Abstract

Researches on code-switching in the past have a concentration on the verbal language, few on its written form. This study attempts to cover and analyze the notion of code-switching in electronic contexts. The objective of this study is to discuss the code-switching functions performed by Arabic-English bilingual users in their Facebook interactions. The data of this study were collected from status updates posted by the bilingual users on their Facebook wall. They were classified and analyzed according to the functions they served in the Facebook context. Findings indicate that code switching occurs in online interaction to serve addressee specification, reiteration, message qualification, clarification, emphasis, checking, indicating emotions, availability, principle of economy and free switching functions. This study hopes to provide insights on the code-switching phenomenon in Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC). Additionally, the findings of this study will be of value for the development of code-switching studies in the socio linguistic area.

Highlights

  • Ever since the idea of its existence, the concept of code-switching has influenced and encouraged the emergence of various research areas that are highly relevant in the field of Bilingualism

  • The objective of this study is to discuss the code-switching functions performed by Arabic-English bilingual users in their Facebook interactions

  • Findings indicate that code switching occurs in online interaction to serve addressee specification, reiteration, message qualification, clarification, emphasis, checking, indicating emotions, availability, principle of economy and free switching functions

Read more

Summary

Introduction

Ever since the idea of its existence, the concept of code-switching has influenced and encouraged the emergence of various research areas that are highly relevant in the field of Bilingualism. Educators have looked into areas related to the types of code-switching and its social roles, the different patterns of code-switching amongst children and adults, as well as the different reasons that encourage the occurrence of code-switching in speech All these different studies and researches have suggested various definitions to what code-switching can be referred to. Code-switching is defined as a combination of words, phrases and sentences that result from sentence limitations in similar speech context Based on these definitions, it can be deduced that code-switching in general can be regarded as the act of speaking in different languages interchangeably in order to overcome language constraints, to deliver speeches effectively and most importantly as a crucial step towards achieving successful communication

Theoretical Background
Objectives of the Study
Significance of the Study
Research Questions
Literature Review
Code-Switching Definition
Reasons for Code-Switching
To Show Solidarity
To Reflect Social Status
Affection
To Persuade Audience
Facebook
Bilingualism and Code Switching
Code and Code-Switching
Types of Code-Switching
Tag-Switching
Inter-Sentential Switching
Intra-Sentential Switching
Framework for This Paper
Lack of Facility
Lack of Register
Mood of the Speaker
Habitual Expression
To Emphasize a Point
Semantic Significance
To Show Identity with a Group
To Address a Different Audience
Pragmatic Reasons
To Attract Attention
Conclusion
Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call