Code-switching Research Articles

The role of minority language bilingualism in spotting agreement attraction errors: Evidence from Italian varieties.

Bilingual adaptations remain a subject of ongoing debate, with varying results reported across cognitive domains. A possible way to disentangle the apparent inconsistency of results is to focus on the domain of language processing, which is what the bilingual experience boils down to. This study delves into the role of the bilingual experience on the processing of agreement mismatches. Given the underrepresentation of minority bilingual speakers of non-standard varieties, we advance a unique comparative perspective that includes monolinguals, standard language bilinguals, and different groups of minority language bilinguals, taking advantage of the rich linguistic diversity of the Italian peninsula. This comparative approach can reveal the impact of various sociolinguistic aspects of the bilingual experience across different bilingual trajectories. We developed an auditory acceptability judgement task in Italian, featuring Subject-Verb agreement mismatches. Participants evaluated the stimuli on a 5-point Likert scale and reaction times were recorded. The results do not reveal significant differences between the speakers of standard languages: Italian monolinguals and Italian-Spanish bilinguals. Instead, significant differences are found between monolinguals and the two groups of minority language bidialectals, as well as between the bidialectal groups themselves: Italian-Pavese bidialectals were faster than both Italian-Agrigentino bidialectals and Italian monolinguals, while Italian-Agrigentino bidialectals were less accurate than both Italian-Pavese bidialectals and Italian monolinguals. This intricate picture is explained through variables associated with second language use and language switching. Our findings suggest that if bilingualism is viewed as a yes/no phenotype, it is unavoidable that the bilingual experience will remain a mystery linked to intensely debated results. If, however, one accepts that bilingual adaptations are shaped by the environmental ecology of each trajectory, variation across bilingual processing outcomes is unsurprising. Overall, we argue that specific sociolinguistic factors behind each bilingual experience can reveal where bilingual adaptations on language and cognition stem from.

Language Switching as an Emotional Distancing Mechanism and its Implication for Health Behaviors: A Systematic Review

Language Switching as an Emotional Distancing Mechanism and its Implication for Health Behaviors: A Systematic Review

Unpacking the Bilingual Mind: How Code Mixing and Switching Facilitate Language Processing among Bilingual Learners

Language is a dynamic system shaped by evolving concepts, social contexts, and user experiences. This research delves into the intricate relationship between code-switching and code-mixing, exploring their impact on bilingual language acquisition. The study differentiates between code-switching, the complete shift between languages, and code-mixing, the integration of elements from both languages within a single utterance. It acknowledges the role of these phenomena in bridging communication gaps and facilitating self-expression for bilingual learners. It highlights studies conducted in the Philippines, emphasizing the prevalence of code-switching in urban areas and its potential benefits in language learning environments. This case study aimed to meticulously examine the interplay between code-switching and code-mixing, particularly their influence on bilingual learners’ communication strategies, language development, as well as their cognitive benefits. By shedding light on these phenomena, the study can contribute to a deeper understanding of bilingual language acquisition processes and inform effective language teaching methods, particularly in multilingual contexts like the Philippines.

Investigating the Syntactic Variation among Non-Native English ESL Learners of Khawaja Fareed University of Engineering and Information Technology

Introduction: This research investigates syntactic variation among non-native ESL learners with Urdu, Punjabi, and Saraiki language backgrounds, utilizing Howard Giles' Communicative Accommodation theory. Methodology: Writing samples from 105 students at Khawaja Fareed University of Engineering and Information Technology were analyzed for syntactic differences across various linguistic elements. Results/Findings: Distinct patterns of syntactic variation emerged among language groups, with Urdu-speaking students showing heightened variation in Prepositions, Pluralization, Modal Verbs, Adjective Placement, and Code Switching. Punjabi-speaking students demonstrated increased variation in Subject-Verb Agreement, Verb Tense, Word Order, Pronunciation, Vocabulary, and Relative Clauses. Saraiki-speaking students displayed more variations in Idiomatic Expressions, Question Formation, Negation, and Conjunction. Implication/Future Direction: The findings underscore the importance of considering mother tongue influence in ESL instruction. These variations are attributed to students' inadequate competence, insufficient training, and limited exposure to the target language. Further research should explore effective strategies to address syntactic variation in ESL classrooms.

