Code-switching Research Articles

Code Switching in Teaching English as a Foreign Language

This study addresses the issue of English-Arabic-switching in the university classroom and how the use of alternative codes might serve the learning and teaching processes. The first part of this research talks about the definition of code switching which depends on different types of systematic methods, and about code switching and code mixing and how to mix between English and Arabic inside the classroom. The second part of the research talks about what are the disadvantages and benefits of using Arabic in the classroom and how to deal with it.

Syntax drives default language selection in bilingual connected speech production.

The present study investigated the role of syntactic processing in driving bilingual language selection. In two experiments, 120 English-dominant Spanish-English bilinguals read aloud 18 paragraphs with language switches. In Experiment 1a, each paragraph included eight switch words on function targets (four that repeated in every paragraph), and Experiment 1b was a replication with eight additional switches on content words in each paragraph. Both experiments had three conditions: (a) normal, (b) noun-swapped (in which nouns within consecutive sentences were swapped), and (c) random (in which words in each sentence were reordered randomly). In both experiments bilinguals produced intrusion errors, automatically translating language switch words by mistake, especially on function words (e.g., saying the day and stay awake instead of the day y stay awake). Intrusion rates did not vary across experiments even though switch rate was doubled in Experiment 1b relative to Experiment 1a. Bilinguals produced the most intrusions in normal paragraphs, slightly but significantly fewer intrusions in noun-swapped paragraphs, and a dramatic drop in intrusion rates in the random condition, even though the random condition elicited the most within-language errors. Bilinguals also demonstrated a common signature of inhibitory control in the form of reversed language dominance effects, which did not vary significantly across paragraph types. Finally, intrusions increased with switch word predictability (surprisal), but significant differences between conditions remained when controlling for predictability. These results demonstrate that bilingual language selection is driven by syntactic processing, which operates independently from other language control mechanisms, such as inhibition.the day and stay (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Bridging linguistic gaps: the role of code-switching in enhancing learning outcomes in Nigerian public primary schools

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study is to investigate the pedagogical implications of code switching as a medium of instruction in Nigerian public primary schools. This study explores the language choices made by teachers and their implications for students’ learning experiences. Quantitative and qualitative case study approaches were used for the study. Three states, Osun, Oyo and Ogun, were randomly selected from the six states in South-Western Nigeria. From each of these states, three public primary schools were selected, based on their location, size, and diversity. The study targeted classrooms that use code-switching as a medium of instruction, and a total of five classrooms were selected from the five schools. Data were collected using a questionnaire and an interview guide, and analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analysis. The findings revealed that teachers in the sampled schools utilized a variety of languages for instruction by combining English with the local languages. Factors influencing the choice of code switching included official language policies, school directives, students’ comprehension levels, and the ethnic backgrounds of the students. The study also highlighted the prevalence and benefits of code switching as a pedagogical tool. Teachers employed code switching to enhance instructional effectiveness, maintain student interest, improve understanding, promote student participation, and create an inclusive learning environment. The study provides valuable insights for educators, policymakers, and researchers, suggesting the need for tailored instructional approaches that consider students’ linguistic abilities, cultural backgrounds, and educational outcomes.

Implikasi Penggunaan Alih Kode Dalam Film “Ngeri-Ngeri Sedap” Terhadap Komunikasi Antar Remaja di Lingkungan Sekolah

Language diversity allows each person to use more than one language. The use of several languages ​​in communication presents the potential for code mixing and code switching. These two linguistic events often occur in various environments, even in the mass media. This study aims to describe (1) the types and forms of code switching in the film Ngeri Ngeri Sedap; (2) factors that cause code switching in the film Ngeri-Ngeri Sedap; and (3) the use of the analysis results as a review of communication between teenagers in the school environment. This study is a qualitative descriptive study. The data collection technique used is the free listening technique with advanced techniques in the form of note-taking techniques. Data analysis is carried out through data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The results of the study show that: (1) there are 15 internal code switching data involving Indonesian, Batak, Sundanese, and Javanese. (2) the results of the analysis can be used as a review of communication between teenagers in the school environment.

