CODE-SWITCHING: AN
OVERVIEW OF
LANGUAGE VARIATION
MICHAEL HELLMANN
RATIONALE
The world is a diverse place that is made up of billions of unique
individuals. These individuals speak all kinds of languages and are
currently placed on various learning domains that make education
such an interesting topic of discussion. Learning a language as a
native resident can be difficult, but starting over and learning a brand
new language later in life can be even harder. Code-switching gives
us an insight into what it means to speak two or more different
languages, which is something that is especially interesting among
students. As a future teacher, I would love to know more about ESL
students and how code switching correlates with school performance.
DEFINITION
Code-switching is deliberately changing from
one manner or style of speaking to another. It
is essentially the repetition of cognitively
transferring between variations of languages
in different context.
TYPES OF CODE-SWITCHING
Inter-sentential
switching- The
alternation of two or
more languages that
occur between
separate sentences.
Intra-sentential switchingThe alternation of two or
more languages that
occur within the same
sentence. This is the most
common form of codeswitching and is heavily
researched.
TYPES OF CODE-SWITCHING
Tag-switching- The
alternation of two or
more languages, in
which a certain
phrase in one
language is casually
inserted as an
utterance for the
other language. (ex.
Ya know, isnt it).
Intra-word switchingThe alternation of two
or more languages
that occur within a
specific word
boundary. (ex.
kuenjoy = English
word for enjoy +
Swahili prefix ku,
meaning to).
MOTIVATIONS FOR CODE-SWITCHING
Diglossia- When two or more closely related
languages are used by a single language
community. One language is considered the high
priority system, while the other language has
little importance. The non-native language is
used in more formal situations, while the native
language is used during informal conversations.
MOTIVATIONS FOR CODE-SWITCHING
Communication Accommodation Theory (CAT)explains the aspects of the way people
modify their communication according to
situational, personal or even interactional
variables. This social theory can take place
during everyday conversation.
APPROXIMATION STRATEGIES FOR CAT
Convergence- When the speaker changes his or hers speech and
communication patterns to sound like that of their counterparts.
This is seen as the most satisfactory form of communication.
Divergence- When the speaker stresses the differences between
languages or dialects among the two speaking. This form of
communication is usually responded to in a negative way.
However, it shows a sense of pride for ones cultural identity.
Speech Maintenance- When the speaker cannot cognitively
decide between what types of speech to use in various situations.
OTHER FOCUSES
Interpretive Competence- Understand what is
being said to them.
Conversational Needs- Topic selections, body
language, connections.
Role Relations- Listening, speaking,
interruptions.
AFRICAN AMERICAN ENGLISH
Within an academic setting, students will often switch
between using AAE compared to Standard American
English (SAE).
The incorrect use of present progressive tense is
heard a lot among this community. Hes going to
Europe this year. He be going to Europe.
The existential it is when the word there is replaced
with it. Is there a gas station nearby? Is it a gas
station nearby?
HISPANIC ENGLISH
Double negation- the use of more than one negative
word to negate a sentence. You dont need a snack.
You dont need no snack.
Intra-word Switching- See above.
CODE-SWITCHING PATTERNS IN THE
WRITING-RELATED TALK OF YOUNG
EMERGENT BILINGUALS
This qualitative study examined code-switching patterns
in the writing-related talk of 6 emergent Spanish-English
bilingual first-grade children. Audio recordings, field notes,
and writing artifacts documenting participant activities
and language use in Spanish and English writing
workshops were gathered over the course of 6 months
and analyzed for code-switching prevalence, form,
content, and purpose in relation to the writing process.
CODE-SWITCHING PATTERNS IN THE
WRITING-RELATED TALK OF YOUNG
EMERGENT BILINGUALS
Metacognitive Statements, Sociolinguistic Patterns,
Metalinguistic Insights, and Topic, Person, Question
Switch.
Metacognitive Statements in regards to code
switching occurred the most among the six
participants. This means students became mentally
aware of their learning and thinking strategies, which
distracted them from high performance.
CODE-SWITCHING PATTERNS IN THE WRITINGRELATED TALK OF YOUNG EMERGENT BILINGUALS
CONCLUSION
The conclusion of this article found that
students who switch between languages have
strong writing skills, but may complete
assignments in a non-standard manner.
INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES
Visual representations. Making real
world/Cultural connections.
Cooperative and Active learning strategies.
Modifying Vocabulary
Authentic Feedback
WORKS CITED
Gort, M. (2012). Code-Switching Patterns in the Writing-Related Talk of Young
Emergent Bilinguals. Journal of Literacy Research, 44(1), 45-75.
Rowe, B., & Levine, D. (2009). A concise introduction to linguistics (2nd ed.).
Boston, MA: Pearson/Allyn and Bacon.
Sayahi, L. (n.d.). Diglossia and language contact: Language variation and change in
North Africa.
Williams, A. (n.d.). Communication Accommodation Theory And Miscommunication:
Issues Of Awareness And Communication Dilemmas. International Journal of Applied
Linguistics, 151-165.