Bidirectional interaction between language control and domain-general executive control in unbalanced Chinese-English bilinguals

Recent research has shown that bilinguals outperform monolinguals on tasks requiring non-linguistic executive control skills, thereby generating an interest in the relationship between bilingual language processing and non-linguistic control abilities. Based on this, the present study further examined the bidirectional interaction between language control and non-linguistic control in unbalanced Chinese-English bilinguals. These bilinguals completed a Flanker task in three types of language control contexts (i.e., L1, L2, and Mixed language contexts) in the interleaved word-comprehension-to-Flanker sequence and performed a picture-word matching task in three types of non-linguistic executive control contexts (i.e., color, shape and color-shape mixed contexts) in the interleaved color-shape-switching-to-word-comprehension sequence. The results showed that the Flanker effect in mixed language context was smaller than in single (L1 and L2) context, suggesting language control leads to a better non-linguistic control ability. Additionally, the language switching cost was found smaller in the mixed task context (color/shape switching), indicating that non-linguistic control can enhance the language control ability. Therefore, we conclude that there is a bidirectional interaction between language control and non-linguistic control even in unbalanced bilinguals.

Multilingualism at the Market: A Pre-registered Immersive Virtual Reality Study of Bilingual Language Switching.

Bilinguals, by definition, are capable of expressing themselves in more than one language. But which cognitive mechanisms allow them to switch from one language to another? Previous experimental research using the cued language-switching paradigm supports theoretical models that assume that both transient, reactive and sustained, proactive inhibitory mechanisms underlie bilinguals' capacity to flexibly and efficiently control which language they use. Here we used immersive virtual reality to test the extent to which these inhibitory mechanisms may be active when unbalanced Dutch-English bilinguals i) produce full sentences rather than individual words, ii) to a life-size addressee rather than only into a microphone, iii) using a message that is relevant to that addressee rather than communicatively irrelevant, iv) in a rich visual environment rather than in front of a computer screen. We observed a reversed language dominance paired with switch costs for the L2 but not for the L1 when participants were stand owners in a virtual marketplace and informed their monolingual customers in full sentences about the price of their fruits and vegetables. These findings strongly suggest that the subtle balance between the application of reactive and proactive inhibitory mechanisms that support bilingual language control may be different in the everyday life of a bilingual compared to in the (traditional) psycholinguistic laboratory.

A Blessing in Disguise: Flanking Words Can Cancel Language Switch Costs.

Prior research has shown that a sentence context can decrease the necessity for language control relative to single word processing. In particular, measures of language control such as language switch costs are reduced or even absent in a sentence context. Yet, this evidence is mainly based on bilingual language production and is far from straightforward. To further investigate this issue in the comprehension modality, we relied on the lexical flanker task, which is known to introduce sentence-like processing. More specifically, Dutch-English bilinguals (n = 68) performed a classification task in mixed language blocks on target words that were either presented alone or flanked by unrelated words in the same language. While overall no L1 switch costs were observed, we only observed L2 switch costs in the no-flanker condition. This pattern of results indicates that the presence of flankers can reduce or even abolish switch costs, suggesting that the language control process can benefit from sentence(-like) processing compared to single word processing.

A Study about the Causes of Chinese-English Code Switching of Chinese Second Language Learners’ Oral Conversation in a Natural Environment

A Study about the Causes of Chinese-English Code Switching of Chinese Second Language Learners’ Oral Conversation in a Natural Environment

Switching Between Two Foreign Languages in English for Medical Purposes Course: Impact on Medical Terminology and Vocabulary Comprehension

Code-switching (CS) between the mother tongue (L1) and the foreign language (FL) is an embedded practice in the Algerian multilingual society, as it is highly noticed in pedagogical settings like school and university. Yet, switching between two foreign languages seems to gain popularity, mainly, in the English for medical purposes (EMP) course. In the latter, EMP teachers tend to switch between English and French to serve certain pedagogical and non-pedagogical aims. Furthermore, this practice is used as a time-saving strategy and as an instructional tool to enhance students’ skills like; listening and vocabulary comprehension. In an attempt to flesh out an explanatory framework, this study explores the attitudes of students towards their teachers’ use of CS, in addition to their perspective about the reasons behind teachers’ switching between two foreign languages in a medical course. Furthermore, this research reveals the different perceptions of learners about the implementation of English/French CS to enhance their vocabulary comprehension and to promote their medical terminology. To this end, 162 second year pharmacy students, from the faculty of medicine at the university of Sétif 1, formed the participants of the enquiry. Based on a triangulation (quantitative and qualitative) research design, a questionnaire and a focus group discussion (FGD) were used to collect the related data. The findings revealed that teachers switch from English to French to perform different pedagogical functions such as explaining new concepts and difficult expressions, reinforcing and emphasizing a message or an information. Through CS, instructors may create a friendly and a dynamic learning atmosphere by using it as a stopgap to students’ loss of communication and hence to support the learning and teaching process. Moreover, CS is used to boost the learning of medical terminology and to facilitate the comprehension of medical context especially the new and complex vocabulary for learners. Overall CS is regarded as an effective pedagogical strategy, and is recommended in the EMP course, yet it should be used with moderation and in situations where necessary.