Constraints of English Teaching Proficiency on Students’ Mastery of English Language Skills in Community Secondary Schools in Morogoro District Council

This study focused on investigating the Constraints of English teaching proficiency on students’ mastery of English language skills in community secondary schools in Morogoro District Council. The study used case study research design and mixed research approach. The targeted populations in this study were ward education officers, School head masters, English teachers, and students from 5 rural community secondary schools in Morogoro district council. Sample size for this study was 130 respondents. Purposive sampling technique was applied in selecting Ward education officers and school head masters and simple random sampling technique was used in selection of students and English teachers. Collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. The findings emphasize that low teaching proficiency is a significant factor contributing to poor student performance in community secondary schools. The overuse of code switching, although aimed at aiding comprehension, may negatively impact students’ English language development. Improving teachers’ proficiency is crucial for enhancing students’ communication skills and overall academic performance. The results emphasize the need for targeted professional development to address teaching deficiencies and support better educational outcomes. To address these challenges, educational institutions should invest in professional development programs that enhance teachers’ English proficiency and reduce code switching. Regular assessments of teaching effectiveness and the integration of language support tools will further improve instructional quality and boost students’ academic performance

Variasi Bahasa pada Konten Youtube Majelis Lucu: Kajian Sosiolinguistik

Many content creators convey Arabic material in a funny and witty way. It is not uncommon to convey Arabic content videos via Youtube in informal language and evem use slang to make it seem more communicative. The aim of this research is to find out the variations of Arabic found in the funny assembly youtube content, as well as find out the social language found in it. The research method used is a qualitative content analysis approach with the research subject being one of the videos from the Majelis Lucu’s youtube account. The research instrument used was observation in one of the videos with analysis of each Arabic sentence delivered and documentation to record the time the sentence was delivered in the video in question. The result of the reseach show that in the videos submitted in humorous forums, a total of 12 variation of Arabic were found, with details of 7 of language interferences, 2 language integrations, 1 code switching. And 2 arabic code mixings in youtube content. Meanwhile, the social language in the video found 2 social language with the type of slang and vulgar. The influence of conveying Arabic through youtube social media has a big impact on people’s understanding of Arabic.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation of the right inferior frontal gyrus impairs bilinguals' performance in language-switching tasks

It is widely accepted that bilinguals activate both languages simultaneously, even when intending to speak only one. A prevailing theory proposes that bilinguals inhibit the nontarget language to produce the target language, thought to be supported by evidence that the right inferior frontal gyrus (rIFG), a region typically associated with inhibition, is activated during language-switching tasks. However, it remains unclear whether the rIFG plays a causal or epiphenomenal role in this process. To explore the role of the rIFG, the present study employed transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to modulate its neural activity and evaluate subsequent behavior in bilinguals. Specifically, twenty-nine Chinese-English bilinguals participated in the study and performed picture-naming tasks in single- and dual-language contexts after receiving sham stimulation (Sham), continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS), or intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) over the rIFG in three separate visits. Sham served as a control, with cTBS and iTBS intended to decrease and increase cortical excitability, respectively. We found that, compared to Sham, cTBS led to larger asymmetric switching costs and smaller asymmetric mixing costs, whereas iTBS resulted only in smaller asymmetric mixing costs. These findings suggest that cTBS targeting the rIFG likely impairs both local and global control. However, iTBS applied to the rIFG alone may not necessarily enhance language control mechanisms and could even hinder global control. Moreover, exploratory analyses found pronounced TMS-induced impairments in less balanced bilinguals, implying their potentially greater reliance on bilingual language control. Overall, this study is the first to suggest a causal role of the rIFG in language switching.

Unusual patterns of codeswitching in an unbalanced bilingual person with aphasia: effects of language and executive functions impairment

ABSTRACT Background Bilingual individuals with aphasia may exhibit unique patterns of language impairment and recovery. While code-switching (CS) is a common feature of bilingual speech, pathological CS following brain damage can provide insights into the neural mechanisms controlling bilingual language processing. Aims This study aimed to examine language impairment and recovery patterns in IZ, an unbalanced Hebrew-English bilingual with non-fluent aphasia, focusing on the unusual CS behavior observed during his subacute phase of recovery. Methods and procedures IZ underwent language and narrative assessments in both languages during the subacute and chronic phases of recovery. Ten cognitive tests were administered to assess various domains of cognitive function. Language performance was evaluated through naming and syntactic processing tasks in L1-Hebrew and L2-English. The frequency and type of CS were analyzed using the matrix language frame model. Outcomes and results During the subacute phase, IZ displayed significant language deficits in both L1-Hebrew and L2-English, with more severe impairment in L1-Hebrew naming and L2-English syntactic processing. He exhibited frequent involuntary CS, primarily using L1-Hebrew as the matrix language while embedding L2-English content words. Cognitive testing revealed reduced performance across multiple domains. In the chronic phase, IZ showed parallel improvements in both languages, particularly in L1-Hebrew naming and L2-English syntactic processing, along with a marked reduction in CS frequency. Conclusions IZ’s case demonstrates a double dissociation between lexical and syntactic processing across L1 and L2. The results suggest that matrix language selection in bilinguals may be governed by distinct neural mechanisms for each language, with specific brain regions responsible for activating lexical representations. Damage to these regions may lead to pathological CS, as observed in this case. This study underscores the importance of understanding bilingual language control mechanisms in aphasia rehabilitation.

