Abstract
This paper explores the code-switching behavior of second language (L2) bilinguals as a lens into the development of their L2 linguistic systems. Specifically, it investigates the acceptability judgments of L1-English L2-Spanish bilinguals on intra-sentential code-switching, comparing those judgments to a group of Spanish–English bilinguals who acquired both languages as an L1. The particular issues of proficiency and bilingual language behavior are analyzed, testing whether either factor has an effect on L2 code-switching intuitions. The results suggest that both proficiency and bilingual language behavior are relevant. L2 bilinguals with an intermediate/advanced proficiency level of Spanish were more likely to align with 2L1 bilinguals with regard to code-switching judgments, as were L2 bilinguals who reported prior experience with language mixing. L2 bilinguals with lower proficiency in Spanish, as well as those who reported never engaging in code-switching, however, were more likely to diverge from the 2L1 bilinguals in their judgments.
Highlights
Code-switching (CS) is a bilingual phenomenon commonly defined as the fluid alternation between languages during conversation (Poplack 1980)
The results show that proficiency of the L2 bilinguals was key for CS acceptability to align with the predictions of the Functional Head Constraint (FHC) framework
Following Ebert and Koronkiewicz (2018), monolingual judgments can provide a benchmark comparison of acceptability, as well as point out any potential ungrammaticality that stems from elements unrelated to CS
Summary
Code-switching (CS) is a bilingual phenomenon commonly defined as the fluid alternation between languages during conversation (Poplack 1980). CS—language mixing that occurs within the same sentence. Consistent findings from CS research show that it is not an artifact of bilingual deficiency or language detrition. Rather, it is a rule-governed phenomenon prevalent in the speech of highly proficient bilinguals. For instance, the examples of Spanish–English CS in (1). A. Ese hombre ordered a glass of water For instance, the examples of Spanish–English CS in (1). a.
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