Analyzing Code Switching Used as a Bridge of Misunderstanding in Classroom for Students at SMAN 1 Deli Tua

This research was directed to analyze (1) the types of code switching used in classroom during the English course (2) the reasons why teachers and students at SMA Negeri 1 DELI TUA using code switching in class and (3) the effect of code switching. The researcher adopted descriptive- qualitative method since the data dealt with words instead of numbers and applied Hoffman theory to analyze the problems. Technique for collecting data used by researcher was triangulations, those are observation, questionnaires, and interview. Intra sentential switching, Establishing continuity with previous speaker , and Emblematic got 22,22%, and each Inter sentential switching, Intra lexical and Involving a Change of Pronunciation are 11,11% percentages. There are several code switching occurred on the class and researcher placed based on the functions and they are 57,14% of Repetitive function, 28,57% of Interjection and the last is 14,28% for Quoting somebody else is found during the observation.

English-Indonesian and Indonesian-English Code Switching Used by the Teachers in Teaching-Learning English at the 11th Grade of SMAN 2 Mataram in the Academic Year of 2022/2023

Language is the most important component of the lives of all individual’s life. People will be able to communicate with one another more conveniently and effectively if they use language. People speak a variety of languages for a variety of reasons. It could be anywhere, including home, work, school, or campus. In a communication process, people may switch language codes, such as the English language, to the Indonesian language or vice versa. This research aimed to identify and describe the types and functions of English-Indonesian and Indonesian-English code switching used by the teachers in teaching-learning English at the 11th Grade of SMAN 2 Mataram. This research concentrates on two English teachers who currently teach students in the 11th grade who are majoring in science during the academic year 2022/2023. This study employed a descriptive qualitative methodology, and observation was the primary data collection method. A pre-observation class will be held as the first step in this research project to choose the topic. From the results, during classrooms, the first English teacher’s utterances caused sixty-seven codes switching and the second English teacher’s utterances caused forty-six codes switching. While for the functions, both English teachers only used five out of six functions of code switching. The research results show that the type of code switching mainly used by the English teachers is inter-sentential code switching and the function used mainly by English teachers is managing class.

Language Variation in Print Media: A Study of Code Switching Patterns in Pakistani Urdu ‘Express’ Newspaper Editorials

The current study explores the problematic background of language variation within the print media domain, specifically exploring code-switching patterns in the editorials of the Pakistani Urdu' Express' newspaper. Code-switching is a linguistic phenomenon involving alternation between two or more languages within a single discourse that reflects the dynamic interaction of cultural and communicative factors. The study put into practice a sociolinguistic lens to analyze the frequency, types, and functions of code-switching employed in the Urdu editorials of the 'Express' newspaper. The study applies a qualitative descriptive method; it produces descriptive data in the form of code-switched sentences from the editorial of Pakistani Urdu newspaper. 'Express' is selected for this purpose. One week of newspapers is collected for the current study from 1st October 2023 to 7th October 2023 to analyze code-switching in editorial sections. The analysis of data from the newspaper shows that the types of code-switching are intra-sentential, word code-switching, and total integrated Urdu. The most dominant type of code-switching observed is Intra-sentential (80%). The findings are expected to contribute to understanding how language is strategically employed in print media, shedding light on the role of code-switching as a tool for effective communication and cultural expression. This study holds significance in media discourse, as it exposes the linguistic choices made by writers and editors in the 'Express' newspaper, offering insights into the complex relationship between language, culture, and journalism. The results of this research are anticipated to inform future discussions on language dynamics within the Pakistani media landscape and contribute to the broader field of sociolinguistics.