The Use of Code Switching to Represent Social Class in Tunisian Television

Tunisia is a country with a long history and rich culture, causing its contemporary society to be multilingual. Every Tunisian person will be introduced to five different languages before the age of 18, making Tunisians more vulnerable to the phenomenon known as code-switching: the switching between two or more languages in one’s same speech. It is known that according to Bourdieu, the language you speak represents who you are, and one’s use of code switching, especially between Arabic and French, could be their way of assessing their own social status. This paper tested out this theory by analyzing the speech patterns of different characters in Tunisian TV shows, through both a sociolinguistic and psycholinguistic point of view. The goal of this practical analysis was to determine whether certain characters’ use of Arabic/French code switching was purely coincidental or aiming at a demarcation of said character’s social status. The analysis found that characters in Tunisian television will indeed use code-switching to affirm their own social status or try to make themselves resemble high social class individuals, meaning their use of French is calculated and holds a very particular goal. In retrospect, this shows that TV show writers will use Arabic/French code switching as a tool to expose social disparities and lay a foundation for social criticism.

Sociolinguistic Representation of The Deli Java Community’s Culture in North Sumatra Province

The study explores the sociolinguistic aspects of language, particularly its impact on the interactions between Javanese and Malay tribes, which significantly influence each other. As a result of people moving from one place to another, there was interaction between the Javanese and Malay Deli communities, which was known as Javanese Deli or "Ja-del." This resulted in language contact and the emergence of new terminology as a result of the community's social interactions. In North Sumatra, there are Javanese and Malay communities. linguistic contact in Javanese and Malay societies gave rise to a variety of linguistic phenomena such as "language codes" and "symptoms of code switching and code mixing." Acculturation of Javanese and Deli Malay culture resulted in a blending of language comprehension and belief values in both parties' civilizations. This research approach employs a qualitative paradigm with 112 informants; however, for the sake of efficiency and accuracy, 60 sources were chosen based on expertise and character. This study explores The use of Javanese by people in Deli Serdang Regency, Serdang Bedagai Regency, Langkat Regency and Batubara Regency is gradually changing. Based on the recognition of the Javanese people, the language used in the Deli Serdang Regency, Serdang Bedagai Regency, Langkat Regency and Batubara Regency was originally pure Ngoko Javanese. The culture of the Javanese Deli community in North Sumatra Province contains a mixture of cultures that lead to globalization. When communicating, the speaker conveys the speaker's speech using Indonesian (BI) and a foreign language (BA) with no intervention from each speaker.

Effects of dominance on language switching: a longitudinal study of Turkish–Dutch children with and without developmental language disorder

Effects of dominance on language switching: a longitudinal study of Turkish–Dutch children with and without developmental language disorder

Investigating the Functions of Code-Switching among EFL Lecturers and Undergraduate Students in Saudi Arabia

Many researchers have noticed that instructors who teach English as a foreign language (EFL) in language-learning institutions worldwide frequently implement code-switching (CS). Through this study, we investigate the functions of CS, specifically topic-switching, affective, and repetitive functions, as a pedagogical tool in an English for Specific Purposes classroom. The study is based on the perceptions of lecturers and students from two higher education institutions, Digital Colleges and Yanbu Industrial College, in Saudi Arabia. A quantitative research design was employed, with data collected through a questionnaire. The study incorporated a sample of 24 female EFL lecturers and 193 Saudi female students. The results indicate that both groups acknowledge using CS for topic shifting, with students displaying slightly higher acceptance. Additionally, both lecturers and students recognize the affective aspects of code-switching, with the students exhibiting greater agreement. Furthermore, lecturers and students agree regarding clearly identifying all repetitive functions. The study highlights the potential of CS functions as an educational tool to enhance interaction between EFL lecturers and students, encouraging engagement, cooperation, and academic achievements. It also underscores the significance of determining appropriate functions for various circumstances and shows that although acceptance may differ, there is general agreement on the various purposes for which CS is utilized in the EFL context.

