Code-Switching Linguistics Quiz

Approaches to Code-Switching (CS)

• Two primary approaches: structural and sociolinguistic.
• Structural approach focuses on grammatical aspects, identifying syntactic and morpho-syntactic constraints.
• Sociolinguistic approach views CS as a discourse phenomenon, exploring social meanings and discourse functions.

Terminological Confusion

• Different terms often used interchangeably: code-switching, code-mixing, borrowing, code-alternation.
• Code-switching (CS) used as an umbrella term in discussions.

Definitions of Code-Switching

• Gumperz defines CS as the juxtaposition of passages from two different grammatical systems in a speech exchange.
• Gardner-Chloros defines CS as the use of multiple languages in a single conversational utterance.
• Poplack defines CS as utterance-internal juxtaposition of linguistic elements from multiple languages without changing interlocutor or topic.

Code-Alternation and Insertion

• Code-alternation seen as a hyponym of CS, often involving language replacement within sentences.
• Insertion involves incorporating single lexical items from one language into another's structure.
• Both processes are recognized in CS utterances.

Distinctions in Terminology

• Some researchers (Kachru, Singh, Sridhar) differentiate between inter-sentential (code-switching) and intra-sentential (code-mixing) switches.
• Code-mixing requires integration of the grammatical rules of the involved languages.
• Structural constraints allow for distinctions between the switch types based on preference, contributing to confusion.

Code-Switching vs. Diglossia

• CS behavior is distinct from diglossia.
• Diglossia involves two language varieties specialized for different functions, with a clear relationship between language choice and social context.
• Each variety of diglossia is chosen based on context rather than individual choice.