Polar Influence of Code-Switching on Oral Communication Skills: The Case of Philippine Cebuano-Visayan Bilinguals

Linguists are explicitly divided on code switching's (CS hereinafter) effect on the oral communication skills of English language learners. Some studies asserted that CS is beneficial (positive) while others criticized its negative impact on the target language (TL hereinafter) proficiency in communication skills. This study examined the influence of CS strategy on the oral communication skills of bilingual Cebuano-Visayan Senior High School students of the University of Cebu - Banilad, Cebu City, Philippines. This serves to bridge the ongoing debate and as a recent contributing perspective on the CS phenomenon, especially the English and Cebuano-Visayan language pair not yet explored in a conversational analysis in a new dialectal context (locale). Employing a case study design with 9 participants for data saturation, real-life conversations of students and teachers in English classrooms were audio-recorded for one month, and triangulated with interviews and observations. Thematic and conversational analysis then ensued which yielded the finding that CS adversely affects the students' oral communication skills in the areas of morphology, phonology, and syntax but positively facilitates the strategic competence of the bilingual oral communicators. CS, therefore, has a polar influence (both positive and negative) on the student’s oral communication skills.

Embedding Islamic Values in English Teaching and Learning at IAIN Manado

The objective of this study was to describe the Islamic values that instilled into English teaching and learning process at IAIN Manado during the academic year 2023/2024. The research specifically focused on delineating how an English lecturer integrated Islamic values into the English teaching and learning process. Employing a descriptive study with a qualitative approach, the researchers, acting as the main instrument, aimed to ascertain facts and describe phenomena. The participants in this study comprised an English lecturer and first semester students of Islamic Education Study Program at IAIN Manado. Data collection methods included observation, interviews, and documentation. The data were analyzed through involving data reduction, data display, and drawing conclusions. The research findings unfolded as follows: firstly, the integration of Islamic values into lesson plans occurred in the sections detailing instructional objectives and instructional materials. The integration of Islamic values into material development took various forms, including 1) providing texts and exercises that mirrored Islamic values relevant to the presented topic, 2) adapting the Islamic names of individuals, locations, and events within added exercises, 3) embedding pertinent verses from Al-Quran and Al-Hadith into the main material, and 4) interweaving Islamic expressions with corresponding English expressions in the main materials. Secondly, the integration of Islamic values into English teaching-learning activities involved (1) employing code mixing and code switching between English and Islamic expressions, (2) linking the discussed topic to verses from Al-Qur'an, (3) using Islamic names for individuals. Finally, the integration of Islamic values into evaluation was accomplished through both informal and formal assessment methods.Keywords: Islamic Values, English teaching and Learning, IAIN Manado

Code Switching and Code Mixing Practised By K-POP Idols Diaspora

The research discussed K-pop idols as ambassadors for brands, contributing to the global popularity of K-pop as a cultural phenomenon. Given their strong influence and popularity, it was fascinating to discern how K-Pop idols' diaspora communicates with each other. By using the descriptive-qualitative approach with the interpretive-explorative pattern, the research was intended to examine the practice of code-switching and code-mixing by K-pop idols' diaspora during their interaction, to enumerate the code-switching and code-mixing instances, as well as to study the reasons/motivations behind the use of using code-switching and code-mixing. The result of the data analysis confirmed that, like other bilinguals, K-Pop idol's diaspora utilize code switching and code mixing during their interaction for various underlying reasons. It is found that there are 19 inter-sentential switchings, 18 intra-sentential switching, four tag switching, 11 insertion code-mixing, four alternation code-mixing, and six congruent lexicalizations with different reasons or motivations. The research concluded that it is almost inevitable for bilinguals and multilinguals to practice code- switching and code-mixing to navigate language selection during their interaction.

Analisis Penggunaan Campur Kode Dan Ahli Kode Dalam Kata Sambutan

Code switching and code mixing are various variations of language by a person or certain community groups, for example in schools, offices, housing and traditional markets. Traditional markets themselves can be said to be centers of interaction and transactions that allow speakers and speech partners to come from various regions with different backgrounds, statuses and mastery of languages. Differences in social backgrounds in speech communities in traditional market environments result in greater opportunities for the emergence of code-switching and code-mixing phenomena, and are interesting to study in more depth in terms of form, type and factors that influence the emergence of these phenomena.The method used in this research is descriptive qualitative to examine data by explaining or describing the data contained in the remarks. The phenomenon of code mixing is the use of two or more languages ​​in a speech. Code mixing can occur if a language speaker, when using Indonesian, then inserts regional language elements into Indonesian speech. In other words, someone who speaks using the main Indonesian language code has an autonomous function, while the regional language codes involved in the main code are just fragments without function or autonomy as a code. Meanwhile, the Code Switching Phenomenon is a speech event with a change in language use. or dialect.

