

remember the other

difference is monolaying was the use of

words

so if one online was used a word

it is surely our own word because they

have no idea

about the existence of the word in other

languages

if someone who has only one of which

speaks only one language

uses a word for example

that word is a borrowed word it's not

code switching okay because you cannot

switch

between you cannot switch to another

language if you

only speak my language so here we talk

again about the reasons of constitution

why people

code switch okay so the first thing is

individual preference bilinguals can

code switch

because they enjoy it and feel

comfortable with it so they just like to

switch

from one language to another others

uh we may use this inclusion

or exclusion so another reason is

two sometimes ben equals can code switch

to include or exclude exclude someone

from the conversation

okay if you are talking to someone

in french for example and then some

other person comes

and you don't want them to know what

you're talking about so we switch for

example to english

to exclude him or her from the

conversation

or if you are talking for example to

someone in revenge

and then somebody else comes

who speaks only for example english you

switch to english

to english to include them in the in the

conversation

okay and the other reason is that

sometimes so we have trouble issues

sometimes people

believe was of course can code switch to

express certain concepts

and topics okay when you talk about

taboo issues

you switch to a language mostly to your

mother tongue

or to to express this

these concepts to to give a uh

a expressive explanation

so this is another reason double issues

if you go to a doctor for example and

you want to talk about

some you know you want to mention that

you have an illness

in some of your body parts

okay then you may use uh

a word from another language to mean to

mean it

if you cannot use it in your mother

tongue or something so

and then we have another reason which is

lack of knowledge some people

valuables codes which to be more

expressive is

topics that is you speak for example in

two languages you're speaking in french

and then you come to a

topic where you don't have uh like

enough vocabulary to express a certain

topic so we switch to a language

which you know better and then you

express it in another language so

another reason would be as the result of

lack

of knowledge

and here we have types of code switching

so we have intra sentential that is

bilinguals

codes which within the same sentence so

for example

varus and bribe him avik

and chocola with crepe on top you see so

you have

the you have little french that english

and french english

in the same sentence that is in the same

sentence which is intra

sentential okay and then we have inter

sentential that is switches occur

from or occur cross sentences okay

cross sentences for example i am looking

for my father

la vivo have you have you seen him or

her

have you seen him okay so you switch but

in another sentence not in the same

sentence

uh this is these um these notions are

also

uh used differently by

mac log lead 1984 so 19

mark glean distinguishes between

mixing and switching switching that is

code switching and code mixing

by referring to code switches as

languages

changes language changes according cross

phrase

and sentences boundaries okay that is

inter sentential

okay that's code switching according to

maclaurin

if you change cross sentences that is

one sentence in language and the other

sentence in

in french for example that's code

switching

and if you uh whereas code mixes take

place within sentence if you switch

just to say in the same sentence that is

according to

maclaurin is called code mix not code

switch

so just different different names for

the same

the same thing okay so this is it for

today

thank you very much and take care of

yourself