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.