Role of English Language as a Global and Economical Language Around the Globe: A Case of Kachru's Model

This paper attempts to examine 'World Englishes' (WE) with connectivity to English as an International Language (EIL), Applied Linguistics and socio-linguistics. In the light of Kachru's model of English Language in the late 20th century. This model has three circles, inner circle, where English is used as native language, Outer Circle, mostly former colonies of British Empire, such as Singapore, India, Kenya, Ghana, Malaysia, Pakistan and others, and 3rd is Expanding Circle, include countries in which English is known as Foreign Language in schools and universities, mostly for communication and business or economic purposes as well with Inner and Outer circles. The term "English language" refers to various interesting and notable features, patterns, or aspects of the English language. These phenomena can encompass a wide range of linguistic phenomena, including grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, syntax, idioms, and more. English holds significant importance around the world because English is the most widely spoken language globally. It serves as a common language of communication among people from different linguistic backgrounds. Proficiency in English enables individuals to connect with a broader range of people, both in personal and professional contexts. English is the language of international business and economics as well. It facilitates global trade, negotiations, and collaboration between companies and individuals from different countries. Proficiency in English enhances employability and career opportunities, particularly in multinational corporations and industries with international reach. It recognizes the importance of both native and non-native varieties of English and acknowledges that each circle has its own linguistic norms, purposes, and language development. The study informs us that Kachru was an original thinker not in the field of English Language including applied linguistics, multilingualism, bilingualism, language policy, language creativity, code mixing, code switching, cross-cultural communication, sociolinguistics but also in the domain of politics of language and so many other issues including cross-cultural awareness.

Code-Switching Analysis in EFL Classroom Interaction: A Sociolinguistic Study

This research aims to analyze the types and the functions of code-switchingin EFL Classroom Interaction by teacher and students. The type of this research is descriptive using a qualitative approach. The instruments which are used are observation, interview, and documentation. The observation is conducted 3 times while interview was done to English teacher and some students to know the use of code switching in EFL classroom. The result shows that code switching is mostly used especially in explaining material to students based on Poplack theory. Three types of code switching which was used by the teacher: tag switching occurred 5 times in 3 meetings, intrasentential code-switching occored 33 times in 3 meetings, and interrsentential code-switching occurred 22 times in 3 meetings. Meanwhile, Based on Sert, there are the three functions of teachers’ code-switching accomplished. They were topic switch occurred 37 times in 3 meetings, affective function occurred 16 times in 3 meeting), and repetitive function occurred 16 times in 3 meetings. Besides, there are two functions of students’ code-switching accomplished. These functions are equivalence appeared 3 times in 3 meetings and reiteration appeared 1 time in three meetings. In conclusion, the type of code switching that is most often done by teachers is intersential switching, which occurs in one sentence, when the speaker says a complete sentence in one language into another language. Meanwhile, the code switching function that is most often used by teachers is topic switch, namely the teacher does code switching when explaining material to students, while the code switching function that is most often used by students is equivalence, namely repeating to avoid mistakes.

Code accommodation as a measure of inclusion for bilingual people living with dementia of the Alzheimer’s type

Abstract This case study explores the dynamics of code choices in interactions involving bilingual people living with dementia of the Alzheimer’s Type (DAT) and their primary care partners, focusing on two narrative interviews held in private settings. Drawing on a combination of Communication Accommodation Theory and Conversation Analysis, it takes account of the patterns, communicative functions and effects of code choices and code switching as practices of interactional adjustment. The qualitative analysis sheds light on inclusive and non-inclusive interactional adjustments expressed through code choices by individual speakers, especially focusing on code accommodation at turn boundaries. Results indicate a high language awareness in the two speakers living with DAT and positive communicational outcomes when code accommodation is performed by the conversational partner.

Code-switching in students’ group discussions in EFL classroom at a university level

Code-switching is an activity when a person switches their language in a speech. Some research have been conducted in the field of code switching, however, very little was done in looking both the types and the reasons of doing it in the group discussion context. This research focuses on exploring the types of code-switching used by the students in EFL classroom during group discussion and the reasons why the students used code-switching during group discussion in EFL classroom. The methodology used in this research was a descriptive qualitative. There were three participants in this research, two females and one male aged 21 to 24-year-old which was done in a private university of Yogyakarta. In collecting the data, the researcher used interview and follow-up questions. And the finding of this research found that there were three types of code-switching used by the EFL student, the first one is tag switching, inter-sentential switching, and the last one is intra-sentential switching. Furthermore there were three reasons why the participants used code-switching. The first one is feeling comfortable in using their mother tongue, lacking the target language proficiency, and the last one is holding the floor.