On the issue of code switching in the speech of multilinguals on the Lithuanian-Belarusian borderland (based on field materials)

The article deals with cases of switching codes in the speech of the inhabitants of Lithuania, as well as the border Lithuanian-Belarusian territories, who speak Polish, Lithuanian and Belarusian (Russian) languages. The analyzed texts were written down by Rita Balkute during ethnographic expeditions, which were not aimed at revealing the actual linguistic features of the speech of the informants. Analysis of the material shows that ethnolinguistic factors play an important role in code switching; for example, informants often switch to Polish when describing magical practices or when quoting spells. The article discusses the reasons for such transitions, as well as cases of mixing codes when hybrid texts are formed in Polish and Belarusian.

Reassessing the role of language dominance in n-2 language repetition costs as a marker of inhibition in multilingual language switching.

Speaking two or more languages shows bilingual flexibility, but flexible switching requires language control and often incurs performance costs. We examined inhibitory control assessing n-2 repetition costs when switching three languages (L1 [German], L2 [English], L3 [French]). These costs denote worse performance in n-2 repetitions (e.g., L2-L3-L2) than in n-2 nonrepetitions (e.g., L1-L3-L2), indicating persisting inhibition. In two experiments (n = 28 in Experiment 1; n = 44 in Experiment 2), n-2 repetition costs were observed, but only for L2. Looking into L2 trials specifically, we found n-2 repetition costs when switching back to L2 from the still weaker L3 but not when returning from the stronger L1, suggesting that L2 is a strong competitor for L3 (requiring L2 inhibition) but less so for L1. Finding n-2 repetition costs supports an inhibitory account of language control in general, but our study shows only partial evidence for the theoretically assumed more specific relation between language dominance and language inhibition (i.e., only for dominance relations with respect to L1 and L3 when switching back to L2). Taken together, the findings thus suggest the need for further refinement of the concept of language dominance and its relation to inhibition. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Sudanese Students’ Perceptions of Code Switching in English Language Classes

This study aims to learn how Sudanese students perceive their teachers' use of their mother tongues in English language classes and whether this usage aids or hinders student comprehension. The researchers used a descriptive and analytical approach. Sixty students completed one questionnaire, the primary tool for gathering pertinent data from the study. The researcher used the SPSS program to analyze and validate the assumptions. The findings of this research are as follows. First, the students had favorable opinions regarding the use of code-switching. Second, many instructors incorporated Arabic into their English classes. Considering these findings, the researcher suggests that code-switching is used more frequently to help students become fluent in bilingual and multilingual settings. Teachers can benefit from using code-switching to teach English because students have favorable attitudes toward its use in English language classes. Finally, the study offers several suggestions and ideas for additional research.

Self-Perception of Code-Switching Among Kannada-English Bilingual Adults Who Do and Do Not Stutter

Purpose: Language switch is one of the fluency strategies exhibited by bilingual adults who stutter (BAWS) to avoid stuttering. The present study aimed to compare the self-perceived code-switching (CS) behaviours between bilingual adults who do (BAWS) and do not stutter (BAWNS).Methods: Sixty Kannada-English Bilingual adults (30 BAWS and 30 BAWNS) participated in the study. The participants completed the adapted Bilingual Switching questionnaire (BSWQ) for assessing self-perceived CS behaviours.Results: The results of the current study indicated no significant difference in overall switching scores between BAWNS and BAWS. However, the mean score of L1 switch and L2 switch constructs was significantly higher for BAWNS than BAWS. On the contrary, the mean scores of contextual switching were significantly more for BAWS than BAWNS. It indicates that the BAWS use their switching behaviour in particular situations or environments more than BAWNS. In addition, the BAWS use language switching (LS) more voluntarily than BAWNS.Conclusions: The findings of the present study suggests that the intended switching in BAWS may be to avoid dysfluencies. Moreover, there was a significant difference across the stuttering severity on BSWQ scores, indicating the effect of stuttering severity in CS behaviours.

Types of Code-Switching Found in The Friday Podcast

The objective of this study is to know the various types of code switching found in The Friday Podcast, especially in episode 213. Descriptive qualitative method is used to analyse the data. This study analyzed the different types of code switching using Appel & Muysken theory of Bilingualism, as presented in their book entitled Language Contact and Bilingualism (1987). There are three types of code switching stated by Appel & Muysken. The findings of this study revealed that all three types of Code Switching were discovered in The Friday Podcast. Intra-Sentential switching is the most common sort of code-switching occurrence in The Friday Podcast. Meanwhile, Intersentential-Switching is the speaker's least dominant data. For the conclusion, the reason why intrasentential-switching got the most occurrences in this podcast because the audience of this podcast is Indonesian people who are the majority of it not really fluent in English. The speakers in this podcast also using the familiar English terms that Indonesian society frequently heard.

