Code-Switching Used in Indonesian-Japanese Interpersonal Communication: A Sociolinguistics Study

Abstract

This research analyzed code-switching used during interpersonal communication events between Indonesian and Japanese native speakers who understand both languages. This sociolinguistic analysis examines the phenomenon of code-switching based on socio-cultural and socio-situational. In this study, the data were collected using questionnaires and interviews. Findings have found that several factors underlie code-switching in interpersonal communication: the ability of language participants, speakers' shifting moods and wills, conversational topics, speakers' sense of solidarity, speakers' incapacity to use linguistic codes, and speakers' propensity to use the idea that a first-learned vocabulary (cognitive primacy). The purposes of code-switching in a conversation are to facilitate communication, strengthen the bond between the speaker and the speaking partner, respect one another's cultural backgrounds, facilitate discussion, enhance foreign language proficiency, and serve as a reminder to speakers to address specific topics or provide an answer to a question.