Aspects of Russian-Estonian codeswitching: Research perspectives

Abstract

The article describes codeswitching (CS) as a new phenomenon in modern Russian-Estonian contacts. The author believes that a microsociolinguistic approach developed by Auer, Tabouret-Keller, Le Page, and others allows a flexible analysis and leaves space for linguistic creativity. CS in the post-Soviet setting has not been investigated, and this particular case could contribute to a general understanding of CS patterns. During the past decade both speech communities have become less focused (more diffused). Therefore, a “monolithic view on language” (Backus) has to be replaced by the image of various multilingual and monolingual lects. The shape and properties of lects depend on whether they are used in monolingual-to-monolingual or in multilingual interaction. These lects are not necessarily fully crystallized and differences may be subtle. A new lect, the so-called “market discourse” is developing for Russian-to-Estonian interaction. It utilizes Estonian nouns, adjectives, numerals and discourse markers, whereas VP, word order and combinational properties remain Russian. It is not yet clear whether and how this lect can be placed in Auer's CS-to-language-mixing-to-fused lect continuum.