Alih Kode dan Campur Kode Para Tokoh dalam Film Tabularasa

This research aims to describe: first, the types of code switching in the film Tabularasa, second, the types of code mixing in the film Tabularasa, and three, the factors causing code switching and code mixing in the film Tabularasa. This type of research is qualitative research using descriptive methods. The data collected in this research was then analyzed using the following steps: (1) transcribing the conversations in the film into written language, (2) identifying the data according to the format provided, (3) classifying the data into types of code switching and mixing. code, (4) classifying the factors causing code switching and code mixing in the film Tabularasa, (5) discussing research findings, and (6) drawing conclusions from the research results. There are three findings in this research. First, the types of code switching found in the Tabularasa film are internal code switching and external code switching. In this research, the most dominant type of code switching found was internal code switching, namely switching from Indonesian to Minang or vice versa. Second, the type of code mixing found in the film Tabularasa was divided into two, namely internal and external code mixing. Of the two types of code mixing, the one most often found in this film is internal code mixing, namely code mixing between Indonesian and Minang or vice versa. The three factors causing code switching found in the film Tabularasa are, (1) the speaker and the person of the speaker, (2) the speech partner, (3) the presence of a third speaker, (4) the place and time the speech is carried out, (5) the mode of conversation, and (6) conversation topic. Meanwhile, the factors causing code mixing in the film Tabularasa are due to speaker and language factors. With the largest percentage in the form of speaker factors

The Impact of Code Switching and Code Mixing on Learning of English Language in Lower Secondary School level: A Case Study of Selected Schools in Rubavu District, Rwanda

English is the most widely spoken language in the world, making it essential for effective global communication. This is why individuals who aspire to thrive in today's global society must possess proficiency in English. This study focuses on how the use of code switching (CS) and code mixing (CM) affect the learning of the English language in G. S. Bisizi and G. S. Gikombe of Rubavu District in Rwanda. The study was conducted with the aim to: (1) identify reasons for code switching and code mixing in lower secondary schools; (2) assess the impact of CS and CM on students’ performance in learning English; and (3) establish strategies to adopt in order to avoid CS and CM in English language classrooms. It was conducted based on the matrix language frame and sequential theories. A descriptive research design was used. The researchers employed a mixed method for data collection, analysis, and presentation. Its total population is comprised of 726 individuals, including 716 students, 6 teachers, and 4 school leaders from both schools. The sample size is 85 respondents (75 students, 6 teachers, and 4 school leaders) got by use of simple random sampling (students) and purposive sampling techniques (teachers and school leaders). During the collection of primary data, questionnaires, interview guides, and observation checklists were used as convenient tools, while documentation was used in collecting secondary data. The findings indicated that the lack of vocabulary, emphasizing a particular topic while teaching and learning English, and the intention to clarify the speech content are the major reasons for using CS and CM. They also reveal that CS and CM contribute to students’ failure in learning English, as both create a lack of their confidence in speaking, limit students’ practice in speaking English, retard their ability to master English, and lead to a low understanding and mastery of English. In addition, the study revealed that teachers are the main source for CS and CM in their classes. Finally, this research recommends that school leaders and English language teachers should reinstate a policy of speaking English in the school premises and make an effective follow-up to ensure students do not violate it. Teachers should also act as role models in their language classes by avoiding CS and CM, whereas the decision makers in education should initiate a short-term professional program and special ways to avoid CS among teachers to help students effectively learn English language.

Why do Mandarin speakers code-switch? A case study of conversational code-switching in China

Multilingualism is becoming increasingly common worldwide, with multilingual studies becoming more popular and accelerating interpersonal language contacts; however, it remains controversial and ambiguous in China. The current study aims to explore code-switching (CS) patterns and factors among Mandarin-dominated mainland Chinese speakers and investigate multilingual development in China through CS, as it is a multilingual practice. Conversational analysis was conducted to analyse daily interactions in short videos posted online, categorise language varieties and frequencies, identify CS patterns, and examine the factors influencing CS patterns. The results revealed that foreign languages and dialects other than Mandarin were spoken by Mandarin-dominated speakers. Three of four CS patterns were also pinpointed regarding language practices in China. Insertion was the most predominant pattern, followed by backflagging and alternation. The CS patterns employed by Mandarin-dominated mainland Chinese speakers were influenced primarily by participant-related factors, followed by linguistic-related factors, sociopsychological factors, convenience, and situational factors. The prevalence of the insertional CS pattern and the influence of personal factors suggest that China’s Mandarin-speaking community is in an early phase of multilingual development.